Put the Big Rocks in First

I remember a lecture in college in which my professor talked about "putting the big rocks in first."  This concept has been around for a while, and I am not sure who said it first.  (I can't even remember which professor told me!)  But, I do remember the concept very well.  Basically, it is the idea of having a certain amount of space (or time) (in your life).  If your space (or life) gets filled with the little things (pebbles) first, there won't be space for the larger, more important things.  However, if you put the larger rocks in first, the smaller rocks will fall in the blank spaces.  And, it can even keep going with smaller items.  Sand could fill in the even smaller spaces.  Water could then flow through the areas left. 

This concept can be applied to all areas of your life.  The big rocks could be things like your job, your family, your religion, your health, your community, etc.  The smaller rocks could be things that seem important when you are in the thick of them, but when you step back, you realize that they are not necessarily as important.  They could be your kid's 5 different extra-curricular activities, volunteering for every function at your church or school, trying to keep up with the Jones's. 

This concept can also be applied to organizing, on a couple of different levels.  First, people tend to get bogged down in the small things (pebbles) when they try to get organized.  They need to step back and get the big picture.  What are the boulders, or big rocks?  What are their goals?  What is keeping them from getting organized, or staying organized?  Deciding where that one paper clip, or singular shoe goes is a pebble, and should be dealt with after getting the big rocks figured out.

Secondly, on a more physical level, when starting to organize a space.  Start big!  Get everything out, sort, toss, and then start bringing things back in starting with the large items.  Then, bring in the smaller items. 

Also, getting your home organized makes space in your life for those big rocks, and may even show that you have room in your life for the smaller rocks.

That college lecture was a long time ago, but it obviously meant something to me.  (Trust me, I remember very few things from the lectures!)  So, I hope you remember to start with the Big Rocks! 

Healthy Living and Organization

Most people who know me, know that healthy living is important to me.  I am not usually a preacher of this, but I try to lead by example.  I make sure my family has healthy, balanced meals.  I believe exercise and playing outdoors is an important part of staying well and youthful.  Adequate sleep for me and my family has always been enforced.

You are probably now wondering what this has to do with organizing.  Well, in my opinion, being organized helps me to incorporate these things into my life.  Planning our meals for the week, allows me to put together my grocery list and purchase everything I need for the week, and eliminates multiple trips to the store.  Knowing ahead of time what we are having for dinner helps eliminate the last minute fast-food meals or unbalanced thrown together meals. 

Coordinating our family calendar lets us know who has practice and games when, so as not to miss anything.  But, it also show us when we are starting to over-book.  Kids need down time as much (or more!) than adults.  Having free time to play with their friends in the neighborhood is just as important as piano lessons, football practice, and cub scouts. 

Keeping our house and schedules organized, gives us the ability to relax in the evenings, and get to bed on time.  We are not stressed over not being able to find the football jersey, water bottles, permission slips, or the homework that is due tomorrow.  We can rest easy, and be ready for the next eventful day.