The 5 Choices

About the Authors

Kory Kogon is FranklinCovey's Global Practice Leader for Productivity, focusing on research and content development around time management, project management, and communication skills. Kogon has a rich background in these areas, making her insights particularly valuable for those seeking to enhance productivity in the modern workplace.

Adam Merrill serves as the Vice President of Innovations for FranklinCovey, leading the development of award-winning content that helps individuals and organizations become dramatically more productive. His innovative approach and dedication to improving productivity practices are evident in his work.

Leena Rinne is a Senior Consultant with FranklinCovey. In her role, she works with clients to increase productivity and develop leaders within their organizations. Rinne's hands-on experience with clients and her expertise in leadership development add depth to the practical advice offered in "The 5 Choices."

Main Idea

"The 5 Choices: The Path to Extraordinary Productivity" by Kory Kogon, Adam Merrill, and Leena Rinne is a guide to managing the overwhelming demands of modern life. The authors provide powerful insights drawn from neuroscience and decades of experience in the time-management field to help readers master their attention and energy. The book introduces five fundamental choices that, when consistently made, increase productivity and lead to a renewed sense of engagement and accomplishment.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Feeling Buried?
2. Choice 1: Act on the Important, Don't React to the Urgent
3. Choice 2: Go for Extraordinary, Don't Settle for Ordinary
4. Choice 3: Schedule the Big Rocks, Don't Sort Gravel
5. Choice 4: Rule Your Technology, Don't Let It Rule You
6. Choice 5: Fuel Your Fire, Don't Burn Out
7. Conclusion: Your Extraordinary Life

Introduction: Feeling Buried?

In the introduction, the authors address the paradox of modern productivity. Despite advances in technology that make it easier to accomplish tasks, people often feel more overwhelmed than ever. This paradox arises from three critical challenges: the increase in decision-making, the unprecedented attack on our attention, and a personal energy crisis. These challenges can leave individuals feeling agitated, anxious, and stressed both at work and in their personal lives.

The solution, according to the authors, lies in mastering decision management, attention management, and energy management. The five choices presented in the book are designed to help readers address these challenges and achieve extraordinary productivity.

Choice 1: Act on the Important, Don't React to the Urgent

The first choice emphasizes the importance of focusing on what truly matters rather than reacting to immediate demands. The authors explain that the brain has two parts: the Reactive Brain and the Thinking Brain. The Reactive Brain handles fight-or-flight responses and automatic reactions, while the Thinking Brain makes conscious, intentional decisions.

By understanding this distinction, individuals can train their brains to be more thoughtful and discerning about their choices. This involves being intentional about every action and using frameworks like FranklinCovey's Time Matrix and the Pause-Clarify-Decide (PCD) process to prioritize important tasks.

Understanding the Time Matrix

The Time Matrix is a tool that categorizes tasks into four quadrants based on their urgency and importance: