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The BIG Pieces Go in First

Written by: Rodger Blaker

Article Overview: As you look at your calendar and set your goals for 2009, consider these twin principles of Balance and Big Pieces. Use this simple tool to increase your success (and your joy!) in the year ahead. Put the BIG pieces in first, and give them the necessary time, energy and focus to create the balanced, satisfying life you deserve.

The BIG Pieces Go in First

Almost every human being wants "more" in life. We want more joy, more fulfillment, more money, or (in some cases) we want fewer troubles or less hassle. We wish we had more time, more friends, or more success. The problem is that too often we keep doing the same things over and over, wondering why things don't change.

One of my primary missions in writing This Months Thought is to share ideas that have worked for others, and to provide a monthly reminder to "keep on keeping on." Things DO get better for those who use (1) good principles, and (2) have tons of persistence!

With that in mind, here are two key principles that apply in almost every area of life or personal success:

1. Balance. We need to have "all four wheels on the ground" and keep the various areas of life working together. We all know people who fail at this, and it isn't a pretty picture. Some people make lots of money, but are unhappy - Elvis Presley comes to mind. Others achieve in some other area of life, but never handle the problem of "balance." We all know the tragic results.

2. Put the BIG pieces in first. There's a famous story about a speaker who put a large glass jar on a counter, put some large rocks in it and asked the audience if it was full. They said yes, so she added some small pebbles, and asked again. Once again, the audience said yes, so she poured in some sand. When the jar was full of sand, she poured in some water, then asked what the BIG principle was? Too many people answer "you can always squeeze a little more in." That doesn't work!

The correct answer is that if you want to get the big pieces into your life, you have to PUT THEM IN FIRST! If life is filled with water and sand and pebbles, you'll never squeeze the big pieces in later!

So, the question becomes, what are the BIG pieces?

I suspect every thoughtful person has their own list, but here are a few suggestions:

1. Spiritual Foundation. Regardless of ones religious beliefs, it’s been my experience that people who have strong spiritual values are happier and better able to cope with the stresses of life.

2. Intimacy and Family. Families come in all shapes and sizes, but almost everyone wants our most intimate relationships to be happy, loving, and fulfilling. Love, intimacy and great memories don't happen in our "spare time." Schedule the big pieces first!

3. Health and Fitness. As far as I can tell, we get one body and we ought to take care of it, but few of us really do. Exercise. Eat your fruits and vegetables. Laugh often. Breath deeply. And when it hurts, see your doctor.

4. Work and Career. We want to do well, achieve much, make some money and leave a legacy. Be sure to do work you love, and get good at it! Have a career plan and follow it! Success is not an accident.

5. Finances and wealth. We live in a world full of money. People around us are wealthy, and there are fundamental principles that apply to making, keeping and managing money. Learn to use money wisely.

6. Fun and Recreation (Re-Creation). Life is to be lived! "All work and no play makes Jack (and Jill) a dull boy/girl." Pursue a hobby. Play with your kids. Make love. See a play. Go bowling, fly a kite. Take a nap. The "good life" is not only measured by the size of your bank account. It has everything to do with joy.

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Article Tags: correct answer, elvis presley, few suggestions, four wheels, fulfillment, glass jar, hassle, large glass, lots of money, missions, persistence, personal success, principle, religious beliefs, reminder, sand and pebbles, spiritual foundation, thoughtful person, tragic results, water and sand



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