Lessons from a Pickle Jar

/ April 30, 2015

Here are some great lessons from a pickle jar!

Some of you may be familiar with this video or its message. Basically, the video reminds us to start with the important things first. It shows us in a simple and visual way how to prioritize our lives. Brian Tracy calls this “Eat the Frog!” In other words, do what is important and hard first, then the rest is easier. Conversely, when we fill up our lives with the small stuff, we don’t have room or time for the important stuff. I’ve offered some steps to help us manifest those priorities.priorities, values,

1- Priorities come first

First we need to decide what is most important for us based on our values, then proceed to align our lives with those priorities. When we align our life with our priorities everything flows much easier. The professor in the video suggests that family, friends and health are the most important.

2- Action is second

The video suggests things like home, work, car and money are the next most important. I feel that after our values and goals, actions are the next most important. I’m finding more and more, that my actions lead not only to results, but to a better attitude. But rather than debate whether attitude or action is most important, maybe we can say that they are both important and work together synergistically. 🙂

3- Aligning our life with our priorities

As we begin aligning our lives with our values and visions, we develop confidence, trust, results and flow. This creates an energy or momentum that adds to the flow and ease in our lives.

4- Happiness is living in integrity with our own values and priorities

As I’ve written before, I believe happiness is the by-product of a well-lived life, not the goal. Our purpose, passion, values and vision set the tone for our lives. And as we align with our values and vision, we start accomplishing our goals. Then, we find a lasting happiness that has depth and meaning because it is based on what matters most to us. And find we find contentment from living purposefully.

5- There’s always room for dessert!

Add the chocolate milk or whatever treats speak to you! In other words, don’t forget to celebrate your progress, accomplishments or simply the gift of life itself. It’s very important to celebrate, play and enjoy life along the way to our goals and destinations. In fact, I believe the process is more important than the results. How about you?

Were you surprised by the video?  The first time I saw the video, I was very surprised by how the jar kept being able to hold more and more stuff. It’s a great reminder to focus on what matters most, then fill in the details and smaller things in life.

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33 thoughts on “Lessons from a Pickle Jar”

  1. I’m a firm believer that there’s always room for chocolate! 😉
    Great post Brad. I’ve heard the lesson from a pickle jar before, it’s such a great analogy. Thanks for the reminder!

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  3. Great post Brad, this also reminds me of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Be proactive, Begin with the end in mind, Put first things first, Think win-win, Seek first to understand then to be understood, Synergize, and Sharpen the saw.

    There is an analogy with a glass jar and rocks. Think large boulders and small pebbles (representing the big and important things along with the small and inconsequential things in our daily lives). If we put the little rocks in first, the big stuff will never fit. But, if we put the big rocks in first, we would be amazed at how many of the small rocks will fit in the crevices left behind. And, even if they don’t, we have put the most important stuff in as a priority – making our important things (first things) first on our list – first things first 🙂

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  5. That’s a great post! I think my book has some information and ideas in it that would be great for you and your readers to take a look at. If you get a chance, check out wrappedinskin.com to find out more about it!

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  6. I am grateful to the late Stephen R.Covey who helped me through some significant moments in my life. So glad to see his timeless wisdom here. I found you on Facebook and noticed that we posted the same John O’Donohue’s “A Morning Offering” within a day of each other. I’ve been wanting to let you know that I have been thinking and thinking about what you wrote to me earlier. We have been there. I came over to see what you’re up to. We share many synchronicities. I am sure the same Guidance which brought me and my family through all the pickles will do the same for you. Take care Brad. Sharon

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    • Thank you for your kind response and support Sharon. I’m glad we share many synchronicities. Your writing touches me deeply. I don’t remember what comment you’re referring to, but appreciate your support. Thanks, Brad

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  9. Brad, this was such an inspiring post.. I think once we align with our Life’s purpose and follow our visions, intuition and allow ourselves to go within the flow.. Then Happiness follows us.. And I am all for desert.. 🙂 at the end of the day its all of those little things which count 🙂
    Have a beautiful weekend Brad.. 🙂
    Sue

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  12. Great post, Brad.

    “The professor in the video suggests that family, friends and health are the most important.” I was wondering where blogging fit into this. =) Because it’s multidimensional (work+friends+passion+etc+emotional health LOL+etc). Very thoughtful list you unpacked. I trust you’ve enjoyed experiencing it.

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  14. ‘There’s always room for dessert’ – Haha I like that. I’m back in the blogging world so catching up on all your inspiring posts. Blessings, Lisa.

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