First Things

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” ~ Stephen CoveyFirst Things First: A Football Story (Kind Of)Picture this: it’s Sunday morning, and I’m getting some “very important work” done.Deadlines, projects, emails—cue dramatic music—it’s all calling my name.I’m laser-focused, in the zone.Then, my wife comes skipping down the stairs (okay, not actually skipping):“It’s time to watch some football!”Now, I’m not going to lie. My gut reaction? Football?! Really?!I love football, but I knew I had to get caught up on these projects.My inner voice insisted, “You don’t have time for this! You’ve got WORK to do!”But then, after a poorly timed epiphany, I realized the irony. I had set out to write about “FIRST THINGS”—about putting priorities in order. Yet, saying no to football would make my wife unhappy.Could I really write a productivity post about “first things” and then turn around and say, “No can do, wifey”?Was I productive? Nope.Was I effective? YES.Did I make her happy? Yep.And therein lies just one of the first lessons about FIRST THINGS.Lessons in PrioritiesPeople and Relationships > Projects and ThingsStephen Covey’s principle isn’t just about managing time; it’s about managing life—what matters most.Few, if any, lie on their deathbed wishing they had answered more emails or finished more projects.Almost everyone wishes they had spent more time with loved ones.Watching football wasn’t really about the game. It was about showing my wife that she was a priority.In the end, effectiveness always beats efficiency.“Most people are busy, yet ineffective.”I could’ve been “efficient,” said no, and powered through my work—but at what cost? An unhappy spouse?True effectiveness came from trading productivity time for relationship time.Maturity (and a few prior mistakes) are great teachers.My younger self would’ve chosen work, believing it was the smart and responsible thing to do.Older (and hopefully wiser) me has learned that success is less about checking boxes and more about making choices—and forging habits—that align with your values and your “ideal future.”What Are Your First Things?As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded that gratitude and connection are our true FIRST THINGS.Work will always be there. Time with loved ones? That’s fleeting.One less Thanksgiving is being served up on Thursday!So, take a moment to figure out your own “first things”—whether it’s family, friends, or simply being present.Focus on what you value most—and be grateful for the real first things.----For personalized instruction on the P.A.R.R. methodology, check out the upcoming 8-Day Habit Mastery Workshop—an affordable program designed to help you build lasting habits and skills. Master on-demand habit and skill development for a lifetime, and kick off 2025 with real momentum! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit habits2goals.substack.com/subscribe