--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The key is not to prioritize what's on…" description: "\"The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.\" — Stephen Covey" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/120/stephen-covey-339_priorities_the-key-is-not-to-prioritize-what-s-on-y_2411028.png" --- # The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but… ![“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” quote by Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/120/stephen-covey-339_priorities_the-key-is-not-to-prioritize-what-s-on-y_2411028.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/120/stephen-covey-339_priorities_the-key-is-not-to-prioritize-what-s-on-y_2411028.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/120/stephen-covey-339_priorities_the-key-is-not-to-prioritize-what-s-on-y_2411028.png) > “The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Prioritize based on importance, not urgency, by scheduling what truly matters. **In simple terms:** Schedule priorities, not tasks. Key Takeaway Focus on high‑impact activities first. Themes time management prioritization productivity Mood motivational practical Type self‑help business When to use this quote - daily planning - project management - personal goals Key Concepts goal setting decision making focus Questions to Reflect On - How do you differentiate priority from urgency? - What tools help maintain this focus? A Different Perspective Can lead to neglect of urgent needs. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Priorities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/priorities/) ## Related quotes > [Don't prioritize your schedule, schedule those priorities.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/don-t-prioritize-your-schedule-schedule-those-priorities/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [“Don't prioritize your schedule; schedule your priorities.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/don-t-prioritize-your-schedule-schedule-your-priorities/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [I do plan my study day. I think that prioritizing is absolutely critical. It is so critical that you understand what is important and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-lane-craig/i-do-plan-my-study-day-i-think-that-prioritizing-is-absolutely/) [William Lane Craig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-lane-craig/) > [When I go on location, we have a schedule. And when you have a schedule, you know when you're not working, so I train…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-claude-van-damme/when-i-go-on-location-we-have-a-schedule-and-when-you-have-a-schedule/) [Jean-Claude Van Damme](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-claude-van-damme/) > [Schedule? I have no schedule. There is no hurry. I work when I want to.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gil-scott-heron/schedule-i-have-no-schedule-there-is-no-hurry-i-work-when-i-want-to/) [Gil Scott-Heron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gil-scott-heron/) > [The key is taking responsibility and initiative, deciding what your life is about and prioritizing your life around the most important things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/the-key-is-taking-responsibility-and-initiative-deciding-what-your/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [If you were to fault yourself in one of three areas, which would it be: (1) the inability to prioritize; (2) the inability or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/if-you-were-to-fault-yourself-in-one-of-three-areas-which-would-it-be/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Effective people do two things: they strive to do excellent work, and they prioritize.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/effective-people-do-two-things-they-strive-to-do-excellent-work-and/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Most people say their main fault is a lack of discipline. On deeper thought, I believe this is not the case. The basic problem…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/most-people-say-their-main-fault-is-a-lack-of-discipline-on-deeper/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [One of the first lessons I learned as a mom was to forgive myself for not being perfect and to try to prioritize what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-sarandon/one-of-the-first-lessons-i-learned-as-a-mom-was-to-forgive-myself-for/) [Susan Sarandon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-sarandon/) > [You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say “no” to other things. And the way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/you-have-to-decide-what-your-highest-priorities-are-and-have-the/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Putting first things first means organizing and executing around your most important priorities. It is living and being driven by the principles you value…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/putting-first-things-first-means-organizing-and-executing-around-your/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [The essence of the best thinking in the area of time management (practice planning) can be captured in a single phrase: Organize and execute…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/the-essence-of-the-best-thinking-in-the-area-of-time-management/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [As an entrepreneur and investor, I prioritize construction and collaboration. Whether it's a five-person start-up or a global giant, the companies that are most…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/reid-hoffman/as-an-entrepreneur-and-investor-i-prioritize-construction-and/) [Reid Hoffman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/reid-hoffman/) > [“Scheduling should be done several times each day, beginning the night before and continuing at additional times the next day. Prioritize your assignments, exams,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caroline-porter-thomas/scheduling-should-be-done-several-times-each-day-beginning-the-night/) [Caroline Porter Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caroline-porter-thomas/) ## More by Stephen Covey > [You can't have the fruits without the roots. It's the principle of sequencing: Private Victories proceed Public Victories. Self-mastery and self-discipline are the foundation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/you-can-t-have-the-fruits-without-the-roots-it-s-the-principle-of/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Empathic listening takes time, but it doesn't take anywhere near as much time as it takes to back up and correct misunderstandings when you're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/empathic-listening-takes-time-but-it-doesn-t-take-anywhere-near-as/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [The fire inside people is like a match; the way to ignite that flame is initially through friction, then other matches are lit through…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/the-fire-inside-people-is-like-a-match-the-way-to-ignite-that-flame/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [In a very real sense, there are only two roles in organisations: customers and suppliers. Everybody functions simultaneously in both roles, whether inside or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/in-a-very-real-sense-there-are-only-two-roles-in-organisations/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [To blame and accuse other people, is to choose to empower them, to control us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/to-blame-and-accuse-other-people-is-to-choose-to-empower-them-to/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/be-part-of-the-solution-not-part-of-the-problem/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [If you are an effective manager of your self, your discipline comes from within; it is a function of your independent will.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/if-you-are-an-effective-manager-of-your-self-your-discipline-comes/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [I believe in Coach Louis Wong. He is so much more than just a football coach.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/i-believe-in-coach-louis-wong-he-is-so-much-more-than-just-a-football/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Most people struggle with life balance simply because they haven't paid the price to decide what is really important to them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/most-people-struggle-with-life-balance-simply-because-they-haven-t/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Highly proactive people don't blame circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. Their behavior is a product of their own conscious choice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/highly-proactive-people-don-t-blame-circumstances-conditions-or/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [When it comes to developing character strength, inner security and unique personal and interpersonal talents and skills in a child, no institution can or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/when-it-comes-to-developing-character-strength-inner-security-and/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Most people define greatness through wealth and popularity and position in the corner office. But what I call everyday greatness comes from character and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/most-people-define-greatness-through-wealth-and-popularity-and/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Contrary to what most people believe, trust is not some soft, illusive quality that you either have or you don't; rather, trust is a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/contrary-to-what-most-people-believe-trust-is-not-some-soft-illusive/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [We are limited but we can push back the borders of our limitations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/we-are-limited-but-we-can-push-back-the-borders-of-our-limitations/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) > [Many people seem to think that success in one area can compensate for failure in other areas. But can it really?... True effectiveness requires…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/many-people-seem-to-think-that-success-in-one-area-can-compensate-for/) [Stephen Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) [Explore all 663 Stephen Covey quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/) ## More Priorities quotes > [Balance suggests a perfect equilibrium. There is no such thing. That is a false expectation… There are going to be priorities and dimensions of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denise-morrison/balance-suggests-a-perfect-equilibrium-there-is-no-such-thing-that-is/) [Denise Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denise-morrison/) > [I will be a tireless advocate for our District's defense priorities including Sheppard Air Force Base, Pantex, Bell Helicopter, universities conducting important research, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronny-jackson/i-will-be-a-tireless-advocate-for-our-district-s-defense-priorities/) [Ronny Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronny-jackson/) > [Too many times we flitter our energy into too many goals and in the process don't achieve much. Focus is very important in life.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vaishali-kasture/too-many-times-we-flitter-our-energy-into-too-many-goals-and-in-the/) [Vaishali Kasture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vaishali-kasture/) > [Some of the things that we hold onto the most, are the things that we need to let go of.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ryaj-ablando-catayas/some-of-the-things-that-we-hold-onto-the-most-are-the-things-that-we/) [Ryaj Ablando Catayas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ryaj-ablando-catayas/) > [Weekend planning is a prime time to apply the Deathbed Priority Test: On your deathbed, will you wish you'd spent more prime weekend hours…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hal-borland/weekend-planning-is-a-prime-time-to-apply-the-deathbed-priority-test/) [Hal Borland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hal-borland/) > [Never be too busy for the people you love. Never allow pursuits or possessions to become bigger priorities than your relationships. Love is what…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-willis/never-be-too-busy-for-the-people-you-love-never-allow-pursuits-or/) [Dave Willis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-willis/) > [I have two or three shows that I follow, and even those are few and far, when I can see them on Netflix. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-ritchson/i-have-two-or-three-shows-that-i-follow-and-even-those-are-few-and/) [Alan Ritchson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-ritchson/) > [I believe keeping our promises should be our highest priority and that means saving Social Security and Medicare while preserving the American dream for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-coburn/i-believe-keeping-our-promises-should-be-our-highest-priority-and/) [Tom Coburn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-coburn/) > [The purpose of the military is to close with and destroy the enemy on behalf of our national security priorities.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/todd-wilcox/the-purpose-of-the-military-is-to-close-with-and-destroy-the-enemy-on/) [Todd Wilcox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/todd-wilcox/) > [I had a great childhood. My priorities were straight.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tony-todd/i-had-a-great-childhood-my-priorities-were-straight/) [Tony Todd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tony-todd/) > [I believe with the dictionary; Girls before guys. Partying before studying. And friends before love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-believe-with-the-dictionary-girls-before-guys-partying-before/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The absence of God in most spheres of life is perceived to be normal, and even Christians feel it as normal - which is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-piper/the-absence-of-god-in-most-spheres-of-life-is-perceived-to-be-normal/) [John Piper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-piper/) > [Donald Trump said he will not decide about a possible run for the presidency until after the current season of Celebrity Apprentice wraps up.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-leno/donald-trump-said-he-will-not-decide-about-a-possible-run-for-the/) [Jay Leno](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-leno/) > [If we date, you should be aware that I have priorities. You may or may not be one of them. Only time will tell.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-we-date-you-should-be-aware-that-i-have-priorities-you-may-or-may/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [There was never any doubt of Christ's priorities.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-b-wirthlin/there-was-never-any-doubt-of-christ-s-priorities/) [Joseph B. Wirthlin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-b-wirthlin/) [Browse all 2,299 Priorities quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/priorities/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Stephen Covey" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/the-key-is-not-to-prioritize-what-s-on-your-schedule-but-to-schedule/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Priorities" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/the-key-is-not-to-prioritize-what-s-on-your-schedule-but-to-schedule/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/120/stephen-covey-339_priorities_the-key-is-not-to-prioritize-what-s-on-y_2411028.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/120/stephen-covey-339_priorities_the-key-is-not-to-prioritize-what-s-on-y_2411028.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/120/stephen-covey-339_priorities_the-key-is-not-to-prioritize-what-s-on-y_2411028.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” — Stephen Covey", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Stephen Covey", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-covey/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "The key is not to prioritize...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/the-key-is-not-to-prioritize-what-s-on-your-schedule-but-to-schedule/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-covey/the-key-is-not-to-prioritize-what-s-on-your-schedule-but-to-schedule/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```