First Things First
by A. Roger Merrill, Rebecca R. Merrill, Stephen R. Covey
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Book Reviews of First Things First
Book Review: A Revolutionary Resource!
Summary: 5 Stars
As someone who juggles many different responsibilities and a crowded calendar, I approached this title with high expectations. I was not disappointed! Covey here offers a revolutionary resource for time management. Rather than following the standard theme of how to do more in a given period of time, the author emphasizes the importance of setting priorities and planning ahead. His analogy of the clock and the compass is priceless in describing the two elements that should both be balanced in our prioritizing and scheduling.
I've been exposed to many varied techniques of time management, but have not experienced anything as revolutionary and life-transforming as this title. For anyone who can't find enough time to "get everything done that needs to be done," I highly recommend this book. It's been a huge help to me!
Book Review: Very useful thoughts and concepts
Summary: 5 Stars
Okay, I will admit it: I never managed to get all the way through Seven Habits..., even though I know people who read it cover-to-cover every year!
First Things First was much more accessible to me, and it has some very useful things to say about the differences between "urgent" and "important" - and why things that are important but not urgent are often neglected in the desperate rush to get the urgent stuff done. How can we differentiate between the two? There are some clear guidelines here, as well as great steps to take to make sure we have our own Important things identified and prioritized.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by little things, frustrated with traditional time management, and in need of some tools to bring clearer focus to their life and their goals.
Book Review: The one I had been waiting for! Life changing advice
Summary: 5 Stars
I first read this book when the hardcover edition was first published, to the best of my recollection we are talking about 5 years ago. Before then I had read almost every book written on time management. The only thing I learned from them was that they all basically gave the same advice, and very little of it was helpful. Meanwhile I was still getting bogged down in little tasks and piles of papers, instead of living my dreams.This book provided the direction I needed. When I first read about writing a personal mission statement, I did not believe I could write a one page document, never have to revise it, and still be guided by it for a lifetime. Well I was wrong, and they were right! When life gets crazy, I can usually find the answers in my mission statement, or in this book
Thank you Dr. Covey
Book Review: Excellent book, but lots of marketing type material
Summary: 4 Stars
I find this book well written. It has a clear way of making us thinking of putting the more important things first in our life. In particular, I remember the example of putting the big rocks in the jar first and packing the rest of the material (sand, smaller rocks) around them. It was a nice analogy. As for the cons, I think this book in particular has a lot of material that really doesnot have to be the way it is given. For example, "Win-Win", "Synergistic thinking", "Circle of influence", "Shared vision" etc etc etc., I like such phrases because they help me remember the points mentioned, but the book is so full of them I got a little put off. I mean, a phrase like this on every second page!
Overall, a recommended buy for everyone. From students to CEO s.
Book Review: Definately First Things First
Summary: 4 Stars
Stephen Covey defiantely made you look within yourself and your daily lifestyle to show really what is first! At the beginning it seemed a bit boring but after the first 30 pages I was hooked. It is defiantely a great how-to book. I find myself now placing things in quadrants and it really does work! Before reading this book I was overwelmed with the activities in my life. I am a college junior and work fulltime. This gets to be very hectic. Stephen Covey helped me figure out what needs to be done and in what order. I was feeling like I was accomplishing nothing. FOr the past week I have been! The excercises throughout and in the appendix are very helpful. I recommend this book for those in college and the business world. It really does help you bring to perspective what comes first!