New Feature! Download infographics with key insights from bestselling non-fiction books

Book Summary

First Things First

15 min

Audio available Video available

Brief Summary

First Things First teaches that life’s greatest challenge is not getting everything done—it’s ensuring that the things that truly matter come first. Without intentionality, the urgent will overpower the important, leaving people busy but unfulfilled.

Covey offers tools to reverse this pattern: the Time Management Matrix, mission statements, weekly planning, role-based goals, principle-centered decision-making, and Quadrant II living. When we use these practices, we shift from a reactive life to a purposeful one—centered on relationships, growth, health, purpose, and contribution.

When you put first things first, you don’t just manage time better—you transform your life from the inside out.

About the Author

Stephen Richards Covey (1932–2012) was a globally influential author, educator, and leadership thinker whose teachings shaped modern self-development and organizational culture. He co-founded FranklinCovey and authored multiple bestsellers including The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, First Things First, and The 8th Habit.

Covey’s work centers on integrity, principle-based living, and personal leadership. Through books, seminars, and corporate programs worldwide, he taught millions to live intentionally, lead ethically, build trust, and pursue excellence grounded in timeless values. His legacy continues through his writings and through those who apply his teachings to live meaningful, purpose-driven lives.

Topics

Join over 100,000 readers!

Sign up for 3 free book summaries and upgrade for unlimited access

Get Started for Free

Save time with unlimited access to text, audio, and video summaries of the world's best-selling books.

Upgrade Now

More Like This

Michelle Obama

Dan Harris

Eckhart Tolle

Amir Levine and Rachel Heller

Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice From Dear Sugar

Cheryl Strayed

Learn Something New Every Day with Sumizeit

Try Sumizeit to get the key ideas from thousands of bestselling nonfiction titles. Listen, read, or watch in just 15 minutes.

Highest quality content

Our book summaries are crafted to be unbiased, concise, and comprehensive, giving you the most valuable insights in the shortest amount of time.

New content added constantly

We add new content each week, including New York Times bestsellers.

Learn on the go

Learn anytime, anywhere - read, listen or watch summaries on IOS, tablet, laptop, and Kindle!

Cancel anytime

Changed your mind? No problem. Cancel your subscription anytime.

Collect Achievements

Learning just got more rewarding - track your progress and earn prizes using our mobile app.

And much more!

Improve your retention with quizzes. Enjoy PDF summaries, infographics, offline access with our app and more.

Get Started for Free

Our users love Sumizeit

Join thousands of readers who learn faster than they ever thought possible

4.6

out of 5

5k+ ratings

Get Started for Free

As featured in

People ❤️ SumizeIt

See what our readers are saying

Olga Z.

I love this app! As a busy executive, I don't have time to read entire books, but I still want to stay informed. This app provides me with concise summaries of the latest bestsellers, so I can stay up-to-date on the latest trends and ideas without sacrificing my precious time.

Chen L.

Very good development in last months. Content updates on a regular basis and UI is getting better and better.

Erica A.

Great product. Have used them for a long time. One of my favorite things about them is that they are able to summarize a whole book into just 10 minutes.

William H.

This app has been a lifesaver for my studies. Instead of struggling to finish textbooks, I can quickly get the key points from each chapter. It's helped me improve my grades and understand the material much better.

Get Started for Free

Featured Book Titles

Popular Book Summaries at sumizeit, leading book summary app

Atomic Habits Book Summary Rich Dad Poor Dad Book Summary The Four Agreements Book Summary The 48 Laws of Power Book Summary When Breath Becomes Air Book Summary Think and Grow Rich Book Summary

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Book Summary Thinking, Fast and Slow Book Summary The Art of War Book Summary The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Book Summary The 4-Hour Workweek Book Summary The Power of Habit Book Summary The 12 Rules For Life Book Summary

The 5 AM Club Book Summary Maybe You Should Talk to Someone Book Summary How to Talk to Anyone Book Summary 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do Book Summary Becoming by Michelle Obama Book Summary Never Split the Difference Book Summary