Rating: 
Summary: A bit too warm-hearted, though
Review: "First Things First : To Live, to Love, to Learn, to Leave a Legacy" offers a lot of inspiration as well as a real guide how to find the right way to organize oneself.The most impressive paragraphs for me are those which ask you again and again, are you trying to climb a ladder that is leaning against the wrong wall? On the other hand, sometimes it's just too much of loving kindness in this book, too much of "this is the overall solution, we found the Holy Grail". Nevertheless, the authors tried quite hard not to restrict the view to a Western or Christian view of the world, with more or less success. So, if one is aware that the book *is* a bit too warm-hearted and nice, it is a wonderful book. Sometimes one needs a warm shower for a change ... Perhaps the best approach is to have this book for inspiration and in addition another one by different authors that might serve as a more down-to-earth reference.
Rating:
Summary: "The most helpful book I have ever read"
Review: "First Things First" condensed into 360 pages information and ideas that anyone can apply to their daily live struggles. The idea of putting the most necessary chore for the day at the top of the action list and then giving yourself credit for achieving your goal is a terrific method to gain thatcontrol. In the most simple form to a really complicated situation, this methods works. I used to joke about paying the bills by attempting to throw them all up in the air and which ever one landed face up got paid. Not a bad method if the right one appears first. However, since reading his book, I realized I was only avoiding the inevitible. Now, I seriously look at the challenge I must contend with and put it in it's proper perspective. He has a way of encouraging, but letting you be in control. He has a way of praising, but only for derserved praise. He has given me hope when I often felt helpless. Very good, inspiritational reading. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs help to go in the right direction by doing "First Things First".
Rating:
Summary: --Read only if you¿re serious about controlling your life.--
Review:
WHILE COPIES OF COVEY'S _SEVEN HABITS_ were still conspicuous business accessories on public transportation and at latte shops, the people who were changing the world had moved on to the book that cracked the shell on the third habit: putting first things first.
Everyone who has heard the phrase "time management" could suggest prioritizing. Covey, Merrill and Merrill dare to entertain, "How do you do that? How do you know what's first when your plans are buffeted by circumstances, business and people you love-whom you've already put 'first?'"
Excellence is not required by their success formula. You are guided in choosing how driven you want to be by your priorities, and you'll know what (or who) is suffering when you decide to read junk mail.
If your reluctance in addressing time management stems from (1) not wanting to lose yourself and your life in order to finish your list, or (2) no one can help you because you choose to wear more hats than the people who usually offer advice will allow, then _First Things First_ is the FIRST, and possibly only, book you need to read.
Rating:
Summary: --Read only if you¿re serious about controlling your life.--
Review: WHILE COPIES OF COVEY'S _SEVEN HABITS_ were still conspicuous business accessories on public transportation and at latte shops, the people who were changing the world had moved on to the book that cracked the shell on the third habit: putting first things first. Everyone who has heard the phrase "time management" could suggest prioritizing. Covey, Merrill and Merrill dare to entertain, "How do you do that? How do you know what's first when your plans are buffeted by circumstances, business and people you love-whom you've already put 'first?'" Excellence is not required by their success formula. You are guided in choosing how driven you want to be by your priorities, and you'll know what (or who) is suffering when you decide to read junk mail. If your reluctance in addressing time management stems from (1) not wanting to lose yourself and your life in order to finish your list, or (2) no one can help you because you choose to wear more hats than the people who usually offer advice will allow, then _First Things First_ is the FIRST, and possibly only, book you need to read.
Rating:
Summary: Life is precious - Know thyself & Enjoy
Review: A valuable book. This is a must read for any one who wants to be effective in life. The 7 habits author - Stephen Covey - effectively describes this 4th generation time management tool to help us lead a fulfilling life. This book is a practical book, gives tables and charts to be useful on a daily basis. Briefly it talks about our (Life's) Mission statement, the roles which we need to play and the goals in each of our roles. It uses a weekly format instead of a daily or monthly format. A gem of a book, not to be missed.
Rating:
Summary: The path to independence
Review: By acknowledging and implementing your priorities, you develop self confidence and mastery over yourself and your environment. Covey shows you how to do it in this excellent book.
Rating: 
Summary: Seven pages worth photocopying.
Review: Close to 400 tedious pages telling you to plan your time according to what is of heartfelt importance to you, review your progress and refine your goals, and spend an hour or so a day improving your skills. Got that?The books seems to be pitched toward yuppies with "urgency addiction" who need to spend less time at work and more with their kids and the PTA.If you're at the planning-your-life-on-a-napkin stage, though, you might want to go to the library and photocopy--and answer--the questions in Appendix A (Mission Statement Workshop) as a starting point.
Rating: 
Summary: Time management based on effectiveness
Review: Covey and the Merrills have produced a time management book that is unlike any other. Traditional books on time management urge readings to prioritise and work smarter to fit all necessary work in. First Things First focuses on what is important and not on priorities. It advises readers to always do what is important rather than what is urgent. Although I found this book insightful and full of good strategies I am yet to effectively implement them. Like the 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People' this book is overloaded with many concepts. At times these concepts are explained in a way that makes them more complex (I am sure that this wasn't the authors intent). The book becomes very heavy in places and takes a great deal of concentration to understand. This turns the reader off and it is difficult to move through the book quickly. I would advise all owners of this book to also purchase the audio version. This is a condensed version of the book and it gives an excellent summary. It allows listeners to digest the concepts and discusses the right amount of information. After listening to the tape I found reading the book easier going. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone and as the authors point out people must practice the techniques continuously. It is not an overnight cure only the start to future personal time management.
Rating:
Summary: Speaks to my heart and soul.
Review: Dr. Covey and the Merrills have written a book that speaks to my heart and soul. I recommend it to everyone I know. I try to live by their philosophies daily. A must read for everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Just What the Doctor Ordered
Review: First Things First is just what the doctor ordered. It most definitely has something to offer the reader. An excellent how-to book, First Things First held my attention throughout. I was surprised as I began reading that this book would be used as a textbook (especially for a business writing class). But the authors makes it clear that these foundational principles are what gives any life its quality, rich substance and character no matter who you are, where you are or what you have chosen to do in life. And unless you build from here up, your structure is built in vain. In addition to its clarity, the book contains diagram explanations and illustrations that assist with comprehension, which makes for smooth reading. The authors' collective knowledge and life-experiences have produced an excellent work that I highly recommend.
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