I remember in elementary school science class the teacher put a few rocks into a jar until the rocks were piled to the rim of the jar and then asked the class if it was full. We all thought it was. But then he added some pebbles in the jar and they filled in around the big rocks right up to the top of the jar. And he asked us again if it was full. Then he added sand and, after that, water, until the jar was actually overflowing.
In order to be the leader others want to follow, it’s important that you get clear on what your big rocks are. The biggest priorities in your life, your most important goals, the top one or two projects that are going to be most impactful for you at any given period in your career. And get those in your jar before other people fill up your jar with pebbles, sand, or water.
Once you’re clear on your big rocks, ask yourself what steps you need to take to get them. What’s the necessary first step? What help, advice, or resources might you need to get started and to stay on track? What obstacles might get in your way? Learn to say no to the things that aren’t consistent with your big rocks or that will take time and energy away from your ability to focus on your big rocks.
Write out your big rocks and your answers to the questions I posed. Remember that writing it down will activate different parts of your brain and different chemicals in your brain that can lead to creating new brain circuits. New ideas. And a shift in your motivation and energy.
The most successful and inspiring leaders are essentialists. They are crystal clear on their Big Rocks and don’t let themselves get distracted or diverted from the actions that they need to take to achieve their vision.
“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I welcome you to share your big rocks in the comments below. Neuroscience tip – sharing them with the world is a great step to helping you honor them!
