There are a few things that I always suggest to coaches when speaking at clinic and one of them is to be avid readers. At most clinics I passout a list of what I consider "must reading" and always on that list is "First Things First by Stephen Covey with Roger and Rebecca Merrill. It is a fabulous book on time management that I re-read every couple of years. Below comes from the book:Becoming principle-centered is just that: becoming. It's not arriving; it's a lifetime quest. But the more people align their lives with true north, the more they begin to develop certain characteristics common to principle-centered people.
1. They're more flexible and spontaneous. They are not chained to plans and schedule.
2. They have richer, more rewarding relationships with other people. They put people ahead of schedules.
3. They're more synergistic. Instead of doing "their thing" to others, they find far greater rewards in working with others to achieve shared vision.
4. They're continually learning. Because they know there's a true north, they're constantly seeking to discover, understand and align their lives with it.
5. They become more contribution-focused. They channel their time and energy toward contributing more than consuming, toward giving rather than getting.
6. They produce extraordinary results. They grow in their ability to work with others and facilitiate high-quality interdependent production.
7. They develop a healthy psychological immune system. They can handle problems.
8. They create their own limits. They don't work until they drop from exhaustion, spend until there's no credit left, or keep going on projects until they run out of time.
9. They lead more balanced lives. They're active physically, socially, mentally and spiritually.
10. They become more confident and secure. Their security doesn't come for work, associations, recognition, possessions, status, or any other extrinsic factor.
11. They're better able to walk their talk. There's no conscious duplicity, double-mindedness, or hypocrisy.
12. They focus on their Circle of Influence. The don't wast time or energy in their Circle of Concern.
13. They cultivate a rich inner life. They draw strength from regular spiritual renewal.
14. They radiate positive energy. They become more cheerful, pleasant, optimistic, positive, upbeat.
15. They enjoy life more. They don't condemn themselves for every foolish mistake or social blunder.
