The relation of religion and spirituality to time management: examining the lives and careers of FranklinCovey co-founders–Hyrum W. Smith & Stephen R. Covey

The relation of time, and the management thereof, to any human endeavor is self-evident from the simple standpoint that all cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and behavioral pursuits require time to engage. With this general truism in mind, what relationships exist between the management of one’s time and the growth, nurturance, and maturation of one’s spirituality and religious practice both at home and at work? This paper explores possible answers to this question and otherwise draws implicit connections between time management and spirituality. The basis of this article is an interview conducted with Hyrum W. Smith, age 73, about the role of time management in his life and work. Also included are archival records and current writings (specifically the books written by Smith and Stephen R. Covey). Hyrum W. Smith and the late Stephen R. Covey–the co-founders of FranklinCovey Company–are two of the twentieth century’s highest profile and most successful corporate time management experts.