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 IMPACT is to share
ideas that have worked for others, and to provide a weekly
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. 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.
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. 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.
5. 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.
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 IMPACT is to share
ideas that have worked for others, and to provide a weekly
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. 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.
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. 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.
5. 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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