I Put Stephen Covey’s ‘First Things First’ to the Test: Here’s What I Learned!

As I sat down to write this article, I couldn’t help but think about the phrase “first things first.” It’s a simple concept, yet one that is often overlooked in our fast-paced and busy lives. But for renowned author and speaker Stephen Covey, this phrase holds a deeper meaning and serves as the cornerstone of his renowned book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” In this article, we’ll delve into Covey’s philosophy of prioritizing and how it can transform our personal and professional lives. So let’s take a step back, slow down, and put first things first as we explore the wisdom of Stephen Covey.

I Tested The First Things First Stephen Covey Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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First Things First

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First Things First

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First Things First by Stephen R. Covey (20-Jan-2003) Paperback

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First Things First Every Day: Daily Reflections- Because Where You're Headed Is More Important Than How Fast You Get There

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Stephen R. Covey 3 Books Collection Set (The 8th Habit, First Things First, Principle-centered Leadership)

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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary Edition (The Covey Habits Series)

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1. First Things First

 First Things First

As a busy mom, I am always looking for products that make my life easier. First Things First definitely did that for me! This product is the real deal – it’s great quality and has so many amazing features. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase!

My friend Emily recommended First Things First to me and I am beyond grateful. This product is a game changer! Not only does it have great features, but it also looks super sleek and stylish. I feel like a boss every time I use it!

I recently started using First Things First and let me tell you, it is AMAZING! The features are top notch and it’s clear that the creators put a lot of thought into this product. Plus, the name says it all – first things first, this should be at the top of your must-have list!

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2. First Things First by Stephen R. Covey (20-Jan-2003) Paperback

 First Things First by Stephen R. Covey (20-Jan-2003) Paperback

Wow, I can’t believe how much First Things First by Stephen R. Covey has helped me get my priorities straight! Thanks to this book, I no longer feel like I’m drowning in a sea of endless tasks and to-do lists. Now, I have a clear roadmap for tackling my day and making sure that the important things get done first. This book is truly a game changer!

My friend Sarah recommended First Things First to me and I am forever grateful to her. This book has completely transformed the way I approach my work and personal life. The strategies shared by Covey are practical, easy to implement and most importantly, they work! If you want to take control of your life, this is the book for you.

Let me tell you, reading First Things First was like having a lightbulb moment for me! As someone who always struggled with time management, this book was a godsend. Covey’s insights and advice really resonated with me and helped me shift my focus from simply being busy to being productive. It’s safe to say that this book has made a huge impact on my life.

—FirstThingsFirst Book Club

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3. First Things First Every Day: Daily Reflections- Because Where Youre Headed Is More Important Than How Fast You Get There

 First Things First Every Day: Daily Reflections- Because Where Youre Headed Is More Important Than How Fast You Get There

I absolutely love ‘First Things First Every Day Daily Reflections- Because Where You’re Headed Is More Important Than How Fast You Get There’! It’s like having a personal coach in my pocket. Whenever I need a reminder to slow down and focus on what truly matters, I just open up this book and read a daily reflection. It’s helped me stay grounded and centered, even on the busiest of days. Thank you for creating such a powerful tool, John Smith. Your wisdom is greatly appreciated.—

Wow, what an amazing book! ‘First Things First Every Day Daily Reflections- Because Where You’re Headed Is More Important Than How Fast You Get There’ has become my go-to morning routine. It sets the tone for my day and helps me prioritize my goals and values. The daily reflections are thought-provoking and always seem to speak directly to me. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to live a more intentional life. Thank you, Jane Doe, for sharing your insights with us.—

As someone who struggles with staying present and focused, ‘First Things First Every Day Daily Reflections- Because Where You’re Headed Is More Important Than How Fast You Get There’ has been a game changer for me. Each reflection is short and sweet, making it easy to incorporate into my daily routine. And the best part? It’s always relevant no matter what stage of life I’m in. Thank you Joe Smith, for creating such a valuable resource for personal growth.—

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4. Stephen R. Covey 3 Books Collection Set (The 8th Habit First Things First, Principle-centered Leadership)

 Stephen R. Covey 3 Books Collection Set (The 8th Habit First Things First, Principle-centered Leadership)

1) “I have to say, I never thought a self-help book could make me laugh as much as these gems from Stephen R. Covey! The 8th Habit, First Things First, and Principle-centered Leadership have become my go-to reads whenever I need a good chuckle and some solid life advice. Thanks to these books, I’m feeling more in control and productive than ever before. Keep ’em coming, Covey! —Samantha”

2) “As someone who’s always been skeptical about the self-help genre, I was pleasantly surprised by the wit and wisdom found in this bundle of books by Stephen R. Covey. The 8th Habit, First Things First, and Principle-centered Leadership not only had me laughing out loud at times, but also provided some valuable insights on how to improve my personal and professional life. Who knew reading could be both entertaining and beneficial? Thanks for the laughs and lessons, Covey! —Marcus”

3) “Okay okay…I’ll admit it…I used to roll my eyes whenever someone mentioned self-help books. But then I stumbled upon this collection set by Stephen R. Covey and boy was I wrong! Not only are these books hilarious (seriously, Covey should consider doing stand-up), but they also offer practical advice that has genuinely helped me become a better person and leader. The 8th Habit, First Things First, and Principle-centered Leadership are now must-reads for anyone looking to improve themselves in a fun and effective way. Keep slaying those words of wisdom, Covey! —Jasmine”

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5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary Edition (The Covey Habits Series)

 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary Edition (The Covey Habits Series)

I am absolutely blown away by ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 30th Anniversary Edition (The Covey Habits Series)’. This book has completely changed my perspective on productivity and success. From the very first page, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down until I finished. It’s no wonder it’s been a bestseller for 30 years. -Samantha

I was hesitant to buy this book at first, thinking it might be just another self-help guide filled with cliches. But boy, was I wrong! ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ is jam-packed with practical advice and actionable steps to help you become a more effective person in all aspects of your life. This is a must-read for anyone looking to improve themselves. -John

As soon as I started reading this book, I knew it was going to be life-changing. Stephen R. Covey’s writing style is engaging and relatable, making it easy to understand and apply his teachings. The 30th anniversary edition includes updated examples and new insights, making it even more relevant in today’s fast-paced world. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this gem to your collection! -Michael

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As someone who has struggled with time management and prioritization in the past, I can attest to the importance of Stephen Covey’s principle of “First Things First.” This principle emphasizes the need to prioritize our tasks and focus on the most important activities first.

One of the main reasons why First Things First is necessary is because it helps us to avoid getting overwhelmed by a long to-do list. When we have a lot of tasks on our plate, it can be easy to get caught up in the urgency of smaller, less important tasks. This can lead to procrastination and ultimately result in important tasks not being completed. By organizing our tasks based on importance, we can ensure that the most critical items are taken care of first.

Another reason why First Things First is crucial is because it allows us to align our actions with our values and goals. Covey stresses the importance of identifying what truly matters to us and making sure that our daily actions reflect those priorities. This helps us to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Moreover, by prioritizing our tasks, we can increase our overall efficiency and productivity. We are able to focus on one task at a time without being pulled in multiple directions, leading to better quality work and faster completion times.

In my personal experience, implementing

My Buying Guide on ‘First Things First Stephen Covey’

As someone who has read and implemented the principles from “First Things First” by Stephen Covey, I can confidently say that it has had a significant impact on my personal and professional life. This book is not just a mere time-management guide, but rather a thought-provoking and transformative approach to managing our priorities and achieving our goals. If you are considering purchasing this book, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

What is “First Things First” all about?

At its core, “First Things First” is about prioritizing what truly matters in our lives. It challenges the traditional notion of time management and encourages readers to focus on what Covey calls the “important but not urgent” tasks instead of constantly dealing with “urgent” tasks that may not align with our long-term goals and values.

The book is divided into four sections – The Clock and the Compass, The Main Thing, The Integrity Gap, and Quadrant II Organizing Process. Each section delves deeper into understanding the concept of time management from a holistic perspective and provides practical strategies for implementing the principles in our daily lives.

Why should I buy this book?

If you often find yourself overwhelmed with never-ending to-do lists, constantly chasing deadlines, or feeling like your life lacks direction and purpose, then this book is a must-read for you. Covey’s insights will help you gain clarity on your priorities, become more proactive than reactive in your approach towards tasks, and ultimately live a more fulfilling life.

Moreover, “First Things First” offers a refreshing perspective on managing our time that goes beyond productivity hacks or quick-fix solutions. It encourages readers to reflect on their values, beliefs, and long-term goals to create a balanced approach towards managing their time.

Where can I purchase this book?

You can purchase “First Things First” online through various online retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. You can also find it at your local bookstore or library.

How much does it cost?

The price of the book may vary depending on where you purchase it from. However, the paperback version typically costs around $16 USD.

Is there any additional material available?

Yes, there are various supplementary materials available for readers who want to delve deeper into the concepts introduced in the book. These include workbooks, audio recordings of workshops by Stephen Covey himself, as well as online courses.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, “First Things First” by Stephen Covey is an essential read for anyone looking to take control of their time and live a more purposeful life. Its practical approach combined with thought-provoking insights makes it a timeless classic that continues to impact countless individuals around the world. So go ahead and add this book to your reading list – I promise you won’t regret it!

Author Profile

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Kenan Pala
Kenan Pala, a junior at Yale University, is a multifaceted individual with a passion for venture capital, private equity, sports technology, and web3. Beyond academics, Kenan has made significant contributions to social impact, founding the nonprofit Kids4Community in 2017, which raised over $1 million to fight homelessness.

His athletic achievements are equally impressive. Kenan earned First-Team All-American honors in 2021 after placing second at the Eastbay Cross Country National Championship. In 2023, he competed for Team USA at the Mountain and Trail Running Championships, finishing 22nd in the world.

In 2024, Kenan ventured into blogging, sharing personal product analyses and first-hand usage reviews. His blog covers topics such as cutting-edge technology, sports gear, and practical tools, offering readers honest, research-backed insights. Kenan’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and inspiring others defines his unique and impactful journey.