Pickle Jar Theory

"Pickle Jar Theory" uses the analogy of an empty
pickle jar to think about how we use the fixed amount of time
available to us each day. If we think of it as we plan our schedule,
we can get important work done while still leaving time for the
small things that make life fun.
Imagine a Huge Empty Pickle Jar...
Firstly, forget about time management
altogether, and just imagine that you have a huge empty pickle jar
(think of the largest pickles you have ever seen). Now, imagine
filling the jar with golf balls. And, when you get it to the point
you think it can hold no more, try adding another golf ball or two.
Even though it seems full, you're not done yet. You're going to now
squeeze in a handful of marbles. Give your pickle jar a shake and as
the golf balls and marbles start to settle and create more room, add
in a bit of sand. Now, fill your pickle jar to the tip-top by adding
back in some of the pickle juice.
What This Means
Now, back to time management.

Sure, this analogy seems simplistic, even elementary. But think of
it like this: Each of us has many large priorities in our life
(represented by the golf balls), as well as things we like to do
(the marbles). We have other things we have to do, like the sand.
And finally, we have time stealers, the things that simply clutter
up our lives and seem to seep in everywhere: pickle juice.

Consider your order of priorities and apply the obvious symbolism
here. In doing so, you filled the pickle jar starting with golf
balls and put the pickle juice in last, and were able to achieve a
(to some extent) a balanced mix of tasks.

However if we fill our jar with pickle juice first, there's no room
for anything else unless we're happy making a real mess!

Looking at the pickle jar, it becomes apparent that balance is
needed to address priorities and to make time for things we enjoy
doing, all the while working to remove the unnecessary clutter.
Sure, you may need all of the "objects" in the pickle jar, from the
gold balls to the enjoyable activities, if you're going to do your
job well and feel fulfilled. The theory takes this into
consideration and shows just how we make time for everything and how
everything simply "fits" where it is supposed to fit.

And, just as important, it shows the importance of "not sweating the
small stuff" – or the sand and pickle juice.
Applying Pickle Jar Theory
So think about your own daily to-do list. Chances are you have
something scheduled every half hour or every hour, Monday through
Friday. And perhaps even your weekend is filled with activities with
your family and friends.

Now, take a CLOSER look at your daily to-do lists. How much time is
wasted lingering at the office water cooler catching up with
colleagues, returning emails that do not require a timely response,
etc.? And, does your schedule allow for problems that may occur at
the office or something unexpected that may require your immediate
attention?
Is there a time in your schedule that is wasted? Are there ways to
manage your time that will make you more productive? Give your
schedule or to-do list a very, very honest look and ask yourself
these questions.

Now, apply the Pickle Jar Theory.
Would you benefit from setting aside time first thing in the morning
to determine what the day's "golf balls" were? Try scheduling in
times when "golf balls" should be addressed or completed and let the
lesser priorities, the unexpected things that seem to just pop-up,
fill in the gaps left in the pickle jar.
According to the Pickle Jar Theory, this approach you will better
manage your time and have more of it. And, the good news is that you
will have the time needed to get everything done while still having
more time for the activities you enjoy. You will complete your "golf
balls" and feel more relaxed as your schedule actually begins to
flow better.