I absolutely love analogies like this. I posted something a few weeks back called "Empty Your Backpack" that outline the same kind of idea. Life is so easy to overflow with odds and ends that we simply don't need. We add all these strings and commitments and little responsibilities to our lives that mask the true and important aspects that we so often forget about - the bear essentials.
We need to take the time to organize our lives and identify the golf balls in our lives; family, health, relationships, education... They will differ with everybody. This is all too important. The point is to eliminate as much sand and pebbles as possible. This will make your other important commitments - including pick up / relationships - that much easier to handle.
And when it boils down to it - relax a little, too. We could all use a few beers once in a while.
