Dear Anuj,

“Pickle Jar Theory” uses the analogy of an empty pickle jar to think about how we use the fixed amount of time available to us each day. If we think of it as we plan our schedule, we can get important work done while still leaving time for the small things that make life fun.

Imagine a huge empty pickle jar…

Firstly, forget about time management altogether, and just imagine that you have a huge empty pickle jar (think of the largest pickles you have ever seen). Now, imagine filling the jar with golf balls. And, when you get it to the point you think it can hold no more, try adding another golf ball or two.

Even though it seems full, you're not done yet. You’re going to now squeeze in a handful of marbles. Give your pickle jar a shake and as the golf balls and marbles start to settle and create more room, add in a bit of sand. Now, fill your pickle jar to the tip-top by adding back in some of the pickle juice.

What this means…
Now, back to time management.

Sure, this analogy seems simplistic, even elementary. But think of it like this:

According to the Pickle Jar Theory, this approach you will better manage your time and have more of it. And, the good news is that you will have the time needed to get everything done while still having more time for the activities you enjoy. You will complete your “golf balls” and feel more relaxed as your schedule actually begins to flow better.

Hi anuj,

The basic idea is that you should schedule only your high priority tasks for the day and leave the gaps in between for less important activities. This is supported by the analogy of a pickle jar, where you can fit more in the jar if you add large pebbles first before pouring in smaller pebbles and sand (rather than adding the largest pebbles last when they will be unlikely to fit).

I've tried this many a times, and trust me it works really well on the path of effective time management.

Regards

Sumit