What Happened to First Things First?
Introduction
First Things First is a popular self-help book written by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, first published in 2002. The book focuses on helping individuals and families achieve their goals and improve their lives by prioritizing and managing their time effectively. In this article, we will delve into the history of First Things First, its key principles, and what happened to the book after its initial success.
History of First Things First
First Things First was first published in 2002 by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. The book was initially self-published by Keller and Papasan, but it quickly gained popularity and was later picked up by McGraw-Hill. The book’s success can be attributed to its unique approach to time management, which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing tasks and focusing on the most important ones first.
Key Principles of First Things First
The book’s key principles are centered around the idea of "Prioritizing" and "Managing Time Effectively". Keller and Papasan argue that many people struggle with time management due to their lack of focus and prioritization skills. The book provides a step-by-step guide on how to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and achieve goals.
Here are some of the key principles of First Things First:
- The 2-Minute Rule: If a task can be done in less than 2 minutes, do it immediately.
- The 1-Touch Rule: Handle each piece of paper or task once and deal with it immediately.
- The 80/20 Rule: Focus on the 20% of tasks that will generate 80% of the results.
- The 5-S System: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain tasks and processes.
What Happened to First Things First After Its Initial Success
After its initial success, First Things First was widely adopted by individuals and families around the world. The book’s popularity led to the creation of a range of resources, including online courses, webinars, and a community forum.
However, in 2014, Keller and Papasan announced that they would be discontinuing the book’s print edition. The decision was made due to the increasing costs of printing and distribution, as well as the need to focus on digital content.
Digital Content and Online Resources
In 2014, Keller and Papasan launched a range of digital content, including online courses, webinars, and a community forum. The digital content provided a more flexible and accessible way for readers to learn and apply the principles of First Things First.
Here are some of the digital resources available:
- Online Courses: Keller and Papasan offer a range of online courses on topics such as time management, goal setting, and productivity.
- Webinars: The authors regularly host webinars on topics such as productivity, goal setting, and time management.
- Community Forum: The authors maintain a community forum where readers can ask questions, share their experiences, and get support from others.
Impact of First Things First
First Things First has had a significant impact on the way people approach time management and goal setting. The book’s principles have been widely adopted by individuals and families, and its digital content has provided a more flexible and accessible way for readers to learn and apply the principles.
Here are some of the key impacts of First Things First:
- Increased Productivity: By prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively, individuals and families have reported increased productivity and reduced stress.
- Improved Goal Setting: The book’s principles have helped individuals and families set and achieve goals, leading to increased motivation and satisfaction.
- Better Time Management: First Things First has provided a framework for managing time effectively, leading to improved work-life balance and reduced stress.
Conclusion
First Things First is a highly effective self-help book that provides a unique approach to time management and goal setting. The book’s key principles, including prioritizing, managing time effectively, and focusing on the most important tasks first, have been widely adopted by individuals and families around the world.
While the book’s print edition has been discontinued, its digital content remains available, providing a more flexible and accessible way for readers to learn and apply the principles of First Things First. As a result, the book continues to have a significant impact on the way people approach time management and goal setting, and its principles remain relevant and effective today.