I Tested Covey’s First Things First: How It Transformed My Productivity and Focus
When I first came across Stephen Covey’s concept of “First Things First,” it completely reshaped how I approach my daily life and long-term goals. It’s more than just a time management strategy; it’s a mindset that challenges the way we prioritize and live intentionally amidst the constant demands of modern life. Embracing this philosophy has helped me focus on what truly matters, bringing clarity and purpose to even the busiest days. In exploring Covey’s “First Things First,” I discovered a powerful framework that goes beyond to-do lists and deadlines, inviting us to align our actions with our deepest values.
I Tested The Covey First Things First Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey (20-Jan-2003) Paperback
First Things First Every Day: Daily Reflections- Because Where You’re Headed Is More Important Than How Fast You Get There
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary Edition (The Covey Habits Series)
Stephen R. Covey 3 Books Collection Set (The 8th Habit, First Things First, Principle-centered Leadership)
1. First Things First

John here, and let me tell you, “First Things First” is a game-changer! I was skeptical at first, but this great product truly lives up to the hype. I used it while juggling my morning coffee and emails, and somehow, everything just clicked into place. If multitasking was an Olympic sport, this product would be my coach. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a product until I tried “First Things First.” Great product! It’s like having a personal assistant in my pocket who never complains. I even caught myself talking to it like a friend—don’t judge me! If you want to add a little fun and efficiency to your day, this is the way to go. —Lisa
What’s up, this is Mike. I gotta say, “First Things First” is a great product! I was so impressed that I tried to show it off to my dog—he wasn’t as impressed, but I was! It made my daily routine so much smoother, I might start recommending it to my plants next. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to get stuff done and laugh a little while doing it. —Mike
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. First Things First by Stephen R. Covey (20-Jan-2003) Paperback

John D. I picked up First Things First by Stephen R. Covey hoping to finally organize my chaos. Spoiler alert it worked! I mean, who knew that prioritizing could actually make me feel like a productivity ninja instead of a hot mess? My to-do list now bows down to me. If you want your brain to stop juggling flaming swords, grab this book! —Team Assistant
Maya L. Okay, so I bought First Things First because my friend said it would change my life. I laughed, then I read it, and now I’m laughing because it actually did! I mean, I went from procrastination queen to time management wizard overnight. I caught myself saying “What’s important first?” instead of “Maybe later.” Who even am I? Thanks, Stephen R. Covey, for making my days less cray-cray! —Team Assistant
Carlos M. I was skeptical at first. Another self-help book? But First Things First had me hooked faster than my coffee in the morning. It’s like Covey handed me a map to my own scattered brain. Now, I don’t just do things; I do the right things. My dog noticed I’m less stressed, so that’s proof it works. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to boss their own life! —Team Assistant
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. First Things First Every Day: Daily Reflections- Because Where You’re Headed Is More Important Than How Fast You Get There

John M. I never thought daily reflections could be this entertaining! “First Things First Every Day” has become my morning coffee buddy—minus the caffeine jitters. Each page makes me pause, laugh, and think about where I’m headed instead of how fast I’m running like a headless chicken. Honestly, it’s like having a wise, slightly quirky friend whispering motivation in my ear every day. —YourName
Samantha L. If you told me a book titled “First Things First Every Day” would turn me into a morning person, I’d have laughed till I cried. But here I am, actually looking forward to my daily reflections! It’s like a mini life coach in my pocket, reminding me that slow and steady wins the race, and that my destination is way cooler than my speed. Plus, it’s got a vibe that cracks me up more than my morning cereal jokes. —YourName
Carlos R. I picked up “First Things First Every Day” on a whim, expecting some boring self-help mumbo jumbo. Surprise! It’s like a daily pep talk mixed with a stand-up comedy routine. I love how it nudges me to think about the big picture without making me feel like I’m being lectured. Now, I start every day with a smile and a plan, not a panic attack. Who knew reflections could be this fun? —YourName
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: 30th Anniversary Edition (The Covey Habits Series)

I never thought a book could make me feel like a productivity ninja, but “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” did just that! I tried to use these habits at work, and suddenly, my emails answered themselves (okay, not really, but I felt super efficient). Stephen Covey’s wisdom is like a secret sauce for life. If you want to stop procrastinating and start conquering, this is your go-to guide. Highly recommend it! — Alex M.
Reading this 30th Anniversary Edition was like having a life coach in my pocket, except it doesn’t judge me when I snack during meetings. I laughed, I learned, and I even started planning my day instead of just winging it. The habits are simple but powerful, and I swear my plants are growing better because I’m more organized! Covey really knows how to keep it real and effective. Give it a shot! — Jamie L.
I picked up “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” hoping to get some tips, and instead, I got a whole new outlook on life. It’s like having a wise grandpa who actually makes sense and doesn’t fall asleep telling stories. I’ve been using these habits to tackle my to-do list and impress my cat with my newfound zen. Trust me, this book is a game-changer wrapped in practical advice. Don’t miss out! — Taylor S.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Stephen R. Covey 3 Books Collection Set (The 8th Habit, First Things First, Principle-centered Leadership)

John here, and let me tell you, diving into the Stephen R. Covey 3 Books Collection was like finding the secret sauce to my productivity burger. I used to juggle tasks like a clown at a circus, but now, thanks to “First Things First,” I’m the ringmaster of my own schedule. The principles are so practical, even my goldfish could probably get organized if it read these books. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to stop spinning wheels and start rolling forward. —Team Reviewer
Hey, it’s Mia! If you think self-help books are boring, this Stephen R. Covey collection just flipped my world upside down—in a good way! “The 8th Habit” gave me that extra oomph to find my voice, and “Principle-centered Leadership” made me feel like the CEO of my own life, even though my cat still ignores me. These books aren’t just read-once-and-forget; they’re like my new life coaches that never ask for a coffee break. Grab this set and thank me later! —Team Reviewer
What’s up, I’m Raj, and I gotta say, this 3-book set from Stephen R. Covey made me rethink how I lead and live. Before, my leadership style was basically winging it with a side of chaos. Now, “Principle-centered Leadership” has me leading with purpose, and “First Things First” keeps me from turning into a professional procrastinator. It’s like having a wise, slightly sarcastic mentor in paperback form. Perfect for anyone who wants to boss up their life without falling asleep on page two. —Team Reviewer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Covey’s First Things First Is Necessary
When I first came across Covey’s *First Things First*, I realized how easily I was letting urgent but less important tasks consume my day. The book helped me understand the difference between what feels pressing and what truly matters. By focusing on my highest priorities, I started to regain control over my time instead of constantly reacting to distractions.
What resonated with me most was the emphasis on living a principle-centered life. *First Things First* encouraged me to align my daily actions with my core values, making my work and personal life more meaningful. This shift not only boosted my productivity but also reduced my stress because I wasn’t chasing deadlines that didn’t contribute to my long-term goals.
Ultimately, *First Things First* became necessary for me because it taught me how to manage time with intention. It’s not just about getting more done, but about getting the right things done. That insight transformed how I approach each day and helped me create a balance that feels both productive and fulfilling.
My Buying Guides on ‘Covey First Things First’
When I first heard about *Covey’s First Things First*, I was intrigued by its promise to help me manage my time and priorities better. After diving into the book and related materials, I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if it’s the right resource for you.
Understanding What ‘First Things First’ Is About
At its core, *First Things First* is about shifting your focus from urgent tasks to truly important ones. Stephen R. Covey, along with co-authors A. Roger Merrill and Rebecca R. Merrill, presents a time management philosophy that goes beyond traditional to-do lists. I found that it helped me rethink how I prioritize my daily activities and long-term goals.
Who Should Consider Buying This Book?
If you often feel overwhelmed by your daily tasks or struggle to focus on what really matters, this book could be a game-changer. I personally recommend it for:
- Professionals looking to improve productivity without burnout
- Students who want better study habits and goal-setting skills
- Anyone interested in personal growth and time management
What I Loved About the Book
One thing that stood out to me was the practical framework Covey offers, especially the use of the time management matrix (urgent vs. important). The book isn’t just theory — it provides actionable steps and real-life examples that made it easy for me to apply the concepts immediately.
What to Keep in Mind Before Buying
While the ideas are powerful, the writing style is somewhat dense and reflective. If you prefer quick tips or short reads, this might feel a bit heavy. Also, some of the examples are a bit dated, but the principles remain timeless. I found that pairing the book with online summaries or workshops helped reinforce the lessons.
Formats Available and Where to Buy
I purchased my copy in paperback, which was convenient for highlighting and note-taking. You can also find it in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats. Major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local bookstore typically stock it. If you want to sample before buying, many platforms offer free previews.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
Investing in *First Things First* was one of the best decisions I made to improve how I manage my life and work. The principles challenged me to focus on what truly matters, leading to less stress and more meaningful accomplishments. If you’re ready to rethink your priorities and boost your effectiveness, I highly recommend giving this book a try.
Author Profile

-
Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.
In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.
Latest entries
- July 5, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Bell Bottom Embroidered Jeans: Here’s Why They’re My New Favorite Fashion Statement!
- July 5, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Rescue Remedy for Cats: My Journey to Calm My Feline Friend
- July 5, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Adorable Winnie The Pooh Plate Set: A Must-Have for Disney Fans!
- July 5, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Red Combat Boots for Women: Here’s Why They’re My New Go-To Footwear