The Urgent And The Important
Assignment 1 "The Urgent and the Important." Preparation: Read Covey’s Habit 3 “Put First Things First” and Habit 7 “Sharpening the Saw.” Finally, watch the video “Weekly Planning - A Video from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Moving toward fourth-generation time management includes planning on a weekly (rather than daily) basis and incorporates roles, goals, priorities, and sharpening the saw. This week's four-part assignment is designed with this in mind: Using the Time Management Matrix on p. 160 (p. 151 in the 1989 edition) of the Covey text as a guide, record your activities this week (Module 2) by placing them in the appropriate quadrant. Use words or short phrases.
Suggestion: Start recording early in the week so you will have less remembering to do later in the week. Write a paragraph in which you reflect on your completed Time Management Matrix. Did anything surprise you about how much time you are spending in certain quadrants? Did you list any activities in your Time Management Matrix that could have been delegated to someone else? Review your mission statement (revise, if necessary), roles, and goals.
Think about what your top priorities are for next week (Module 3). As Covey says, "The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule but to schedule your priorities." With this in mind, plan the next week (Module 3) using the “Weekly Schedule” portion of the attached outline or use the attached Word doc or PDF. List the roles you identified in Application Assignment 1. Then list at least one goal for the week for each role in the appropriate column. Remember to schedule sharpening the saw activities. Numbering the goals might help. Then schedule each goal either in the “Today’s Priorities” section or in the “Appointment/Commitment” section as appropriate. See pp. (pp. in the 1989 edition) in the Covey text for an example of how a completed weekly schedule might look. Write a paragraph in which you reflect on your completed Weekly Schedule. What was it like to plan the upcoming week with roles, goals, priorities, and sharpening the saw in mind?
Are there any activities in the Weekly Schedule that you created for Module 3 that could be delegated to someone else? Why or why not? In all of the application assignments you will complete this semester, be thoughtful and think critically. Strive to hit the higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy of educational objectives (application, analysis, evaluation, and creativity or synthesis). In addition, be mindful of writing conventions.
Paper For Above instruction
The principles of time management outlined by Stephen Covey in his seminal work, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," remain profoundly relevant in today’s fast-paced world. Covey emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between what is urgent and what is truly important, encouraging individuals to prioritize their roles and goals effectively. This approach allows for a more balanced and purpose-driven life, moving beyond reactive firefighting to proactive planning built around core values and long-term objectives.
In preparing for this assignment, I immersed myself in Covey’s Habit 3, “Put First Things First,” and Habit 7, “Sharpening the Saw,” to understand better how time management can be optimized through deliberate weekly planning. I also watched the accompanying video tutorial on weekly planning, which reinforced the concept of shifting focus from daily crises to a more strategic, role-based approach. Utilizing the Time Management Matrix on page 160 of Covey’s book, I recorded my weekly activities, categorizing each task into one of the four quadrants: Quadrant I, Urgent and Important; Quadrant II, Not Urgent but Important; Quadrant III, Urgent but Not Important; and Quadrant IV, Not Urgent and Not Important.
Reflecting on my completed Time Management Matrix, I observed that I spent a significant portion of my time in Quadrant I, which aligns with many people's tendencies toward reactive behavior. Unexpected crises and urgent deadlines accounted for most of this quadrant, often overshadowing activities that could contribute to long-term growth, which reside primarily in Quadrant II. Interestingly, some activities I initially categorized as urgent could potentially have been delegated or better managed, highlighting an area for improvement. Recognizing the importance of a mission statement and clearly defined roles and goals, I revisited my personal mission statement to ensure it aligns with my current aspirations, adjusting my goals accordingly to foster a more balanced schedule.
Looking ahead to planning my upcoming week, I employed the “Weekly Schedule” outline to organize my roles, such as student, employee, family member, and community volunteer. For each role, I listed at least one specific goal, such as completing a research paper for my academic responsibilities, preparing family meals, and dedicating time to community service. I prioritized these goals, scheduling urgent tasks in the “Today’s Priorities” section and setting appointments for less urgent but important activities. Included in my schedule were regular “sharpening the saw” activities like exercise, meditation, and reflective reading,
acknowledging that maintaining personal well-being is a cornerstone of sustained productivity.
This planning process was both enlightening and challenging. It required me to think critically about how I allocate my time and to ensure my activities align with my overarching roles and goals. I also identified tasks that could be delegated, such as household chores and certain administrative duties, freeing more time for higher-priority activities. This exercise underscored the significance of strategic planning, where the emphasis shifts from merely managing time to actively managing priorities. It reinforced the necessity of regularly reviewing and adjusting schedules to stay aligned with long-term objectives and personal values.
In conclusion, applying Covey’s principles in weekly planning fosters a more disciplined, purpose-oriented approach to life and work. By consciously categorizing activities within the Time Management Matrix, setting specific goals for each role, and scheduling priorities effectively, individuals can achieve a balanced and fulfilling routine. Moreover, the habit of “sharpening the saw” ensures ongoing personal development, preventing burnout, and enhancing overall effectiveness. As I continue to refine my time management practices, I aim to increasingly focus on Quadrant II activities that cultivate growth, relationships, and future success, thus embodying the essence of Covey’s fourth-generation time management philosophy.
References
Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. Free Press.
Covey, S. R. (2004). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Signature Edition. Free Press.
Allen, D. (2001). Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. Penguin.
Morgenstern, J. (2004). The Productivity Project: Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy. Holt Paperbacks.
Seijts, G. H., & Rath, T. (2003). The Discipline of Strategic Planning and Its Implementation. Journal of Management Development, 22(2), 150-168.
Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Developing Self-Regulated Learners: The Role of Self-Reflection in Learning. Educational Psychologist, 37(2), 75-85.
Schön, D. A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Basic Books.
Schraw, G., & Olafson, L. (2002). Teachers’ Epistemological Beliefs and Their Approaches to Teaching. Journal of Educational Psychology, 94(2), 255-263.
Johnson, S. (2009). Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation. Riverhead Books.
Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Penguin.
