A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a large and empty jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks. He then asked the students if the jar was full? They agreed it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar and shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students if the jar was full? They agreed it was.

The professor then picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar and of course, the sand filled up everything else. He then asked the students if the jar was full? They shouted “YES”.

The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and proceeded to pour their contents into the jar - effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now" said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things - your family, your partner, your children, your health - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter - like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff."

"If you put the sand into the jar first, their is no room for the pebbles and the rocks. The same goes for your life, if you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children, take time to get medical checkups and take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house and give dinner parties." "Take care of the rocks first - the things that really matter, set your priorities the rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled "I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of beers."

At Bouquet Productions we treasure the rocks in our lives and utilise the pebbles and sand to balance it out. We also value the support of our clients and hope they will continue to utilise us as part of the pebbles and sand in their professional lives.

If we can make the pebbles and sand fall smoothly into place within your rocks, imagine how much happiness and success is generated.

Achieve today, your goals of tomorrow! Life is too short.

Rob Bouquet