When I opened my first company (Avant Salon) in 1983, “Seven Habits of Highly Successful People” was a mandatory part of our education, along with technical training. The lessons in Coveys book are timeless,.. for biz and life. This month, I am focusing on reading and writing with a focus on “Execution”, which is why Habit One, “First Things First” is my read of the week.
Here are the key takeaways that struck with me:
- Importance of Quadrant II: Covey introduces a time management matrix with four quadrants, and he emphasizes spending more time in Quadrant II, which is about focusing on important but not urgent activities like personal development, relationships, and long-term goals. This quadrant helps us prevent crises and achieve real fulfillment.
- Identify your Big Rocks: He uses the analogy of fitting rocks, pebbles, and sand into a jar to represent our time and priorities. The big rocks represent the most crucial aspects of our lives, and we should put them in first to ensure they fit.
- Roles and Goals: Covey encourages us to identify the various roles we play in life (parent, spouse, professional, etc.) and set clear goals for each role. This way, we can align our actions with our values and fulfill our responsibilities more effectively.
- Learn to say “No”: Saying “No” is essential to protect our time and energy. Covey emphasizes that declining non-essential tasks is not being rude; it’s a way to maintain focus on our priorities.
- Weekly Planning: Covey advocates for weekly planning sessions, where we review our roles, set goals, and plan activities accordingly. This practice helps us stay on track and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Emphasize relationships: Building and nurturing meaningful relationships is crucial for a fulfilling life. Covey emphasizes spending quality time with loved ones and investing in these connections.
- Avoid the “Tyranny of the Urgent”: Often, we get caught up in urgent but not necessarily important tasks. Covey suggests creating a buffer to deal with urgent matters, allowing us to focus on what truly matters.
- Personal Integrity: Covey stresses the importance of aligning our actions with our values and principles. Living with integrity leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
- Empowerment and Delegation: By empowering others and delegating tasks effectively, we can free up time for more important activities and focus on personal growth.
My Conclusion:
I have to say, this book really hit home for me. It made me reflect on how I’ve been managing my time and reevaluate my priorities. I’m now determined to spend more time in Quadrant II and focus on my big rocks. It’s a work in progress, but I’m excited to see the positive changes it brings to my life. I highly recommend “First Things First” to anyone looking to take control of their time and live a more purposeful life. Happy reading!