Red Rock Canyon National Conservation AreaPhotos captured in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada by Brainerd Lakes Area Photographer, Deb Mitzel.

Have you been around long enough to have read the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey?  One of the key concepts he taught was to "Put First Things First".  To effectively illustrate his point, he recounted the story of a man speaking to a group of over-achievers.  The speaker brought out a one gallon, wide-mouth Mason jar and began to put a number of fist-size rocks in it.  When he had placed in as many as he could, he asked the group if the jar was full.  When everyone quickly responded "Yes", he said, "Really?" and proceeded to pour in gravel, sand, then finally water, after each one asked if the jar was full.  They had learned not to say yes after the first time, but when asked to share the point of the illustration, one person said, "...no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you can always fit more things into it!".   Seems like a rational answer, but the speaker responded by saying, "No, that's not the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation AreaPhotos captured in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada by Brainerd Lakes Area Photographer, Deb Mitzel. point.  The truth this illustration teaches us is this: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all."

Hmmm...makes you think, doesn't it?   What are the "big rocks" in your life?  Family, friends, faith, health?  And are you giving them the attention they deserve?  Are you spending your time doing things that matter or things that just fill you up?  I certainly don't pretend to have all the answers, but I'm pretty sure we can all use a reminder once in a while.  I've had a tendency to let my personal life revolve around the needs and time requirements of my job, but the older I get, the more I realize how important it is to strive for some sort of balance.  For me, that means carving out time for other things that matter - things that fill me up.  I now make more time for yoga, vacations with my husband, and pursuing my passion for photography.   In the end, I am healthier and happier, and end up being more effective in my work.  Striving for balance is an ongoing goal, but if we can remember the "Big Rock" theory, perhaps we can have a better chance of achieving it.

In line with the "big rock" theme, I thought I'd share some photos I took recently at Red Rock National Conservation Area outside Las Vegas.  It was a great trip away with my husband and I also had the chance to spend some time on my photography. Win-Win!

Have a great week and remember to put the "big rocks" in first!

Deb

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation AreaPhotos captured in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada by Brainerd Lakes Area Photographer, Deb Mitzel.