Big Rocks in First | The Art of Manliness

Feel like you're busy all day but not getting anything done? This object lesson inspired by Stephen Covey will show you why that is and what you can do to become more effective in life. It's all about putting those Big Rocks first in your calendar.

[artofmanliness]

For the last time... my table is fine. :)

[Nick-jpcn]

Dear Brett,
I'm 16 years old. Last year in school I failed just about every class, was mean to others, was arrogant and irresponsible. With your help I've turned my life around completely, I'm a straight-A student, I have a job, I'm responsible, and viewed as a very kind person. With putting the big rocks in first, I've learned how to manage time between work, school and friends, on top of that I've created a small side business shining shoes. In short Mr. McKay, you have changed my life for the better, thank you.

[chrisg]

First you had me when you said "quit checking Buzzfeed"...such a useless/unimaginative website. Then you sealed the deal when classifying "Gym" as a big rock!

Stay Manly My Friend

[mildlyfeasible]

You're doing God's work, Brett.

[ianmurphy]

Art of Manliness is my new favourite Youtube Channel

[sashachiecsek]

Did anybody feel guilty while you were watching this video because technically you're surfing the Internet

[kylek]

I saved this video to my favorites 9 years ago. It’s still just as applicable to this day!

[AkshayMehta]

Priorities explained in the best way, ever. I'm sure going to apply this in my life. Stay manly!👍

[GeriSkirata]

Brett, my dear sir, always posting just what I need. I'm starting my third semester in energy engineering and I'm tired of pulling all-nighters because I'm too damn lazy to put the big rocks in first. Thank you for another awesome video and while I'm at it, thank you for AoM, it has literally changed my life in the past year. I don't want to waste your time by elaborating it here, but really the journey so far has been extremely satisfying and I feel like I found something I've never searched for but most definitely needed. All the best from Hungary!

[jackofkell]

When I was a boy I was given this demonstration by both my leaders in boy scouts and by church teachers. Always good advice, always taken to heart. :)

[mills]

I tell my boys a simpler version of this: eat your veggies first. I think your demonstration may be a lot more effective. Will do it this weekend. Thanks for this.

[gabrielquinto-dangelo]

Not sure if you still read your comments, but this video really lifted me up on a low day.

Thanks Brett

[robertweiss]

These kinda of videos get me in just the right mindset: optimistic, insightful, thoughtful, creative, and deliberate. Thanks for all the great and inspirational videos, Art of Manliness! Keep on keepin on!

[joaosirangelo]

Art of Manliness I've stumbled up on your videos today and I really wish it would have happened sooner. In the videos I've watched so far, you talk about issues that I have been facing daily (recently entering college and trying to plan for a carrer), and your advice is actually really helping me out. Thanks for the help and great job on the channel!

[JedediahCyrus]

I definitely needed to see something like this. I'll be getting those "Big Rocks" in my life done first from now on and sticking to it. Thank you for the video.

[WatPatat]

I still come back to this video every now and then, more than 6 years later, and I still recommend it to other people. Awesome content!
Reading Eat That Frog! now and it makes me think of this video

[kenney]

I am beginning to do this and it reduces stress greatly and makes for a far more productive day. :)

[DARKGORZ]

Art of Manliness Okay, so I am 28 years old and landed my first real job about four months ago working receiving at a smaller grocery chain; basically I empty trucks all day.

Now, I've been wanting to draw for quite some time, but before I got this job I could not really do it often because it was the only thing I had to do. Now I have this job to distract me, but no time to draw because I am so tired on my days off.

[HP-vyis]

Wonderful!!!!

Thank you for showing us how to manage life in order to be happy and contented

[ShanePhilipLife]

Good tip. Do the important stuff first, set aside the time for it without compromising . I like it.