Very Happy Phil

How we spend our time is directly linked to our happiness.

I will tell you a little story; A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. So the professor then picked up a box of small pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "Yes." The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now", said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - your family, your children, your health, your friends, your favorite passions - 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" he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for 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. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house, and fix the rubbish. Take care of the golf balls 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".

How we prioritise and spend our time is directly linked to our happiness, health, wealth, wisdom and friendships!

This week; have a think about that!

Here are some of my favourite quotes to inspire you;

“Happy people are effective people. Happy people have a much better idea about their priorities in life.”
- Michael W. Fordyce, Ph.D. ‘Human Happiness; Its Nature and Its Attainment’

“You are given 86, 400 seconds (1,440 minutes or 24 hours) to spend every day. How you spend your time is up to you. Spend your time wisely. It’s the most important investment you will make.”
-Phil McNally, ‘Winning Mentality’

Have a happy TIME week!

Keep positive!

Phil McNally

Author & Happiness Expert

Remember,

“Happy people have happy habits!”

– Phil McNally, Author & Happiness Expert

PS If you were unwell who would you go to see?

If you were unhappy who would you go to see?

PPS Interested in being happier? I’ve got one space this month for happiness coaching. If you are not happier after coaching you get your money back! If the space is gone you can book now for March.

PSS More proven FREE happiness boosters here; http://www.philmcnally.com

More on effectiveness here; http://www.veryhappyphil.com/content/happy-people-are-effective-dont-rea...

© Phil McNally 2010