This is not a typical Sensei Wisdom blog post. Today I’m taking a break from the usual insights, experiences, opinions and rants I post on customer experience strategies to share a story that challenged my thoughts on the meaning of success.
Professionally, over the last few years I’ve started a new business, travelled extensively, designed international campaigns, delivered keynote presentations to thousands of people, increased my net-worth, and connected with many professionals that have opened even more doors for future growth and success. All I’ve worked for the past 20 years is paying dividends and I’ve soaked it all up, focusing every available minute on exploiting those opportunities. I have arrived.
Or have I?
A friend shared a story with me recently that has me rethinking success. Although it’s an old story and one you may have heard before, I’m sharing it in hopes that you’ll take the time to rediscover its meaning and add some perspective on your business success.
…….
A professor stood before his philosophy class and 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.
Next, the professor 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 beers 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 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.
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 and said, “I’m glad you asked.” The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.
…….
Shall we grab a beer?
Sam Fiorella – Sensei
Feed Your Community, Not Your Ego