Do you ever procrastinate? If not, you can move on to the next blog post!
But if you are like everyone else, myself included, then you probably procrastinate at least some of the time. Or a lot of the time!
For me when I let a lot of things slide by in my home and I have ended up feeling frustrated by the increasing disorder and clutter.
Each day adds to the previous one when procrastination is allowed to take over.
When that happens I do some “Spring Cleaning” around the home and it feels great to be making progress!
It’s human nature to put off unpleasant tasks and also the tasks that seem less important. It’s really easy to get caught up in what is demanding our attention right now. Or what looks like more fun than what needs to be done.
It reminds me of a story that I heard in one of my classes in high school and then again later in college.
The story…
The story is of a person who had a pile of rocks and one large jar. At first this person put random rocks in the jar but soon found that the large rocks would not fit. So out came the rocks and the person tried again this time putting in the large rocks first.
An amazing thing happened. Once all of the large rocks were placed in the jar first all of the smaller rocks fit around the larger ones and then all of the rocks fit neatly into the jar.
The lesson is that when we take care of the really important parts of our life first the rest will fall into place.
But if we lose focus and ignore what is really important it will never fit in. We will feel frustrated and unfulfilled.
How do we figure out what the big rocks in our life are?
Sometimes it’s hard to see the big rocks because all of the little rocks seem so important.
I have an activity that I think you will enjoy which will help you identify the big rocks in your life!
This will only take a few minutes, but if you really want to make the most of it you may choose to take longer with it. The more time that you spend on it the more it will benefit you.
Dust off your imagination…
The first thing that you will want to do is to sit back and close your eyes and imagine what your life would be like if everything in it was exactly as you want it. If you had no limitations at all, if you had all of the time and other resources in the world available to you.
Don’t let yourself be held back by any type of mental limitations. Let your imagination take off. It may need to be dusted off a little, give it some time if you need it.
Write it down…
Once you have a good mental picture of how you want your life to be take the next step and write it down! You don’t want to forget about this.
You can either write it out in paragraph form as a story or you can make a list. If you have time to do both it will be beneficial do them both because writing paragraphs and writing lists engages different parts of your brain.
Either way that you choose to go writing it down will help to solidify this image of the life that you want into your mind.
Take action…
This is where kicking procrastination comes in. Decide what steps that you are going to take now to begin to make your ideal life happen.
You’ve just discovered what the big rocks are, what is really important to you.
These are the goals that you need to focus on and not let the smaller things in life push out of the way.
It’s vital that we take at least small steps toward achieving these goals right here and right now. Even if you can’t bring the full dream to life right now you can at least bring a part of it to you.
Keep it fresh…
Keep the piece of paper that you wrote down nearby and look at it every day to keep your goals and dreams fresh on your mind.
Don’t let yourself forget about them and go back to the old ways of letting the little rocks crowd out the big rocks. Take care of the big rocks first then you will find the little ones fitting in where they should.
Take it a step further…
If you are really feeling inspired by this exercise (if this is a first time in a long time that you have gotten in touch with your dreams you may be feeling a lot of different things!) then you might want to take this to the next level to keep yourself inspired.
Find pictures that showcase your dreams and goals and put them on a piece of paper or cork board so that you can have a visual reminder of your goals to look at daily.
You can find pictures from magazines or searching them online to print off. Or you could draw them yourself! Just have fun and stay inspired!
To Your Success,
Image by eyesogreen
Thank you for reading! I'm Stacy, the owner of this blog. You can learn more about me here.
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Hi Stacy,
nice write up, thanks for sharing.
I think first of all that this is inherent within each one, to be pragmatic or not.
And to take action and not procrastinate. But I think you can also learn it.
I schedule in my mind what I want to do.
Sometimes to not forget it, I make notes.
Then I think about the future, and I take small steps.
It is nice to look back and see what I accomplished.
Sometimes I think about it and this help me relax!
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[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 9:54 am
Hi Erik,
Thanks for visiting. Small steps are key especially when we are in procrastination mode. We are more motivated when we believe that we can do something with success. The road to success is paved with small attainable goals. Sometimes those small things really add up to some big accomplishments!
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… The Course That Literally Changed My Life (For the Better!)
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The rocks in the jar story is fabulous, and illustrates a great point. The main reason we procrastinate is because we see the enormity of a task that we don’t want to do, and become overwhelmed by it. This is where imagination comes in, and you noted it beautifully. Instead of seeing the task as something we don’t want to do, it might be better to see it as a rewarding mission. Complete the mission, and a great reward will follow.
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Stacy Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Hi Anthony,
The rocks story is one of my favorites, I think that visuals like that serve as really good motivators.
Thank you for stopping by!
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… How to Grab Your Readers Attention and Have Them Begging for More
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Somedays my procrastinating is so bad I can even decide whether to procrastinate or not! Sorry, couldn’t help myself with that joke!
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Stacy Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 5:48 pm
I don’t blame you. I almost used a really silly headline making a joke of procrastination.
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Hey Stacy,
I agree, procrastination in general is a bad thing, but I believe it is essential too. Procrastination allows us to take breaks, refresh our minds and maybe even enjoy more of what we actually do to achieve our goals (of course, that can only happen if we get back with “doing”). So, as long as it is something you can actually control (over time, I believe that we can control it), it is good. Like you mentioned, I imagined the situation if everything I wished for was true this instant – it would be absolutely boring!
Yes, I enjoy life with hardships and I enjoy the journey to success.
Thank you for the post, Stacy,
Jeevan Jacob John
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Stacy Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Hi Jeevan,
I think that taking breaks is important too, although I don’t think of the breaks as procrastination. To my procrastination is the avoidance of doing something that needs to be done.
I agree that hardships are necessary for the journey to success! I have a post about why we should appreciate difficulties if you’re interested in checking it out. http://growwithstacy.com/2011/09/09/why-we-should-appreciate-difficulties/
Thank you for stopping by and I appreciate you sharing this post!
Stacy
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I am bad Stacy, but I live alone so cleaning a challenge for me. I also hate homework.
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Stacy Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Hi Michael,
I think that many people are tempted to procrastinate in both of those areas!
Stacy
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Great post Stacy! Sometimes I feel it’s fear of failure plays a role too…when we don’t know if something will work and have fears about being “wrong” we procrastinate on what could be a powerful next best thing for our business. Visuals of the things you desire most help a great deal. I love all the “visual” references you made. Thanks for sharing with us.
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Stacy Reply:
June 22nd, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Hi Zenobia,
That is a great point! Nobody wants to fail and the fear of failure can be debilitating.
Thank you for sharing!
Stacy
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I definitely can use this. I’m a very visual person and seeing my goals on a daily basis does help me focus.
There’s also this thing I do. At night before going to bed, I think of at least two things I’m going to do the following day and then when I wake up I say them out loud. It works for me!
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Stacy Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 9:37 am
Hi Glori,
That sounds like a great plan! I know that I get more accomplished when I am focused on what needs to be done the night before. There really is something to letting our subconscious minds focus on it while we sleep!
Stacy
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Stacy,
I have taught the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People for many years. I have used the big rocks/little rock simulation while teaching Habit 3 – Put First Things First. Here are some of the learning points from the simulation.
1. Put Your Big Rocks in First
2. Weekly Planning is the Way to Get Your Big Rocks In First.
3. Your Little Rocks Can Fill In Around The Big Rocks, Or You Can Say No To Them.
4. Most Big Rocks Involve Some Important Relationship.
5. Make Time By Saying No To the Meaningless or Less Meaningful
6. You Can Only Say No And Smile When There’s a Bigger Yes Burning Inside You.
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Stacy Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 9:39 am
Hi Dale,
Those are great tips! Thank you so much for taking the time to share those! Saying no is an important part of keeping each rock in it’s proper place. We can’t be a people pleaser and take care of ourselves at the same time.
Stacy
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If it wasn’t for procrastination I probably wouldn’t have read this post
Normally I’m quite motivated, but recently I have been struggling to complete the work that brings in the bread 
After 7 years on it; it’s all just the same. Time for a change I think.
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Stacy Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 9:42 am
Hi Trent,
I’ve found too that when I’m procrastinating it’s time to change something. I recently made a big change by pursuing my dream to publish a novel and it’s really helped my outlook!
Stacy
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Thanks, I’ll try and add a bit more value with later comments! I don’t normally drop single line answers to post because I think that shows you haven’t read the post properly (which I always try to do).
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Stacy Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 9:42 am
I look forward to reading more comments from you!
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I am like the procrastinating queen – my sister always called me that!
Slowly I realized that my procrastination was based on my inner fear of poor self esteem and basically not being confident and then delaying the whole thing because I was too scared to do it right then. I have slowly come to realize that I really wouldn’t know how good I am unless I go ahead and do it!
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Stacy Reply:
June 23rd, 2012 at 10:34 am
Hi Hajra,
Great to see you again! I think that we can be afraid of both failure and success. On the surface it seems odd to fear success but it is a form of change and responsibility. You’re right, it does feel good to find out what we can accomplish!
Stacy
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Nice post Stacy, and an informative blog site you have
Not sure if you have ever visited the Harvard Business Review site, but you might check it out when you get a chance. Lots of useful articles along similar lines of thought: http://hbr.org/archive (check out their Top Magazine Articles section)
I first learned the rock story from the 7 Habits book back in college and have found it time and again to be an invaluable aid in prioritization (what are my “big rocks” here?)
It was freeing to realize that not everything HAS to be done
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Stacy Reply:
July 2nd, 2012 at 7:58 pm
Hi Omar,
Thank you very much! I haven’t seen that website before. I’ll have to check it out, thank you for sharing the link!
I agree, it is definitely freeing to be able to let go of some of those small rocks!
Stacy
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Oh yes Stacy there are those times that I put things off and fall into the dreadful procrastination pit. I like your story as it is a great way to see how we really can put too many little things in the way which causes our distraction, frustration or cloud our imagination.
I always try to take little breaks throughout the day. Even taking time away from my home office which is a great time to rejuvenate, get some fresh air and sunshine. It is a great way to clear the mind and then dig in and get those tasks that you have been putting off to get them done.
I’ve written about procrastination as well. It is something we can really take action against, but these reminders like yours, are a great way to help each other stay on track!
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[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
July 2nd, 2012 at 8:01 pm
Hi Lynn,
Taking breaks is crucial. I love to get outside and having small kids begging to go outside helps to make sure that I get my daily dose of fresh air! It does wonders mentally, doesn’t it?
I agree with you, reminders are essential!
Stacy
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Stacy: I did not understand the story with the rocks until you told the moral. Lol. I was trying to figure it out, but it makes sense now. Good lesson. I am really trying to put the most important things in my life first. I do not work as much because I try to leave more time for school and my writing.
Anyways, there is a lot that I draw inspiration from when I need some in order to keep going. The previous week for me was a good one because I kept going and going and going and got a lot done. I did not sleep much an it was rough on me, but I used inspiration from music and videos to get the job done.
This week I have been resting mostly. Today, I hung out with a friend and edited some articles that I wrote for a little, but nothing too time demanding. I am going to continue resting a couple more days. Then hopefully I can get back in my zone. If I did it once then I can do it again.
I had a goal plan that I wrote, but I have not been saying it too myself in the morning and at night so I have some things to work on in order to better myself. Maybe, that the missing key for my long term success online . . .
Enough of my rambling, great post it really got me thinking. ( :
Best wishes,
William Veasley
William Veasley invites you to read… The Pursuit of Happiness
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
July 2nd, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Hi William,
I’m glad that this post got you thinking! The story of the rocks can be quite powerful when we apply it to our lives. It does take reminders from time to time as we all get distracted and forget these things!
Stacy
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Ah, procrastination. The root of all productivity evil (well, at least for me lol). I wish I had not procrastinated so much with work but I’m past that stage and know better now, thank heavens.
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Stacy Reply:
July 2nd, 2012 at 8:04 pm
Hi Joan,
We all get bitten by the procrastination bug from time to time!
Even if we know better!
Stacy
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Cleaning is the last thing I would do if I’m in a procrastinating mood, Stacy. You do have to make a post and explain to us how this works:)
What I do is try to do when this happens, is to work out.
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Stacy Reply:
July 2nd, 2012 at 8:23 pm
Thanks for the idea, Mariella! I’m always looking for post ideas!
Stacy
Stacy invites you to read… 3 Simple Ways to Improve Your Writing
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I love the story of the large rocks and the little rocks. It goes to show that once you take care of the important things, the not so important things will fall into place. The key to staying motivated is to never give up. You’ve already achieved a lot – even if you can’t see that yet. Take stock of how far you’ve come, what you’ve learned on your journey and what you will have achieved even if you don’t hit your goal.
Thanks for sharing, Stacy.
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
July 2nd, 2012 at 8:27 pm
Hi Etieno,
That’s very true! I love the story of the rocks because it helps to keep the real priorities in focus. It’s too easy to get caught up with what seems urgent but really has little value.
Stacy
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Great post and love the fable. I have been stuck in procrastination mode- probably has something to do with that awesome summer weather. What helps me is to make a mandatory list of 3 things I *must* get done every day- for the business, the money tasks take priority- following up with clients, invoicing, etc. Usually (but not always, lol) after the 3 tasks are completed, I have a momentum going and can continue. Inch by inch, it’s a cinch as the saying goes!
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
July 2nd, 2012 at 8:28 pm
Hi Lisa,
I find that I am much more productive when I have a list of what needs to be done daily. It keeps my focus where it needs to be and I don’t get distracted by the little things!
Stacy
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I love the story of the rocks, it helps us refocus every day on doing the important things first.
We sometimes ten to distort priorities and ths is a why to procrastinate what we fear, fear of failing or fear of success.
Thanks for sharing Stacy!
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Stacy Reply:
July 2nd, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Hi Patricia,
I think that is definitely one of the roots of procrastination. It’s interesting how we can fear both failure and success, isn’t it?
Stacy
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I usually plan a monthly goal to start with. Then I make a map of how I will utilize each week. After that I further break down my task to day schedules. Of course I don’t get everything working for me but this set up has really been helpful(A lot!).
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Stacy Reply:
July 2nd, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Hi Johnie,
That sounds like a solid plan. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Stacy
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[Reply]
Great explain think about procrastination,
Here are my tips:
Focus on your strategy that you choose until you get result.
Focus your energy on one thing that you want achieve.
Action and do it.
With things important in my life, I do that, and don’t think about other else.
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
July 2nd, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Hi Chu,
Thank you. Those are great tips. When we focus on the desired result we are a lot less likely to procrastinate!
Stacy
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If you want to get motivated, always think about goals, not about the process. This is how I get motivated all the time!
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Hello Stacy:
Thank you for sharing this excellent article with many thought provoking ideas. Yes, I also believe that we all procrastinate from time to time and we do need to find what works for ourselves to inspire and motivate us to overcome procrastination. I believe in always having my written goals with me at all times to remind myself of the bigger picture I am striving to achieve. Having a clear cut and definite plan of action and what I want is also essential. The approach will change from time to time, but the main objective goal will not so much. I do my larger tasks with deadlines, and especially ones that I do not care for first. This leaves the tasks large or small that I am looking forward to do. One last rule I follow is, the task that are moving me toward my goals I do first and the task that are not moving me toward my goals I either do last, or not at all if appropriate.
Sincerely,
Pete
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It definitely helps me a lot. These are really great tips which you share in this post. All points are very important and must be followed by us.
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