First Things First

by Stephen R. Covey

We need to constantly be asking ourselves, “What is needed out there, and what is my unique strength, my gift?”

We can control our choices, but we can’t control the consequences of those choices.

But the reality is that most of the greatest achievements and the greatest joys in life come through relationships that are transformational. In the very nature of the interaction, people are altered.

something to be experienced.

Fundamental to putting first things first in our lives is leadership before management: “Am I doing the right things?” before “Am I doing things right?”

“The within is ceaselessly becoming the without,” said James Allen, author of the classic As a Man Thinketh.

“From the state of a man’s heart proceed the conditions of his life; his thoughts blossom into deeds, and his deeds bear the fruitage of character and destiny.”

The fourth generation is based on the “importance” paradigm. Knowing and doing what’s important rather than simply responding to what’s urgent is foundational to putting first things first.