Habit 3: Put First Things First Part 2


(Not my image)  

    Habit 3 focuses a majority of its section on time management, introducing the four quadrants. The time management matrix is weighted by importance and urgency. Quadrant I is "Necessity", most important and very urgent, for example, emergency meetings. Quadrant II, "Effectiveness",  has a high importance but is not as urgent. Following those two are quadrants III and quadrant IV, decreasing in urgency and importance as it get lower.

    This scale was very helpful in providing me with a visual image of time management. A problem I face when doing assignments is the feeling of defeat after finishing one thing and coming to realize there is more. It feels like a never-ending cycle, and it can be overwhelming. Sometimes I feel as though this a leading cause of my procrastination, the unnerving feeling of never-ending assignments. Before reading about this habit i had already practiced putting the first things (biggest, most important assignments) first. By putting the hardest assignment first I was eliminating my biggest worries first, leaving the easy assignments for last. What I had not noticed was the constant stress and pressure I was putting on myself by my poor management skills. To become an effective person, Covey highlights the importance of being strategic and spacing things out.

    Additionally, this habit entails tips on how to say no. Time management is not a complex idea, but, the performance portion proves to be difficult time and time again. I don't typically struggle with saying no because I prefer to be at home, but it it does not mean I don't feel bad about denying my family and friends' offers. Covey's coverage on the matter helped me gain a better feeling towards the action of saying no. Denying offers is often seen as rude, or ungrateful, but it is important to view the situation of the matter. In a time of busy lives, time is invaluable, so it is important to optimize it. Saying no encourages a decrease in over commitment as well as saving time.

    This habit is something I can fully see myself utilizing in the future. Time management is vital for surviving college. I also appreciate the coverage on saying no. It's important to prioritize what is important (Habit 3). As I continue my education next year at Manoa I will need to learn how to better utilize time management to maintain peace within my mind. Although I want to experience the "College Life" to its full potential, I will also need to learn how to say no to unnecessary outings.


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