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
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Well presented
I find Stephen Covey’s work extremely practical and logical. If only our world could operate on his principles we would be far better off. It is a mix of personal growth as well as how to organize your life into an efficient and practical way. Both are necessary in order to live a fulfilling life. He talks about delegating without losing control, he talks aboutwin win situations, instead of just trying to be the winner. He talks about habits, time management and how to turn your resolutions into reality. Good for everyone no matter what path they are walking in lifeDr Gunta Krumins-Caldwell author of On Silver Wings
5 Stars You quickly realize you have become caught in the “thick of thin things” and how to rectify it.
You quickly realize you have become caught in the “thick of thin things” and how to rectify it. A life long habit of improvement and prioritization will stem from this book. I re-read it on a regular basis and re-learn and re-apply lessons that get lost due to unwarranted external influences.
5 Stars Excellent Book
This book is a good book and great in achieving and organizing time throughout your daily life. It teaches one how to manage their time effectively and how to appreciate the smaller things in life.
5 Stars First Things First
I found this book to be extremely helpful. It provides a framework for success that also demands a balanced living approach. Well worth the read for anyone looking to move forward in life without having to sacrifice everything else.
Shaun Brodison
Author
Secrets to Effective Weight Loss
1 Stars Extremely poor quality
If I recall, the book was listed as good or very good condition. It was extremely old. Pages were not just yellowed, they were brown and so fragile that some were broken away in pieces.
The smell was very musty; almost a vinegary smell.
Books in this condition usually have dust mites, and I am assuming this one does, because I started sneezing the moment I opened it, and therefore had to go to a local “brick and mortar” store to replace it so that I could finish in time for a discussion of the book ith my boss, who suggested that I read it.
I am very disappointed and will never buy from this seller again.
Filed under: Personal Finance Book Reviews