Covey, Stephen R., Merrill, A. Roger, and Merrill, Rebecca R. First Things First. Sydney: Simon Schuster, 1994.
306 pages.
Stephen Covey tackles time management, and as you might expect, he nails it. Covey argues for a fourth generation of time management that is principle-centred and focuses on importance rather than urgency.
The ups
First, when Stephen R. Covey writes, you can expect substance. I’ve read dozens of leadership/self-development books and few if any rival the writing of Covey.
Second, Covey’s time management matrix is a paradigm shifting tool that could change the way you look at your day, every day. It has the potential to free you from the tyranny of the urgent and free you up to do what is truly important with your life.
Third, Covey moves well beyond time-saving gimmicks into a rich, relational paradigm that is rooted in and congruent with Christian principles.
The downs
It’s not a Christian book. The world-view is Christian, though it attempts to be areligious. The attempt feels almost self-consciously contrived.
Conclusion
I can’t imagine a pastor or Christian leader who wouldn’t benefit greatly by reading this book. It is, without a doubt, among the top ten most helpful and transformative books I’ve read. I commend it to you.
The night comes.
