Customer Reviews

First Things First

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

While the information in this book is still relevant and helpful, it's basically a rehash of much of the information covered in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Some of the ideas about mission statements and priorites are discussed more thoroughly and there is more specific information on time management like handling the "big rocks" in your week, but overall it seemed like a review. If you haven't read '7 Habits,' then it's a very useful approach to time management and setting the priorities in you life.

This is the best book on time management I have ever read. "First Things First" puts "Seven Habits" into action. It takes the "Habits" principles--sometimes a bit too abstract (and obtuse) and shows you how to put them to work. If you find you don't have time for the people and things that are really important in your life, read this book. If you take the suggestions seriously, you will never again short-change what you love. And, if you do, you will be at least be aware of your choices. A word of warning, though: Covey has an entire catalogue of products to sell you to support "First Things First," but the company does seem to be committed to "principle centered" business

I found this book a waste of time. This was a poor rehash of 7 Habits. 7 Habits I think is important reading and I have read it 7 or 8 times over the years. I often give it as a gift to friends I feel would find it of value but "First Things" not only didn't impress me but I couldn't read it.

Some people on the reviews complained about the book not just being Covey talking...but if you notice the book is written by three people (yeah, Amazon only shows 2, but I have the book in front of me) The CD is a good highlight to explaining the basics to the First Things First principles. The cd says to get the book for using the meat and potatoes of the book...BUT there is also a 3 Disc set out there which is Unabriged and tells it all (for some reason I can't find it on Amazon...but have found it in searching around the net) So if you want the basics to remind yourself of what you are doing (Review regularly to make it a part of your life is a common self improvement strategy) is quicker than re-reading the book over and over... especially when given the gift of traffic to slow down and enjoy the CD.

This book is outdated with its references to Vision and Mission Statements. The flow charts and reader activities are distracting and it is not a simple/quick read. The length of the "testimonials" were too long. The small font, from a practical point, is too small and there is not enough white space to allow the reader to digest or write notes in it. The language used is too white tower. I would not recommend this as a gift.

This book makes a great addition to The 7 Habits. First Things First is as the title indicates a book about time management. But more than that, about people management. It's about social skills and so much more.

Whether you like Covey or not, this book will impact your life. A highly recommended book to succeed in the new millenium.

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!

When I read this book, the movie, Princess Bride, came to mind. In it, Vizzini, one of the characters in that movie, uses the word "inconceivable" repeatedly. Eventually, another character in the movie, challenges him by saying: "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." Such is the book, First Things First, but the word here is "paradigm."

This is not an easy book to read; in fact, it could possibly induce a mild coma in the careless reader. At the least, it should come with a warning about operating heavy machinery afterwards. The difficult style is a result of having three authors. There are places in the book which begin "Stephen:" or "Roger:" or "Rebecca:" Other sections of the book bear no such introduction, insinuating the three are speaking in chorus; and then, there are passages which appear to have been authored by various acquaintances of theirs. This disorienting method of writing severely detracts from the already fragile quality of information in the book. If you are writing a book and need two people to help you write it, you need to either change subjects or find a different partner.

The book is not completely lacking value though. Chapters, Four through Eight, offer a decent time management system for those individuals who need to start somewhere; and Appendix A is an excellent resource for drafting a personal mission statement. Otherwise, the core information is hopelessly out of date by twenty-five years. The authors might be shocked to learn some of us are already using "sixth-generation paradigms" and are looking for something better. Really! Besides, if you are busy counting paradigms, you do not need to read a time management book much less write one.

This is a good book, yet it over reaches a little bit and could be a bit shorter to make the point. Yet, Covey and Merrill go a long way to help people sort out the priorities in thier lives.

There are four boxes of our time and the tasks that we need to accomplish. Do we have the time to do the busy work to be effective, or do we do the important things first so that other things get done in priority.

This book is an excellent primer for the Franklin/Covey time management program. By focusing on our time the right way, we may be on to greatness. Yet, it may be a better book for managers. Some positions in the world we work in are just busy work.

Maybe Mr. Covey can cover that at a future time.

What I like about Dr. Covey is that he can take such a basic concept, one that we all know we should do (but don't don't) and then beat it to death to drill it's importance to us.

First Things First is such a book. Sounds simple doesn't it? But how many people actually do it?

This book by Dr. Covey will shoul dyou how to place your priorities, get more done in less time and achieve your goals.

First Things First should be read in addition, not in place of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Great book. A must read.