Our business purpose represents the why – or central mission – of our business. Does it fill your jar like a rock would? Or do pebbles and sand take up too much space and attention? Let me explain further…
Think of your business in terms of a jar filled with rocks, pebbles, and sand. You fill this jar once each quarter of the year. The rocks represent the services you provide or big projects in your business – ones that make money. These are likely the services that fulfill your why – the ones which bring you the greatest satisfaction and motivation in your business. The pebbles represent services you offer but aren’t making money or the impact that you’d hope. And the sand, which fills in all the extra space is just “stuff” you do every day – phone calls, emails, tasks that support your goals, etc.
Use this analogy to think about your business as it is right now, today. How does your jar look?
Is your business purpose a rock, pebble or sand in the jar?
How do you want your jar to look? Each quarter you are allotted only five rocks – any more rocks, and you’d have a difficult time achieving your goals. The rocks fill up the majority of the space in the jar, leaving little room for the pebbles. Having less room for those pebbles keeps you focused on the big picture, or in this case, the rocks. And finally, you fill in the open spaces with sand – the supports you need to accomplish the big goals.
Imagine if you were to do this exercise prior to the start of each quarter during the year. Would your business success look and feel differently than it does now? I’m guessing it would. You’d focus on the rocks instead of the pebbles. Your why is met – your personal satisfaction and productivity escalate. Your profits go up.
As this transition continues, you focus more on the services and goals that are most beneficial to your business, and overall sense of purpose, and less on the things that contribute very little to the bottom line financially, or otherwise. The pebbles will become fewer and fewer. Eventually, your jar will be filled with rocks and sand only. And your business is thriving. And your Why becomes more solid – like the rock.
Good luck!
