Get Organized: Do You Fill Your Day With Rocks, Pebbles, or Sand?

Here’s an organizing and time management riddle for you.

There is a student who professes that his studies are his #1 priority, although one would never guess as much because he is perpetually late to class and behind on assignments. One day, a teacher, who sees great potential in the student, asks the student to stay after school for a discussion.

When the student arrives, the teacher has 4 items displayed:

1. an empty glass jar,
2. a pile of rocks,
3. a pile of tiny pebbles, and
4. a pile of sand.

The teacher says to the student, “Tell me when the jar is full.” And the teacher picks up a handful of rocks and dumps them into the jar.

“It’s full now,” the student declares. “You can’t fit anything else in the jar.”

“You are incorrect,” replies the teacher. “There is still room in the jar for more.” As he says this, the teacher pours a handful of tiny pebbles into the jar, and they fall into the spaces between the rocks.

“It seems full now,” the student states. “But I feel like this might be a trick question!”

“Hmmm…I’m glad to see you are catching on. Because this jar is still not full,” responds the teacher. As he says this, the teacher pours a handful of sand into the jar, and the grains fall into the spaces between the tiny pebbles.

“I’m afraid I don’t really get the point of this,” the student shares.

The teacher fixes the student with a firm stare, and says, “Well, you claim that your studies are top priority for you, but you don’t act like it. You are always late, not only to class but with turning in assignments. You have such potential, but you are throwing it all away, and you are going to ruin your chances for a successful future if you don’t re-prioritize and start showing the faculty that you are serious.“

As the student nods his head, the teacher continues and asks, “Now, you tell me – what is the point of this illustration with the jar?”

What was the student’s answer? And more importantly, what is the meaning of this riddle in YOUR life?

I'll give you a little hint: check out the title of this article again and think "prioritizing."

If you believe you know the answer, I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below if you'd like to share your thoughts.

Next time, we’ll discuss the answer and what it means to you.

© 2011 Clutterbugs, LLC


Would you like to use this article in your e-zine or on your website or blog? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Carmen Coker is a professional organizer who helps individuals find the motivation and know-how to get organized and stay organized. To learn how to save money, create more space, and manage your time through organization, claim your "FREE Tip Kit: 10+ Pages of Tips and Tools to Help You Get Organized — Finally!" at www.OrganizeClutterbugs.com