There’s a demonstration that you may have seen about putting different sizes of rocks into a container to show how crucial it is to insert the large rocks first, then the pebbles, sand and water, in that order. It illustrates the importance of putting priority things on your calendar first and then surround them with other, less important or smaller items. (There are several demos on YouTube).

So let me ask you: what big rock is still lying on the table that you intended to complete in 2013? What achievement, project or initiative didn’t get done? Was it obtaining a certification? Growing your book of business? Training someone your junior to work at a higher level? Writing or speaking? It could be anything. So what big rock are you carrying into 2014?

Let’s be clear—you’re carrying it into 2014 because it didn’t get on your calendar or stay on your calendar in 2013. Why? There are really only two considerations, both with yes or no answers.

First, it’s either worth accomplishing or it isn’t. If the answer is no, admit it. If it’s not important enough to you, you won’t be able to marshal the attention and energy required to achieve it. If yes, then make it a priority and don’t allow the pebbles and sand to squeeze it out.

Second, you either want it bad enough or you don’t—different from how important it is. Your motivation will only sustain you IF your “want-to” is enough to overcome the inertia of not doing it. You will have to negotiate some obstacles, suspend some preferences and sacrifice some things. But you persevere to keep it on the calendar.

Which reason is the main culprit for having to carry the big rock into 2014? What will you do differently so you don’t carry it into 2015?