0:00
hey everyone I think we've all felt it
0:02
right felt what that overwhelm oh yeah
0:04
when you're just you know chasing
0:06
deadlines and juggling a million things
0:08
and wondering are we really like are we
0:11
making any Headway yeah on the things
0:14
that actually matter right yeah well on
0:17
this deep dive yeah we're going to
0:20
explore um some really cool ideas from
0:23
Stephen CO's first things first oh okay
0:26
and um they might just change your whole
0:28
approach to time M you know time
0:31
management and maybe even life itself
0:33
okay um we're working with a great
0:36
summary of the book right and uh our
0:39
mission today is to kind of give you
0:40
some practical tools yeah and and A New
0:43
Perspective to to conquer that feeling
0:46
of overwhelm and start prioritizing like
0:49
a pro nice yeah I like that so it's not
0:52
just about you know cramming more into
0:53
your day it's about making sure the
0:55
things that you do do actually align
0:58
with your values and your goals exactly
1:00
that's it and I love how cubby uses this
1:02
analogy of the clock and the compass oh
1:06
yeah that's a good one to illustrate
1:08
this you know so like the clock
1:11
represents you know our schedules and
1:13
our deadlines that constant thicking
1:15
yeah but the compass that's our internal
1:19
guide you know our values our sense of
1:21
purpose our you know all of that do you
1:25
ever feel like that disconnect oh all
1:28
the time where where you're running on
1:30
the treadmill like you're busy but
1:32
you're not really moving in the
1:34
direction you want to go that's it yeah
1:36
that's a feeling um so many of us
1:39
experience and I think um yeah that's
1:42
kind of what cvy calls the gap between
1:44
the clock and the compass you know we
1:46
might be like checking things off the
1:48
to-do list but are we really living a
1:51
life that reflects what matters most
1:54
yeah exactly and it's so easy to get
1:56
sucked into um what he calls the urgency
1:59
ition yeah that's a good one like our
2:02
society often equates busyness yeah with
2:06
importance right it's almost like a a
2:08
badge of honor to be stressed out and
2:10
overwhelmed no it's a CH but but is that
2:13
really how we want to live I think KY
2:15
would argue that it's not right and um
2:18
He suggests that this constant focus on
2:21
urgency can actually lead us to neglect
2:25
the things that um right that really
2:28
contribute to our long-term well-being
2:32
fulfillment okay so so how do we break
2:35
free from this urgency addiction right
2:37
well kbby introduces this concept of the
2:41
Matrix which um I'll admit sound a
2:44
little okay intimidating yet know what
2:46
you mean at first yeah it does some
2:47
little technical but it's actually um
2:50
very simple but powerful tool okay so
2:53
imagine four boxes or or quadrants all
2:56
right I got you and two of those
2:57
quadrants represent things that are
2:59
urgent like demanding our attention
3:02
right now I feel that yeah but the other
3:05
two represent things that might not be
3:07
urgent okay but they're still like
3:10
really important for our long-term goals
3:13
and and happiness so it's not just about
3:15
doing things quickly it's about doing
3:17
the right things yeah it is right yeah
3:19
exactly that's the key cuvy argues that
3:22
we need to prioritize activities in that
3:25
quadrant of not urgent but important
3:29
okay you know these are the things that
3:30
often get neglected yeah because they're
3:32
not urgent right exactly because they
3:34
don't have a looming deadline right but
3:37
they're really the key to um living a
3:40
more fulfilling and and principle
3:44
centered life like spending quality time
3:47
with loved ones taking care of our
3:49
health pursuing um our passions you know
3:53
those things they can feel so easy to
3:56
put off yeah totally when the work
3:58
deadline is looming for sure
4:00
but they're like the things that
4:01
actually bring us real meaning and joy
4:04
you know it's true they they ultimately
4:06
contribute to our Effectiveness in all
4:08
areas of life I'm starting to see how
4:10
this all connects good but
4:12
um cubby doesn't just talk about time
4:15
management in a vacuum right he he talks
4:18
about living a principal centered life
4:20
so what does that even mean what does
4:22
that mean well it um yeah it means
4:25
aligning your actions with your like
4:28
deepest values okay you know and
4:31
highlights these like four fundamental
4:34
human needs and it's to live okay to
4:38
love to learn and to leave a legacy wow
4:43
that's that's a good one right and he
4:45
argues that when we um yeah when we make
4:48
choices that honor these needs okay
4:50
we're kind of naturally drawn to those
4:53
um not urgent but important activities
4:56
so it's about finding that sweet spot
4:58
where our actions are like know
5:00
reflecting both our deepest values and
5:02
our long-term goals oh it is yeah that
5:05
sounds great in theory yeah it does but
5:08
but how do we actually make it happen
5:10
right well that's where the quadrant 2
5:11
weekly organizing process comes in and
5:14
um it might sound I don't know a little
5:17
technical yeah it might but it's
5:19
actually a very practical and adaptable
5:21
system okay I'm intrigued tell me more
5:24
okay so it starts with um getting really
5:27
clear on on your vision and Mission okay
5:29
you know what do you want your life to
5:31
stand for what kind of impact do you
5:34
want to make then you know think about
5:37
your different roles in life right right
5:38
you know parent partner professional
5:41
friend yeah all of those and then like
5:44
identify the not urgent but important
5:48
goals okay for each role so if if one of
5:53
friend a quadrant 2 goal might be to
5:56
like you know yeah finally schedule that
5:58
monthly dinner with my with my close
6:02
friends that's a great example we always
6:04
talk about but never you know yeah quite
6:07
make happen right we all have those you
6:09
know yeah exactly it's about being
6:11
intentional with your time and making
6:13
sure you're making space for the things
6:15
that contribute to a a fulfilling life
6:18
in all areas this is making a lot of
6:20
sense I can already see how this this
6:23
approach yeah could could shift my
6:25
mindset from feeling constantly like
6:29
reactive yeah to being more proactive
6:32
yeah yeah and and intentional and that's
6:34
a big part of what kvy is is getting at
6:36
here he's not just talking about you
6:38
know managing time he's talking about
6:40
leading Our Lives yeah so it's about
6:43
making conscious choices that that move
6:46
us closer to the life we envision right
6:50
rather than just letting the the urgent
6:52
things dictate our every move exactly
6:55
right but you know it's not just about
6:58
individual effort okay cvy also
7:00
emphasizes this importance of
7:02
interdependence interdependence what
7:05
what does that have to do with okay time
7:07
management well think about it um we
7:09
rarely achieve our goals in isolation
7:12
right we need others and and nurturing
7:16
those relationships building trust
7:18
collaborating effectively those are all
7:22
you know quadrant to activities that can
7:24
actually save us time and energy in the
7:28
long run wait so how can
7:31
neglecting urgent tasks and focusing on
7:34
relationships save time it might seem
7:37
counterintuitive yeah but think about it
7:39
this way when you invest in building you
7:42
know strong supportive relationships
7:45
yeah you're creating this network of
7:47
people who can help you offer different
7:49
perspectives right prevent
7:50
misunderstandings down the line right
7:53
and that saves you from a lot of
7:55
potential like headaches and fire drills
7:59
you know yeah those urgent which are
8:01
definitely urgent but not important but
8:03
not necessarily important right right in
8:05
the grand scheme of things ah that makes
8:07
sense yeah so so it's about playing the
8:09
long game it is right and recognizing
8:12
that investing in relationships now can
8:15
save us time and energy yeah it's like
8:18
that um you know cuy talks about the
8:20
shift from a mindset of
8:23
Independence to interdependence okay
8:26
it's about recognizing that that we're
8:29
all connect connected right yeah and our
8:31
success is is often um intertwined with
8:35
the success of others so so how do we
8:38
interdependence yes into practice Yeah
8:41
that's the question especially when
8:42
we're when we're feeling that pressure
8:45
to constantly be doing and accomplishing
8:48
things yeah cvy emphasizes the
8:50
importance of okay effective
8:52
communication you know understanding
8:53
different perspectives and building
8:55
trust these are all like you know
9:00
that can feel um time consuming in the
9:02
moment but ultimately I think they um
9:06
contribute to more harmonious and
9:08
productive relationships okay can you
9:11
give me an example sure yeah of what
9:12
that might look like okay so imagine
9:15
you're working on a project with a team
9:17
and there's like a disagreement about
9:20
the best way to approach you know a
9:24
particular task instead of like getting
9:26
caught up in a power struggle or or
9:29
trying to like force your own idea you
9:32
could take the time to to Really listen
9:35
to your teammates perspective try to
9:38
understand like where they're coming
9:39
from and work together to find a
9:41
solution that that everyone feels good
9:44
about that sounds a lot more productive
9:46
I think so and probably a lot less
9:48
stressful than than just butting heads
9:50
and trying to you know right get my own
9:52
way exactly right and in the long run um
9:56
I think that approach will likely save
9:58
you time and energy okay because you've
10:00
you've avoided unnecessary conflict and
10:03
built um stronger relationships with
10:05
your team it's like that's saying what's
10:08
that an ounce of prevention is worth a
10:10
pound of cure yeah I like that one right
10:13
investing in those um yeah quadrant 2
10:17
activities up front can help us avoid a
10:22
urgent but ultimately unimportant
10:26
exactly that's it chy reminds us that
10:28
this princi principle of um
10:31
interdependence okay applies not just to
10:34
our our professional lives right but to
10:37
our personal lives as well okay so
10:42
conversations with with loved ones
10:45
really listening right to what they have
10:48
to say y being present in those
10:51
interactions those are all quadrant two
10:53
activities yeah that can that can
10:56
strengthen our relationships and prevent
10:58
you know yeah bigger issues down the
11:00
road exactly it's about um nurturing
11:03
those connections even when they don't
11:05
feel urgent because they're ultimately
11:08
what give our lives meaning and joy you
11:10
know so we we've talked about the time
11:12
management Matrix right the importance
11:14
of prioritizing quadrate 2 activities
11:17
and this idea of shifting from
11:19
Independence to interdependence yeah but
11:23
um there's still this nagging question
11:26
in my mind okay what's that how how do
11:29
we actually determine yeah what's truly
11:32
important right you know I mean we all
11:35
have different values and goals what
11:37
might be a quadrant 2 activity for one
11:40
person right could be a total waste of
11:43
time yeah for another person right
11:46
that's that's a that's a great question
11:49
and it goes to the heart of um okay
11:52
cuffy's concept of living a a principal
11:55
centered life okay you know he he argues
11:58
that our our deepest values okay should
12:01
be like the compass guiding our choices
12:05
so it's not about following someone
12:07
else's definition exact of success or
12:09
importance it's not it's about figuring
12:12
out what truly matters to us as
12:15
individuals as individuals exactly and
12:17
cvy um He suggests we we ask ourselves
12:20
some fundamental questions like yeah
12:22
what do I want my life to stand for what
12:25
kind of impact do I want to make on the
12:27
world what what brings me a sense of
12:29
purpose and fulfillment it's about like
12:32
yeah getting really clear on our own
12:35
internal Compass it is yeah yeah that
12:37
sense of direction that that guides our
12:40
choices and and helps us prioritize
12:42
effectively I love that it's it's not
12:44
about following someone else's formula
12:47
for Success it's about like it's about
12:50
crafting a life yeah that feels
12:53
authentic and meaningful to us to me to
12:57
you to you yeah yeah exactly and cvy um
13:01
emphasizes that this is you know not a a
13:04
one-time exercise but like an ongoing
13:07
okay process of self-discovery and
13:10
refinement right CU our values might
13:13
evolve over time our priorities might
13:15
shift right and and that's okay yeah
13:18
that's okay the key is to to stay
13:22
connected to our inner Compass mhm and
13:25
and make sure our actions are reflecting
13:28
what truly matters this is making a lot
13:30
of sense good but um yeah I have to
13:32
admit it can still feel overwhelming it
13:35
can like where do we even begin right
13:37
well cvy um he provides a very practical
13:40
framework for putting these principles
13:42
into action okay and it all starts with
13:45
that quadrant 2 weekly organizing
13:49
process remember we talked about you
13:51
know identifying your roles and setting
13:54
goals for each right yeah like setting a
13:56
goal to have that monthly dinner
13:59
with friends exactly as part of my
14:01
friend role the quadrant 2 weekly
14:03
organizing process takes that a step
14:05
further and it helps you um create a
14:09
concrete plan for the week ahead so it's
14:11
about taking those big picture values
14:15
and like translating them into get
14:18
concrete concrete actions actions for
14:20
the week precisely and and it's not just
14:22
about sending goals right it's about
14:25
creating a a decisionmaking framework
14:28
okay a decision- making frame
14:29
yeah what what does that look like yeah
14:32
soby suggests that before you commit to
14:35
any new appointments or tasks okay ask
14:38
yourself like three key questions okay
14:40
give them to me okay the first one is
14:43
why am I doing this okay so that's about
14:46
making sure the activity yes aligns with
14:49
my aligns with your values values and
14:51
goals values and goals exactly then ask
14:54
yourself okay how can I do this most
14:56
effectively okay so that's about finding
14:59
right the most efficient efficient and
15:02
impactful and impactful way to approach
15:05
the task got it and then finally ask
15:07
yourself okay when is the best time to
15:10
do this okay so that's about like
15:13
scheduling scheduling the activity in a
15:16
way that makes sense for your your
15:18
overall priorities and energy levels
15:21
this is this is good this is good yeah I
15:23
like these questions by by consistently
15:26
asking ourselves these questions right
15:29
mhm we can ensure that we're making
15:31
conscious choices that support our
15:33
values and goals rather than just
15:35
reacting to whatever seems urgent right
15:39
right in the moment okay I'm starting to
15:40
see how this all fits together it's
15:43
about being proactive proactive rather
15:45
than reactive reactive making those
15:47
quadrant 2 activities a priority a
15:50
priority and and using our values as a
15:53
compass as a compass to guide our
15:55
decisions to guide our decisions but
15:57
what happens what happens when when when
15:59
the unexpected inevitably uh throws a
16:02
wrench in our plans right right well
16:04
that's where the final two steps okay of
16:07
the quadrant to weekly organizing
16:09
process come in right exercising
16:11
Integrity in the moment okay and
16:14
evaluating our progress so so even with
16:17
the best laid plans life happens life
16:20
happens and we need to be adaptable we
16:23
do we do exercising Integrity in the
16:25
moment means making choices that align
16:28
with our values even when faced with you
16:31
know unexpected challenges or
16:33
distractions you know so it might mean
16:36
saying no to something okay that seems
16:39
urgent right but doesn't align with our
16:41
goals okay or it might mean like
16:43
delegating a task to free up time yeah
16:47
for something more important so it's
16:48
about being it's about being flexible
16:50
flexible but still staying true but
16:53
still true to our priorities exactly and
16:55
then that final step yeah evaluating our
16:58
progress mhm is about like okay taking
17:01
some time at the end of the week MH to
17:04
reflect on how things went you know like
17:07
what worked well yeah what could we do
17:10
differently next time right what did we
17:12
what did we learn about ourselves about
17:14
ourselves and our priorities and our
17:17
priorities it's like a it's like a
17:19
continuous feedback loop it is yeah it's
17:22
like constantly refining our approach
17:24
refining adjusting and making sure we're
17:27
on track and that's what cvy means when
17:30
he talks about moving from like time
17:31
management to to personal leadership
17:34
right it's not about you know right
17:37
rigidly sticking to his schedule but
17:39
about creating a system okay that helps
17:42
us um live our lives with intention and
17:46
purpose okay I'm I'm really starting to
17:48
see yeah the power of this approach good
17:51
it's it's not just about it's not just
17:53
about getting things done getting things
17:55
done it's about it's about living a life
17:59
reflects our deepest reflects our values
18:01
and aspirations and aspirations yeah
18:03
exactly and and cvy would argue yeah
18:06
that when we when we align our actions
18:10
values we experience this like profound
18:14
sense of Peace okay and fulfillment that
18:16
sounds amazing it is pretty great but
18:19
how how do we actually cultivate that
18:22
sense of Peace yeah especially in a
18:24
world that feels I don't know chaotic
18:28
and chaotic and demanding Cy um yeah he
18:33
emphasizes the importance of connecting
18:36
with our conscience okay you know that
18:38
inner voice that guides us towards
18:40
what's what's right and true so it's
18:43
about taking the time to to reflect to
18:47
reflect yeah to check in with ourselves
18:50
and make sure our actions are in
18:53
alignment with our values exactly and
18:55
it's it's not about being perfect it's
18:57
about being be being Mindful and
18:59
intentional right you know cvy suggests
19:01
like pausing throughout the day okay
19:04
asking ourselves if if our actions are
19:06
are reflecting our values and and making
19:09
adjustments when necessary so it's about
19:11
creating those those moments of
19:12
Stillness it is it amidst the busyness
19:15
amidst the chaos the craziness those
19:18
those moments where we can we can
19:20
reconnect with our reconnect with our
19:22
Compass Inc Compass our inner compass
19:25
and and make sure we're we're on course
19:27
this is this is good stuff stuff I think
19:29
so all right so so that brings us to
19:31
another key Concept in in first things
19:34
first the power of synergy synergy yeah
19:36
isn't that like a business buzz word it
19:39
is it is but um but cvy uses it in a
19:42
much broader sense okay he argues that
19:46
when people come together with with a
19:48
shared vision and and a spirit of
19:51
collaboration they can achieve like
19:54
results that are greater than the sum
19:57
okay of their individual effort so it's
19:59
it's about recognizing it's about
20:01
recognizing you accomplish we can
20:03
accomplish more together more than Alone
20:07
Together than we can alone exactly and
20:09
and this applies not just to teams and
20:12
organizations but to our our personal
20:14
relationships as well so when when we
20:16
approach our our interactions with a
20:19
spirit of of openness and and empathy
20:23
empathy and and a willingness to to
20:25
learn from each other yes we we create
20:27
the conditions for Synergy to flourish
20:29
we do it's about um you know moving from
20:33
a mindset of competition to a mindset of
20:36
cooperation okay so instead of it being
20:39
like a zero sum game right exactly it's
20:42
it's it's abundant we can all win we can
20:45
all win right exactly and and cvy would
20:48
argue that this this shift in
20:50
perspective can lead to Greater
20:52
creativity Innovation and and ultimately
20:55
a a deeper sense of fulfillment okay in
20:58
in all areas of life this idea of
21:00
synergy is really resonating with me
21:02
yeah it's like that old saying what's
21:04
that you know two heads are better than
21:05
one but it's it's more than just like
21:09
brainstorming ideas together it's about
21:12
creating a space where everyone feels
21:16
right heard and valued heard and valued
21:18
you know and where different
21:19
perspectives can can come together to
21:21
create something truly remarkable
21:23
exactly and cvy argues that this this
21:26
principle of synergy is essential for
21:29
creating a a a more peaceful and
21:32
fulfilling life so it's not just about
21:35
it's not just about personal
21:37
Effectiveness personal Effectiveness
21:39
it's about creating like a positive
21:42
ripple effect that extends outward right
21:45
to our relationship our communities and
21:48
even the world The World At Large yeah
21:50
the world precisely and cvy reminds us
21:53
that you know this is an ongoing Journey
21:56
it's not about achieving like some kind
21:58
of right perfect perfect balance or
22:01
balance or end point end point it's
22:03
about like constantly striving to to
22:06
live in alignment with our values and
22:09
and create a life that
22:11
feels um okay meaningful meaningful and
22:15
purposeful and purposeful this has been
22:17
so eye openening this conversation I
22:19
feel like I have a a whole new framework
22:22
for approaching time management yeah
22:25
goal setting right and and just life in
22:27
general life in general but before we
22:30
wrap up okay I have one more question
22:32
all right sure cvy talks a lot about the
22:33
importance of um personal renewal yes
22:37
taking time to to recharge and reconnect
22:41
with ourselves yeah how does that um
22:44
yeah fit into this whole picture yeah
22:46
how does that fit into like prioritizing
22:48
quadrant 2 activities and and living a
22:51
principal centered life yeah yeah that's
22:54
a great question cvy would um yeah he
22:57
would argue that personal renewal is is
22:59
not a a luxury but like a necessity
23:03
right it's about you know taking care of
23:06
our our physical mental emotional and
23:09
and spiritual well-being okay so that we
23:11
can like show up as our best selves our
23:15
best selves in in all areas of life so
23:18
it's it's not selfish it's not selfish
23:20
to take time for ourselves it's actually
23:23
essential for being effective in our in
23:27
our relationships in our work Y and
23:29
everything else we do exactly and um cvy
23:33
He suggests that we you know make
23:36
personal renewal a irregular part of our
23:38
lives so what does that what does that
23:40
like well that might mean you know
23:43
taking time for exercise meditation
23:46
spending time in nature pursuing Hobbies
23:49
or or anything else that um that that
23:52
really nourishes our our souls and helps
23:55
us recharge so those those activities
23:58
that might seem like indulgent or I
24:01
don't know maybe even like frivolous
24:03
frivolous are actually are actually
24:05
quadrant 2 activity quad to activities
24:07
in Disguise in Disguise they're the
24:09
things that help us stay energized and
24:12
focused and and resilient and resilient
24:16
when when things get tough when when
24:18
life throws us curveballs right and and
24:21
cvy emphasizes that um yeah you know
24:24
personal renewal is not a one siiz
24:29
what works for one person might not work
24:31
for another the key is to to find what
24:36
nourishes and recharges you yeah what
24:38
works for you and make it you know a
24:40
regular part of your routine okay I love
24:43
that yeah it's about like it's about
24:45
giving ourselves permission yeah giving
24:47
ourselves permission to to prioritize to
24:49
prioritize our wellbe our well-being
24:52
knowing that it's it's not just about
24:55
selfcare okay right it's about creating
24:58
the conditions for a more fulfilling and
25:02
impactful life an impactful life I like
25:04
that okay and cvy um yeah he would argue
25:08
that yeah that when we invest in our own
25:12
well-being okay we're we're better
25:15
equipped to right contribute to the
25:17
well-being of others it's like that um
25:20
that oxygen mask analogy oh yeah yeah
25:22
that they use love that one on on
25:24
airplanes yeah right you you have to put
25:26
your own mask on first you got to put
25:27
your own mask Mas on first before you
25:29
can help anyone else exactly and that
25:32
and that brings us back to the the core
25:35
message of um okay first things first
25:38
okay what's that it's not about you know
25:42
right managing time it's about leading
25:45
our lives right with intention with
25:48
intention and purpose and purpose it's
25:50
about making choices that align with you
25:53
know all right our deepest values
25:55
deepest values yeah and create a life
25:56
that feels yeah authentic authentic and
25:59
meaningful meaningful yeah this has been
26:02
such an incredible deep dive it's been
26:04
fun into first things first I feel like
26:07
I have like a whole new toolkit for for
26:10
approaching you know time management
26:12
time management goal setting full
26:14
setting and just life in general life in
26:17
general um what's the one key takeaway
26:21
you hope our listeners will walk away
26:23
with today I think the the most
26:25
important takeaway is that you know it's
26:27
it's never too late to start living a a
26:30
more principle centered life it's it's
26:33
not about being perfect it's about
26:36
making making conscious choices okay
26:39
each day each day that that move us
26:42
closer to the life to the life we truly
26:44
want we truly want yeah it's about um
26:48
embracing the journey and and trusting
26:51
that with with each step we we take
26:55
we're we're creating a a more fulfilling
26:57
fulfilling en impactful impactful life
26:59
for ourselves for ourselves and those
27:02
around us beautifully said thanks and
27:04
and remember listeners yeah it's all
27:07
about progress progress not Perfection
27:10
not Perfection start by you know
27:12
identifying just one quadrant to
27:15
activity quadrant to activity that you
27:16
can commit to this week this week you
27:19
know something that's that's not not
27:22
urgent urgent but deeply important
27:25
deeply important for for your well-being
27:27
for your wellbeing your relationship or
27:29
your goals or your goals write it down
27:32
write it down schedule it schedule it in
27:34
your calendar in your Calender and make
27:37
it a non-negotiable make it a
27:39
non-negotiable and if you're feeling I
27:40
don't know stuck or or overwhelmed over
27:44
remember you don't have to do this alone
27:46
you don't reach out to a friend reach
27:48
out a mentor a mentor a coach for
27:51
support for support and most importantly
27:54
yeah be kind to yourself be kind to your
27:58
s change takes time it does and and
28:01
every step you take you take in the
28:04
direction of a more fulfilling life a
28:07
more fulfilling life is a victory is a
28:09
victory worth celebrating worth
28:12
celebrating thank you so much thanks for
28:15
having me sharing your insights today
28:17
it's been fun this has been an
28:19
incredibly valuable conversation thank
28:22
you and listeners thank you for joining
28:25
us yeah thanks everyone on this deep die
28:29
deep die into first things first first
28:31
things first we'll see you next time see