Golf Balls Vs Sand

On my way to work this morning, I read an interesting and profound article on the SPH My Paper, written by Geoff Tan. Yes, I'm reading the competitor's paper. But who cares, I'm already counting down to my last day of work! Woohoo! Finally breaking free from the (ahem!) Priestess' control.

This is a story which the journalist related. He heard it some years ago. I find it to be meaningful and really love to share it with those who didn't have a chance to read it on the papers.

Extracted from The Paper, 31 July 2008.

A professor stood before his philosophy class with some items in front of him.

When the class began, he picked up a very large and empty glass jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and pour it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes".

The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The student laughed.

"Now," said the professor. "I want you to recognise that this jar represents your life. The golf balls represent the important things - your family, your health, your children, your friends, your passions - the kind of stuff that if all else are lost and only these remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things, that matter, like your job, your house, you car. The sand is everything else - the small staff. If you put the sand into the jar first, there will be no room for the pebbles and the golf balls."

The moral of the story is to pay attention and spend your time on the important things that matter to you. Don't waste time and effort on little things. If you do, you will have no more room left for the things which are really important in your life.

Prioritise the things which are critical to your happiness and well-being. Don't let the minor issues blur your vision and focus. Take charge and make your life a happy one! Live and let live. C'est la vie.