First Things First
by Stephen R. Covey, A. Roger Merrill, Rebecca R. Merrill
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Book Summary Information
Author: A. Roger Merrill, Rebecca R. Merrill, Stephen R. CoveyEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1996-01-17
ISBN: 0684802031
Number of pages: 384
Publisher: Free Press
Product features:
- From Time Management to Personal Leadership
- The Peace of Results
- The Urgency Addiction
- The Passion of Vision
- The Balance of Goals
- Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)
- RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
- First Things First Every Day: Daily Reflections- Because Where You're Headed Is More Important Than How Fast You Get There
- First Things First Every Day: Because Where You're Headed Is More Important Than How Fast You're Going
- First Things First
Book Reviews of First Things First
Book Review: Integrity in the Moment of Choice
Summary: 5 Stars
Much more than just a book about time management, First Things First provides a kind of operational definition of the key principles of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.
In describing what is in effect a life process of principle centered living, they begin with a compelling analogy of the clock and the compass, "Our struggle to put first things first can be characterized by the contrast between two powerful tools that direct us: the clock and the compass. The clock represents our commitments, appointments, schedules, goals, activities - what we do with, and how we manage our time. The compass represents our vision, values, principles, mission, conscience, direction - what we feel is important, and how we lead our lives. The struggle comes when we sense a gap between the clock and the compass - when what we do doesn't contribute to what is most important in our lives".
It is natural then, to recognize that the starting point must be to connect with one's vision and mission for life. This leads to a consideration of the different roles that we take on in the pursuit of our mission, and the need to have goals relating to each of these roles if balance is indeed to be achieved.
The authors propose that planning be done in a weekly cycle, with the recognition that activities fall into one of the following quadrants:
* Quadrant 1 - Important and Urgent
* Quadrant 2 - Important but Not Urgent
* Quadrant 3 - Not Important and Urgent
* Quadrant 4 - Not Important and Not Urgent
They note that most of us spend the majority of our time in Quadrants 1 and 3. However, the quadrant of quality is Quadrant 2 - those things that are important but not necessarily urgent. Examples include planning, preparation, relationship building, clarification of values, prevention activities, etc.
Covey and the Merrills go on to discuss "integrity in the moment of choice" in implementing the plan as the critical point on which ultimately quality of life depends. It is the consciousness of the proactive that each is responsible for the freedom that exists in the space between the stimulus and its response.
The final part of the book deals with the multiplication of resource and capability that follows out of embracing our interdependence through synergy, relationship building, and the cultivation of agreements with win - win outcomes.
Those who are simply seeking time management tips and techniques will come away from First Things First disappointed. This book rather is deep wisdom from the inside out.
Highly recommended for those looking to implement the Seven Habits in their daily living.
Summary of First Things First
I'm getting more done in less time, but where are the rich relationships, the inner peace, the balance, the confidence that I'm doing what matters most and doing it well?Does this nagging question haunt you, even when you feel you are being your most efficient? If so, First Things First can help you understand why so often our first things aren't first. Rather than offering you another clock, First Things First provides you with a compass, because where you're headed is more important than how fast you're going.
What are the most important things in your life? Do they get as much care, emphasis, and time as you'd like to give them? Far from the traditional "be-more-efficient" time-management book with shortcut techniques, First Things First shows you how to look at your use of time totally differently. Using this book will help you create balance between your personal and professional responsibilities by putting first things first and acting on them. Covey teaches an organizing process that helps you categorize tasks so you focus on what is important, not merely what is urgent. First you divide tasks into these quadrants:
- Important and Urgent (crises, deadline-driven projects)
- Important, Not Urgent (preparation, prevention, planning, relationships)
- Urgent, Not Important (interruptions, many pressing matters)
- Not Urgent, Not Important (trivia, time wasters)
Most people spend most of their time in quadrants 1 and 3, while quadrant 2 is where quality happens. "Doing more things faster is no substitute for doing the right things," says Covey. He points you toward the real human needs--"to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy"--and how to balance your time to achieve a meaningful life, not just get things done. --Joan Price
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