1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: This book provides an effective roadmap to prioritize our lives, enabling us to focus on what matters most and make the most of our time.
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen R. Covey
Quick Info

Category: Productivity
Publish Date: 1996-01-17
# Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780684802039
Where to Get It:
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Table of Contents
Overview
First Things First is a self-help book written by Stephen R. Covey that focuses on helping readers prioritize their lives in order to achieve greater balance and fulfillment.
The book has become a classic in the self-help genre and has sold over 15 million copies since it’s initial publication in 1994.
Covey’s philosophy espouses the idea that by organizing our lives around our values and goals, we can achieve true success in all aspects of life.
He encourages readers to distinguish between activities that are important and those that are merely urgent, and to focus their energy on the former.
Through a mix of practical exercises and inspirational insights, Covey provides a framework for making better decisions and living a more meaningful life.
4 Key Lessons from First Things First by Stephen R. Covey
1. Establish Your Most Important Goals
In First Things First, Stephen R.
Covey emphasizes the importance of focusing on the most important goals in your life before anything else.
This lesson is beneficial to readers because it encourages them to identify the activities and behaviors that will bring them the most satisfaction and fulfillment.
It also encourages them to prioritize their goals and to stay focused on the tasks that are most likely to lead to success.
2. Live By Your Principles
Stephen R.
Covey encourages readers to live by their own set of principles so that they can stay true to their values.
This lesson is beneficial to readers because it helps them to stay committed to their beliefs and not be swayed by outside influences.
Additionally, living by a set of principles keeps readers focused on their long-term goals and encourages them to make decisions based on their own values.
3. Balance Your Time
Stephen R.
Covey’s lesson on time management is essential to readers because it encourages them to plan ahead and prioritize tasks.
This lesson is beneficial to readers because it helps them to stay organized, to avoid procrastination, and to maximize their productivity.
It also encourages readers to take regular breaks and to take time for themselves.
4. Seek Win-Win Solutions
Stephen R.
Covey encourages readers to strive for win-win solutions when they encounter a problem.
This lesson is beneficial to readers because it encourages them to look for solutions that are beneficial to all parties involved.
Additionally, it encourages readers to collaborate and to find mutually beneficial solutions instead of relying on a one-sided approach.
Who Should Read It
This book is suitable for anyone who wants to learn how to better manage their time and prioritize their tasks.
It is especially useful for busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and students who want to improve their productivity and lead a more balanced life.
Where to Get It
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About Stephen R. Covey
Stephen R. Covey was an American author and businessman.
He was best known for writing the best-selling book, First Things First, which focused on self-improvement and business management.
He was also the founder of the Covey Leadership Center, a training and consulting firm.
Covey’s work has been highly influential in business, education, and personal development.
He was a proponent of the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and was a strong advocate for prioritizing what is important in life.
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Other Productivity Books you may Like:
- Best Books on Productivity
- Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
- Focal Point by Brian Tracy
- Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt
- Getting Results the Agile Way by J.D. Meier
Over to You
If you already read First Things First by Stephen R. Covey, please take a moment to rate it and maybe write your feedback in the comments. You’ll help other readers make the best choice.
Thanks a lot,
Simon

Welcome to DailyBitsOfWisdom.com, my passion project inspired by my own battle with depression. Here, I share resources on journaling, positive affirmations, self-help insights, and book summaries, creating a nurturing space where we can connect, learn, and grow together on our journey to self-discovery and personal growth.