THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE COMPASS AND THE CLOCK

Our struggle to put first things first can be characterized by the contrast between two powerful tools that direct us: the clock and the compass.  The clock represents our commitments, appointments, schedules, goals, activities -- what we do with, and how we manager our time.  The compass represents our vision, values, principles, mission conscience, direction -- what we feel is important and how we lead our lives.

The struggle comes when we sense a gap between the clock and the compass -- when what we do doesn't contribute to what is most important in our lives.

From "First Things First" by Stephen Covey, A. Roger Merrill and Rebecca Merrill