The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

  Written by Sarah James on Sep 22, 2009 11:49 pm

Read More: Mindset

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee!

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

The professor then picked up a box of 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 an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured t he 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 and your favorite passions---and 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 and 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 really critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. 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 coffee represented. The professor smiled and said, "I'm glad you asked."

The coffee just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

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About the Author: Sarah James

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Member Since: 06/06/2009

Company: Marketing, Education & Integrity

Industry: Management

Primary Web Site: http://AccessToYourSuccess.successin10steps.com

Comments

Wonderful post!

This is a very thought-invoking post Sarah.
I truly enjoyed that story.
Thank you for posting this!

Jayne Cambra — Wed, 09/23/2009 - 4:11am

Wonderful post!

Thank you Jayne,

I know in my own life, it's easy for me to get my priorities out of sort. So reminders like this, i really treasure, as they help me to remember what is truly important. I'm glad you enjoyed it!!

Sarah James — Fri, 09/25/2009 - 9:19pm

Sarah I Lvoe this Story

But somedays we just got to play in the Sand.
I do not know why.
But thank you for this great reminder
Your friend for life Juanita Waterman

Juanita Waterman — Sat, 10/03/2009 - 9:08am

Great Post Sarah

I really enjoyed reading the story. This is very true in everyday life. Thank You, Wendell

Wendell Breedlove — Sat, 10/03/2009 - 9:50am

Impeccable Analogy

The "moral" of this story is easily lost in the rush of our day-to-day lives unless we consciously remind ourselves OR... we are reminded by someone who knows how important it is that we keep our priorities in the proper order. Thanks, Sarah, for the timely reminder :-)

Lyn Mullins — Sat, 10/03/2009 - 8:51pm

Wonderful Story

What a great story to share with all of us!

Sabrina Coffin — Sun, 10/04/2009 - 12:50am

Wonderful Story

What a great story to share with all of us!

Sabrina Coffin — Sun, 10/04/2009 - 12:51am

Great story! Thank you!

Great story! Thank you!

Tom Doherty — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 6:22am

Never Gets Old....

I have seen this many times and even recently posted this as a note on facebook....but it NEVER GETS OLD!!!!...I think the last time I posted it it was 2 bottles of beer.....I don't drink coffee!!! :) :)

Thanks for the most recent reminder :)

Joe Munzer — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 6:49am

Great Fun Lesson

We just all gotta figure out our balls what 'rocks' mean! lol

Denise Ashurst — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 6:58am

Wise Post

I have heard this information befor but you showed me the wisdom of a balanced life in a graphic way.

iris beaudine — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 7:19am

Excellent Thought and Well Written!

Thanks for posting this Sarah. It blessed me today!

Rosey Dow — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 8:33am

Thank you

Thank you for sharing such a great story with a nice reminder on the important things in life. I will be sharing this one.

Lillian Vega — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 9:05am

Great Reminder

Thank you Sarah. I have read this before and have used the story before myself. But as my days are filling up this time of year it is a good reminder to keep my priorities right. Thanks.

Teresa Baine — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 9:21am

Terrific

I don't comment much but after viewing the title of your post, I had to read it. You are good at copywriting. The story is one I have heard before, but one that needs to be re-read often. Thanks for the post.

Denise Gore — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 9:43am

Well Spoken

I have heard this story before and we all need to be reminded what is really important.

Angela Brooks
www.angelabrook.com

angbrook (not verified) — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 10:13am

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

This is a great analogy of what happens to all of us in life! It's always good idea to put family and friends first; they are the element that will always be a part of your life!

Sharon Williams — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 10:39am

Great Encouragement

Sometimes I feel that when I wake up my jar is already full. After reading this I can see myself squeezing in more sand or pebbles and not stressing our over what I have not accomplished for the day!

Sharon Dunbar — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 1:15pm

Great Story

This is a very inspirational story about life. Thank you. To your success. Creg Effs.

Creg Effs — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 1:34pm

Love It

I had heard this before. Need to post it where I can see it every day. Thanks for reminder.

Theresa Garland — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 4:54pm

Thanks For The Reminder!

I too have seen this article before. It was a awhile ago. I think I was meant to see this article again regarding where I am in life. Thanks so much, Sarah.

Derek

Derek Fobert — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 6:42pm

Life is NOW. It's good to remember that once in a while! Thanks

Sarah, thank you so much.. I think I'm about to invite some friends for a cup of coffee ;)

Enjoy Life!

Antonio

Tony C — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 9:16pm

wow

i loved this story and the meaning of it.
WOW is the perfect word to describe it.
thank you abbundantly

God bless with lots of prosperity and abbundance
jean pierre
http://JEANPIERRECHALOUHI.COM

jean-pierre chalouhi — Mon, 10/05/2009 - 10:30pm

Great stuff to remember!

Thank you so much. As I work online my 4 year old makes it hard at times when he is not at school. I must remember this is the last year I really have him. Thank you!
Susanne

Susanne Marra — Tue, 10/06/2009 - 9:34pm

Great stuff to remember!

Thank you so much. As I work online my 4 year old makes it hard at times when he is not at school. I must remember this is the last year I really have him. Thank you!
Susanne

Susanne Marra — Tue, 10/06/2009 - 9:35pm

Thank You For Such An Inspiring Story

I felt really inspired in reading this story. A timely reminder to me to keep things balanced in my life. I was intrigue by the title and I am glad I stopped by to read.

I enjoyed the story and the lesson with it as well.
Rosemary Leach

Rosemary Leach — Wed, 10/07/2009 - 2:28am

Re-viewing your post AGAIN!

Especially as we approach the family and friend centered time of the year this is helpful in setting goals and priorities! I read it again today as I look at the calendar -- two weeks to work -- a week off---maybe two weeks to work ---a week or more off! Instead of Frustration, some better planning will make it all work out!

Louise Shickle — Mon, 11/09/2009 - 8:58am

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zaoshang (not verified) — Thu, 12/17/2009 - 9:41pm

The Small Stuff

While I was in High School,I worked part time as a dilivery boy for an appliance store. My boss always said "Don't sweat the small stuff" I never understood what he was saying so one day I asked him how I could recognize the small from the large and he said "That's the easy part because it's all small stuff" Thank you. I am 58 now and "The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee" has put that into perspective for me.

Stan Orton — Sat, 01/23/2010 - 2:55pm

That one is really inspiring

That one is really inspiring and really touching. Makes me want to visit my parents right now in the province. I didn't expect the coffee part though.

jillian grey — Sat, 03/19/2011 - 2:28am
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