Focusing On The Big Rocks

Lesson 04: Knowing Your Priorities is Key to Living Purposefully.

Life can often feel overwhelming—a constant balancing act of work, relationships, and personal aspirations. One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of focusing on what truly matters: the Big Rocks of life.

The Big Rocks theory, popularized by Stephen Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, challenges us to identify our top priorities and make them the foundation of our lives. If you try to fill your time with small, insignificant tasks first, you’ll find there’s no room left for the big, important things. But when you prioritize the Big Rocks, everything else finds its place.

For me, this realization led to a personal journey of identifying my core pillars—what I now consider the Big Rocks of my life:

• Spirituality & Faith: The foundation of everything I do, shaping my values and decisions.
• Family & Relationships: Building and nurturing meaningful connections with loved ones and colleagues.
• Health & Wellbeing: A holistic approach to physical, emotional, and mental health.
• Service & Community: Committing my time, treasure, and talent to causes bigger than myself. This also includes my work.
• Sharpening the Saw: Prioritizing self-improvement and continuous learning to stay sharp and adaptable.

When you’re clear on your priorities, you gain a sense of direction. Instead of reacting to every demand or opportunity, you align your time and energy with what matters most. This not only brings clarity but also creates a life of intentionality and purpose.

For example, by focusing on my Big Rocks, I’ve been able to say no to activities that don’t align with my values and yes to those that do. This alignment has allowed me to grow spiritually, maintain close relationships, stay healthy, and continue making an impact through service and personal growth. Here are some practical steps to identifying and focusing on your Big Rocks.

1. Reflect on What Truly Matters: Take time to think about your core values and what fulfills you. What would you regret not prioritizing?
2. Write Down Your Big Rocks: Create a list of 4–5 pillars that are most important to you.
3. Plan Around Them: Block time on your calendar for activities that align with your Big Rocks. For instance, schedule family time, workouts, or professional development sessions before adding less critical tasks.
4. Evaluate Regularly: Life changes, and so might your priorities. Reassess your Big Rocks periodically to ensure they still align with your values and goals.

When you focus on the Big Rocks, you’re not just managing your time—you’re crafting a life of purpose and meaning. Each day becomes an opportunity to invest in what truly matters, bringing you closer to your goals and aspirations.

About four years ago, I learned this valuable lesson, and it has significantly improved my life. However, my 29th year has been particularly challenging. One of the perks of being productive and effective is that you attract more opportunities—but sometimes, this means taking on more than you should. This year, I found myself stretched too thin, which impacted my productivity.

Reflecting on this has reminded me of the importance of going back to basics and embracing the principle of “less is more.” As I approach my 30th year, I am committed to rebuilding and reinforcing the principles that have guided me thus far.

So,

What are your Big Rocks, and how will you make room for them today?

Here is a 4-minute video of the Big Rocks theory.

In case you missed Lesson 3, you can read it here.