Action4Balance

Recently I asked my friends, women in a home based business, a simple question: what makes them stressed? The majority of them answered, that it's not having enough hours in the day.

In fact, time is today's most valuable commodity. But for women in home based businesses it's even more: we strive to juggle multiple responsibilities and continue meeting household and family's needs, while at the same time working on our businesses and trying to maintain personal interests as well.

Time management theories have come and gone. I’ve learned and tried several of these and I am sure you have your own experience as well.

The latest theory of time management I heard from the first glance could seem simplistic, even elementary. But it has actually caused me to stop and think about how I run my entire life. The theory I was recently taught in a Leadership weekend is called the Pickle Jar Theory.

The Pickle Jar Theory uses the analogy of an empty pickle jar to think about how we use the fixed amount of time available to us each day. If we think of it as we plan our schedule, we can get important work done while still leaving time for the small things that make life fun.

Let’s start…

All you need is an empty pickle jar, a big one where you could fit at least three of the largest pickles you’ve ever imagined inside of it.

Now, put some large stones in it. Put in as many as you possibly can. And, when you get it to the point you think it can hold no more, try adding another or two.

Even though it seems full, you're not done yet. You’re going to now put in a handful of pebbles. Give your pickle jar a shake and as the stones and pebbles start to settle and create more room. Now, add the sand until you can’t possibly fit anymore in, and then add some water (pickle juice ) .

What this means…in the terms of time management

I am sure the significance of this little exercise hasn’t escaped any of you even this analogy seems simplistic. In fact, each of us has many large priorities in our life, represented by the large stones. We also have things which we enjoy doing, such as the pebbles. We have other things we have to do, like the sand. And finally, we have things that simply clutter up our lives and get in everywhere: water.

The Pickle Jar Theory …

...addresses the central principle of time management which is simple and profound: spend your time doing those things you value (your priorities) and those things that help you achieve your goals first.

Looking at the pickle jar, it becomes obvious that by doing your priority tasks first you are able to stay focused on the important things and as a result you complete more and make time for things you enjoy doing as well - in order to feel truly fulfilled. The theory takes into consideration fact that you may need all of the “objects” in the pickle jar and shows just how we make time for everything and how everything simply “fits” where it is supposed to fit. Balance is the key word. Not balance in general but one you consider your balance.

Actually all time management theories are about balance and the Pickle Jar theory is all about balance. You make time for everything, and everything simply fits well where it is supposed to fit. And, just as important, it shows the importance of "not worrying of the small stuff" - or the sand and water.

Take Action

- Think about your own daily to-do list.

- Take a CLOSER look at your daily to-do lists. How much time is wasted returning emails that do not require a timely response, phone calls or even reading endless information on the Internet etc.? When you work from home it becomes double difficult keep up with your priorities. How about delegation – try delegate some tasks to your family members.

- Apply the Pickle Jar Theory.

Would you benefit from setting aside time first thing in the morning to determine what the day’s “stones" were? Try scheduling in times when “stones” should be addressed or completed and let the less significant priorities, the unexpected things that seem to just pop-up, fill in the gaps left in the pickle jar.

Following this principle will ensure effective time management and the completion of all your tasks on time and with as little stress as possible. Plus, which is equally important – allows you to have quality time with your family or relaxed ‘you time’.

I strongly encourage you to use at least one time management system. It empowers you to actually do instead of rushing about without any goals in sight.

When you KNOW its time to make CHANGES in your life Click HERE

Recommended Reading

Eat That Frog, by Brian Tracy

Related

Stress Free Productivity