Put the big rocks in the bucket...is it full?
Put the small stones in around the big rocks...is it full?
Put the sand in and give it a shake...is it full?
Put the water in...now it's full.
The point is that unless you put the big rocks in first, you won't get them in. The small stones, sand and water will fill the space to the point the big rocks won't fit.
When planning how you use your time think about the bucket and the rocks, sand and water. It's essential to start by setting aside time to handle big, important issues (the big rocks.) If you don't, small everyday issues, routine tasks and interruptions (the stones, sand and water) will fill your time (the bucket.) They will prevent you from getting to what's most important and most critical to your success.
