Your examples about not having time to date or work out ring so true. Sometimes, I find when I put more on my plate I am so much more productive. For example, when I went back to school for my master’s degree, I was able to create a routine that allowed me to work full-time, complete my degree in 15 months, and find time to spend with family and friends. I just had to make all three priorities.

It reminds me of the story of a college professor who takes a jar, fills it with rocks, and asks his students if the jar is full. They answer, “yes,” but then he dumped pebbles into the jar to fill in the gaps. When he asks, “Now is it full?” less students answer, “yes.” He then adds sand (and/or water) to completely fill the jar. The point of the story is if you put all of the small to medium things (minor priorities) into your jar (life) first, there would be no room to add the rocks (major priorities). But, if you put the rocks (important parts of life) in first, you will always be able to find space (time) for the little things.

Thanks for the post.