First Things First by Stephen R. Covey; Abridged MP3 Audio Book; Narrator Stephen R. Covey

If you were to pause and think seriously about the "first things" in your life—the three or four things that matter most—what would they be? Are these things receiving the care, emphasis, and time you really want to give them?

Why is it that so often our first things are not first? For years we have been given methods, techniques, tools, and information on how to manage and control our time. We have been told that if we keep working harder, learn to do things better and fastre, use some new device or tool, or file or organize in a particular way, then we will be able to do it all. So we buy the new planner, go to the new class, read the new book. We learn it, apply it, try harder, and what happens? For most people, the result is increased frustration and guilt.

• I need more time.
• My telephone is ringing, my in-basket is piling higher, and meetings dominate the day.
• My companion wants more time.
• I need to exercise more.
• I want to enjoy my life more. I am always running around. I never have time for myself.
• My friends and family want more of me—but how do I give it to them?
• I am always in a crisis because I procrastinate, but I procrastinate because I am always in a crisis.
• I have no balance between my personal life and work. It seems like when I take time from one for the other, it just makes matters worse.
• There is too much stress!
• There is too much to do—and it is all good. How do I choose?

Does this describe your life? Whatever the scenario, pressure to manage time confronts nearly everyone. While in the throes of such growing pressures, many people exclaim, "Help me get things done more quickly. Teach me how to handle the urgent issues that keep coming my way."

Traditional time management suggests that by doing things more efficiently you will eventually gain control of your life, and that increased control of your life, and that increased control will bring the peace and fulfillment you are looking for. We at Franklin Covey disagree.

Basing hapiness on the ability to control everything is futile. While people do control their choice of action, they cannot control the consequences of their choices. Universal laws or principles do. Thus, people are not in control of their lives, principles are. Franklin Covey suggests that this idea provides key insight into the frustration people have had with the traditional "time management" approach to life.

In this program, Franklin Covey presents a dramatically different approach to time management—a principle-centered approach. It transcends the traditional prescriptions of "faster, harder, and smarter." Rather than offering you another clock, this approach provides you with a compas—because where you are headed is more important than how fast you are going.

"Covey is the hottest self-improvement consultant to hit U.S. business since Dale Carnegie." —USA Today

"Roger Merrill's work is an excellent contribution for all individuals who want to connect their real attitudes, beliefs, and actions in the world." —Charles A. Garfield, Ph.D. author of Peak Performers: The New Heroes of American Business

"Covey has reached the apex with First Things First. This is an important work. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't be helped by reading it." —Larry King CNN

Recognized as one of Time magazine's 25 most influential Americans, Stephen R. Covey has dedicated his life to demonstrating how every person can truly control their destiny with profound, yet straightforward guidance. As an internationally respected leadership authority, family expert, teacher, organizational consultant, and author, his advice has given insight to millions. He has sold over 20 million books sold (in 38 languages), and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was named the #1 Most Influential Business Book of the Twentieth Century. His most recent major book, The 8th Habit , has sold nearly 400,000 copies. He holds an MBA from Harvard, and doctorate degree from Brigham Young University. He is the co-founder and vice chairman of FranklinCovey, the leading global professional services firm with offices in 123 countries. He lives with his wife and family in Utah.