First Things First

Outline

First Things First (1994) argues that good time management is less about doing things faster and more about doing the things that matter most. Stephen R. Covey, A. Roger Merrill and Rebecca R. Merrill introduce the time management matrix, which separates urgent tasks from important ones, and show how to plan each week around your roles, values, and goals. The book encourages readers to follow a compass rather than a clock.

• Good time management is less about doing things faster and more about doing the things that matter most.
• The time management matrix separates urgent tasks from important ones, so you can see where your time actually goes.
• Constant urgency crowds out what matters, so priorities should come from your values and long-term purpose.
• Plan each week around your roles, values, and goals instead of reacting to whatever demands attention first.
• Follow a compass rather than a clock: let direction and values guide your choices, not just the schedule.

Stephen R. Covey, A. Roger Merrill and Rebecca R. Merrill are experts in leadership and personal effectiveness. Covey (1932–2012) was an American educator and author whose book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People became one of the most influential business books ever. Roger and Rebecca Merrill worked closely with him at the Covey Leadership Center, specialising in time management and helping bring his ideas into print.