Subject: Lifescope TIPs & QUIPs [37] "Time Management Rocks!"

"I had intended to write a somewhat lengthy missive comprising an
 impeccable dissertation pertaining to current involvements,
 recently formulated theorems, prevalent emotional fluctuations,
 and, in general, solutions to long-standing inquiries raised
 during our extended and intellectually productive relationship...

 But, my crayon broke."

TIPs & QUIPs, the free occasional email of helpful hints and quotes (and
sometimes challenging suggestions) for getting the most from life.

In this issue:
     *** WiseWords
     *** This Issue's Theme
     *** Suggested Resources
     *** Thrive On! Recommended Site


*** WiseWords ***                                     [TOP]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
   "Those who make the worst use of their time 
    are the first to complain about its shortness."
      --Jean de La Bruyere
   
   "The passions are like fire, useful in a thousand ways 
    and dangerous only in one, through their excess."
      --Christian Nestell Bovee
    
    "Man perceives in ranges, while the extremes are often overlooked.
     Modern man is good at hours, days, weeks and even years; 
     not so for minutes and lifetimes."
       --Michael LeBoeuf

(For a collection of some of our favorite WiseWords, see our web page at
<http://www.lifescope.com/pages/WiseWords.html>.)

*** This issue's theme: Time Management Rocks! [TOP]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Reader:

As regular readers of this column may know, most of my writings
center around Priorities and Passions -- getting to the real
substance of what is important to you. A brief scan of the topics
I've covered demonstrate the diversity possible. From Creativity
to Adventure, from Enthusiasm to Mastery, from Goal Setting to the
Art of Time -- all are part of the process I've come to describe
as "Discover It, Design It, Do It" -- where the "it" comprises
your priorities and passions. So strong is my belief in the power
of this process, that I've created a workshop to teach it, aptly
titled "Priorities and Passions: Achieving Your Authentic Goals."
 (Check it out at <http://www.lifescope.com/pages/workshops/>.)

So in this issue, rather than a highlight a particular book, I am
passing on a story I received from my good friend Bill Judd. We
don't know the author of this piece -- but it communicates a very
powerful message that I try to always keep top of mind.

                                     Enjoy! --Lee Lukehart

   Subject: Time Management
   
   One day an expert on the subject of time management was speaking
   to a group of business people and, to drive home a point, used
   an illustration those folks will probably never forget.
   
   As this man stood in front of these high-powered overachievers
   he said, "Okay, time for a quiz."  He pulled out a one-gallon,
   wide-mouthed Mason jar and set it on a table in front of him.
   Then, he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully
   placed them, one at a time, into the jar.
   
   When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit
   inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?"
   
   Everyone in the group said, "Yes."
   
   "Really?" he asked.
   
   He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He
   dumped some gravel in and shook the jar, causing pieces of gravel
   to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.
   
   Then he smiled and asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?"
   By this time they were on to him.  "Probably not," one of them
   answered.  "Good!" he replied.
   
   He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He
   started dumping the sand in, and it went into all the spaces
   left between the rocks and the gravel.
   
   Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?"  
   "No!" they shouted.  "Good!" he replied.
   
   He poured water from a pitcher into the jar until it was filled
   to the brim.Then he looked up at the group and asked, "What is
   the point of this illustration?"
   
   One eager beaver raised his hand and said, "The point is, no
   matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you
   can always fit some more things into it!"
   
   "No," the speaker replied, "that's not the point. The truth this
   illustration teaches us, is this:
       If you don't put the big rocks in first,
       you'll never get them in at all."
   
   What are the big rocks in your life?  A project that YOU want to
   accomplish?  Time with your loved ones?  Your faith, your
   education, your finances?  A cause?  Teaching or mentoring?
   
   Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first or you'll never get
   them in at all.
   
   So tonight, or in the morning when you are reflecting on this
   demonstration, ask yourself this question:
   
   What are the "big rocks" in my life?  Then, put those in your
   "jar" first!
                                          ROCK ON!

				
*** Suggested Resources ***                                       [TOP]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[lsting no longer current; removed]


*** Thrive On! Recommended Site ***                              [TOP]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[listing no longer current; removed]


DISCLAIMER
The contents herein are solely the opinions of Lifescope editors, and should 
not be considered as a form of therapy nor advice. There is no guarantee of 
validity or accuracy. Lifescope therefore assumes no responsibility for injury
and specifically disclaims any warranty, express or implied, of fitness or 
merchantability for a particular purpose. Besides, actual mileage may vary.

Copyright © 1998-2007 by Lifescope Inc. 
Permission is granted to reproduce or distribute this newsletter 
only in its entirety and provided copyright is acknowledged.

To subscribe or unsubscribe TIPs & QUIPs, please go to our Subscriptions Page
at <http://www.lifescope.com/pages/Subscriptions.html>

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
  Lifescope Inc. -- Bright Ideas for Better Living
           <http://www.lifescope.com/>
"YOUR IDEAL LIFE?  Discover It, Design It, and Do It!"