First Things First
by A. Roger Merrill, Rebecca R. Merrill, Stephen R. Covey
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.52 You Save: $11.48 (72%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of First Things First
Book Review: From Covey cynic to convert
Summary: 5 Stars
I admit it, I was a Covey cynic. I hadn't read him, but had heard him quoted ad nauseum. Now, I'm a convert. This thoughtful book transforms bland time management techniques into tools for re-examining your life in terms of personalized mission statements. In this rushed world, the idea of deeply knowing what you want out of life and making sure that your activities fit in with that knowledge is radically different. Balance is emphasized, with that balance organized around your roles in life and real human needs, "to learn, to live, to love and to leave a legacy." Covey divides all activities into four quadrants: 1.Important and Urgent (crises, deadline-driven projects) 2.Important, Not Urgent (preparation, prevention, planning, relationships) 3.Urgent, Not Important (interruptions, many pressing matters) 4.Not Urgent, Not Important (trivia, time wasters)The idea is to keep your activities primarily in the second category and to consciously choose activities because of what's important, not because of what's urgent. Covey et al also provide a list of the "Wisdom Literature" from around the world to help you ground your personal mission and life goals in the philosophies that have explored these ideas through the centuries. Don't try to read this book without allowing plenty of reflection time. After you've read the book, you'll allow plenty of reflection time for everything.
Book Review: Time management based on effectiveness
Summary: 4 Stars
Covey and the Merrills have produced a time management book that is unlike any other. Traditional books on time management urge readings to prioritise and work smarter to fit all necessary work in. First Things First focuses on what is important and not on priorities. It advises readers to always do what is important rather than what is urgent.Although I found this book insightful and full of good strategies I am yet to effectively implement them.
Like the 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People' this book is overloaded with many concepts. At times these concepts are explained in a way that makes them more complex (I am sure that this wasn't the authors intent). The book becomes very heavy in places and takes a great deal of concentration to understand. This turns the reader off and it is difficult to move through the book quickly.
I would advise all owners of this book to also purchase the audio version. This is a condensed version of the book and it gives an excellent summary. It allows listeners to digest the concepts and discusses the right amount of information. After listening to the tape I found reading the book easier going.
I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone and as the authors point out people must practice the techniques continuously. It is not an overnight cure only the start to future personal time management.
Book Review: Excellent Life Management Book
Summary: 5 Stars
I read the 7 habits of Highly Effective people a few years ago and was very inspired at that time to take more control of my life and try and implement the habits into my daily life. In particular, i really found the third habit on time management useful and could see the benefit. However, at that time i did not put the habits into effect in any real way.
Then recently, i discovered this book again which mainly deals with the third habit and some of the second habit and found that i was now ready to not only read about it but to actually start doing it by using the tools and techinques outlined to take control of my life and focus on the things that really mattered.
It may seem simple but starting with a vision of my life and then writing out my goals for incorporation into my monthly, weekly and daily planning has alreaady had a tremendous effect on my life and i find that i am scheduling important things in my life such as meditation and exercise and doing these which is giving me a more balanced work life balance. I also find it very effective for my job in which i am now scheduling important activites into my calender and doing them rather than just reacting to the urgent day to day requests at the expense of these more important long term activities.
Book Review: Inspiritional and practical
Summary: 5 Stars
USA Today said that Stephen Covey is the hottest self-improvement consultant to hit U.S. business since Dale Carnegie and I agree. Covey is the best.In First Things First, Covey discloses powerful time management techniques. What makes this book different from typical time management books and programs is that Covey shows you how to see the whole picture rather than tiny fragments of our lives.
Before reading and applying the techniques in First Things First, I would always lament
"I have too much to do---and not enough time to do it."
"I can't balance my personal life with my business life."
"There is too little of me and too much to do."
"I don't feel in controlof my life."
"Why do I feel so empty all the time."
What you won't find in this book is another daytimer program or another clock. Covey explains why it is more important to know where you are heading instead of how fast you are going. You won't find the old theory of working harder, faster, smarter and more, more, more. It's about effectiveness, not efficiency. And most importantly, it really works.
Thank you Dr. Covey!
Book Review: Another book ALL OF HUMANITY needs....
Summary: 5 Stars
The author's of this book had a buyer when I heard it was co-authored with Mr. Covey (whom I greatly admire) and I found out that Mrs. Merrill had her family's menus planned months in advance.
Also, I love the Covey/Merrill families (all that I have read about them), their faith and successful children, and family lives. And I am not a naturally organized person (I have severe ADD) and every tool I can have in my arsenal helps.
But this book, like The 7 Habits, transcends just mere organization and really helps you focus on WHAT REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE and GETTING IT DONE.
Thanks in part to it and the 7 Habits books, I now have a VERY organized household, a much happier husband, more time to spend with family, better work habits, and am well on my way to having 3 books published!
If you have any organizational or time management issues, or are simply just pursuing being the best person you can be, PLEASE GET THIS BOOK.
If I could give it to everyone ON EARTH I would.
Thanks authors!