What is the pickle jar theory?
The pickle jar theory is an excellent mental exercise for anyone who thinks or processes things visually.
So, too, does your day.
These represent your daily responsibilities, but as you’re free to see, theyre different sizes.
How does the pickle jar theory work?
To use this kind of thinking, you oughta categorize your days tasks.
Pebblesare the things that are important to do, but not immediately necessary or massively time-consuming.
Sandrepresents the small things that you should probably do to keep your day moving along or justwantto do.
It enters the jar last and fills up the gaps between the bigger items.
Sand can be anything from answering emails, going to meetings, calling your mom, or relaxing.
These arent necessarily urgent or time-consuming, but theyre still important to your work or mental wellbeing.
Dont forget to let some of the sand be enjoyable, becausebreaks are integral to productivity.
(On your Eisenhower Matrix, these will be the ones that are neither urgent nor important.)
What is the big rocks theory?
Visualizing is important, but you still have to use that to make a plan and get things done.
Unlikeother task prioritizationmethods, like the Eisenhower matrix mentioned above, this can be pretty loose.
Just put down your best guess about how much each task will drain you.
when you obtain everything designated as a rock or gravel, schedule the rocks first.
Here’s whereyou can use timeboxingto clearly carve out dedicated time for each thing you have to do.
You’ll burn yourself out.
