Life Matters

About the Author

A. Roger Merrill and Rebecca R. Merrill are renowned authors known for their profound insights into personal and organizational effectiveness. Roger was a cofounder of the Covey Leadership Center and has co-authored several bestsellers, including First Things First. Rebecca has also made significant contributions to the literature on personal development, having assisted Stephen R. Covey on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families. Together, their work emphasizes the importance of principles and values in achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

Main Idea

Life Matters delves into the intricate dynamics of work, family, time, and money, presenting a holistic approach to achieving a balanced life. The authors argue that balance is not a one-time effort but an ongoing journey. They emphasize the importance of aligning one's actions with deeply held principles to navigate life effectively. By examining personal experiences and adopting a mindset of continuous improvement, individuals can optimize their life choices, focusing on what truly matters and investing in the future rather than succumbing to immediate, often misleading, urgencies.

Table of Contents

1. What Matters in Life
2. The Three Gotta Do's
3. Work Matters
4. Family Matters
5. Time Matters
6. Money Matters
7. Wisdom Matters

What Matters in Life

The quest for balance between work and life has been a perennial struggle for many. Despite progress in integrating these two spheres, there remains a significant gap between what people claim matters and how they allocate their time and money. The authors urge readers to scrutinize their schedules and financial statements to see if their spending aligns with their values. The real challenge lies in continually balancing these interconnected areas—work, family, time, and money—regardless of circumstances.

The Three Gotta Do's

Validate Expectations

Many people operate based on incorrect or distorted assumptions. To achieve meaningful results, it is crucial to align expectations with reality. This involves understanding and embracing timeless principles such as trust, hard work, and love. The Merrills highlight common misaligned expectations, such as the notion that life should be worry-free or that balance means equalizing time and energy across all areas. True balance, they argue, is a dynamic and ongoing process.

"Balance is not allocating the same time and energy to both sides of a scale. It is constantly changing and creating the capacity to balance in life's dynamic circumstances." — A. Roger Merrill and Rebecca R. Merrill

Optimize Effort

Once expectations are validated, the next step is to optimize efforts to achieve maximum results. This involves leveraging one's actions in work, family, time, and money to create positive change. The authors suggest practical steps, such as evaluating what you do and how you do it, to identify the "optimizers" that will yield the best outcomes.