Rocks, Pebbles and Sand

A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large, empty jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2" in diameter.

He then asked his students if the jar was full. They all agreed that it was. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. Again, they agreed it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous Yes. The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and proceeded to pour their entire contents into the jar - effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

Now, said the professor, as the laughter subsided, I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things - your partner, your children, your family, your health - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter - like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff.

If you put the sand into the jar first, he continued there is no room for the rocks or the pebbles. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are really important. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. Im glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, theres always room for a couple of cups of coffee.