Habit 3: Put First Things First. Effective writers need the discipline of saying no and organizing themselves around the priorities that will make the greatest impact in the long run.

The most effective writers understand that a plan is the best way to make sure you get to where you want to go. Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind works on two levels, making it extremely versatile for writers.

An effective writer is one who knows why they do what they do and understands how their process will get them there. With a nod to Stephen Covey’s seminal work, this article tackles Habit 1 of seven foundational habits for authors who want to make a difference.