"First Things First" is a self-help book by Stephen R. Covey, A. Roger Merrill, and Rebecca R. Merrill, published in 1994. It follows the principles Covey introduced in "The 7 Habities of Highly Effective People" and tackles the theme of time management more deeply, with a focus on prioritization and balance.

The central thesis of "First Things First" is the importance of managing one's time by focusing on what's most important, not just what's urgent. Covey introduces a framework for prioritizing work that is aimed at long-term goals, rather than responding to immediate demands of life. This concept is presented through the "Time Management Matrix" that categorizes activities into four quadrants:

1. **Urgent and Important** (crises, deadlines)

2. **Not Urgent but Important** (relationships, planning, recreation)

3. **Urgent but Not Important** (interruptions, some calls)

4. **Not Urgent and Not Important** (trivia, time wasters)

Covey argues that effectiveness is achieved by focusing on Quadrant II (Not Urgent but Important) activities, which improve management skills, foster positive relationships, and help establish a balanced life. This quadrant is key to proactive and strategic time management.

The book also discusses the importance of having a clear vision and defining mission statements for one's personal and professional life. It emphasizes the urgency of doing things that align with one’s deepest values rather than reacting to external demands or circumstances.

Additionally, Covey talks about interdependence as a higher value than independence, moving from a paradigm of “time management” to “self-management.” The focus is on making principle-centered changes to one's lifestyle and making decisions based on an ethical framework.

In summary, "First Things First" is about prioritizing one's life activities based on what is most essential and aligning them with personal values and life missions, leading to more productive, balanced, and fulfilling lives.

"First Things First" by Stephen R. Covey is a self-help book that encourages readers to prioritize what is truly important in their lives, as opposed to what is merely urgent. The book builds upon the ideas presented in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," another of Covey's bestselling works. In "First Things First," Covey, along with co-authors A. Roger Merrill and Rebecca R. Merrill, expands on these concepts with a greater focus on time management and life balance. Here's an overview of the key plot points, character development, and thematic ideas:

1. **Key Plot Points:**

- Although "First Things First" isn't a narrative book and thus doesn’t have a plot, it presents a conceptual journey which begins with the reader’s existing understanding and management of time.

- It examines the widespread urgency addiction, where people respond reactively to immediate demands rather than focusing on activities that are truly important.

- The book introduces a time management approach which involves organizing tasks by their importance and urgency, resulting in a four-quadrant matrix to guide decision-making.

- Covey emphasizes the role of vision, mission, and balance in effectively managing one's time, proposing that one should align their actions with deeply held values and principles.

2. **Character Development:**

- In self-help and non-fiction leadership books like "First Things First," character development pertains more to the reader's personal and professional growth as encouraged by the exercises,...