7 Habits of Highly Effective People

This week we learned about 7 Habits for Highly Effective People by Steven R. Covey.  I haven’t read this book before, but I’m going to purchase a copy and read it in its entirety.  The first 3 habits have to do with self-mastery – they create a foundation for the other habits.  These habits are being proactive, beginning with the end in mind and putting first things first. The next three habits are associated with how we interact with those around us. These habits are thinking “win/win”, seeking to understand before seeking to be understood, and synergizing.  The seventh habit is basically keeping up all of the good habits that you’ve acquired by taking care of yourself and it’s referred to as sharpening the saw.  The first 3 habits are considered private victories and habits 4-6 are public victories.  And, you can’t have public victories until you’ve had the private victories.  Any change needs to start with the individual. 

The habit that I felt was most meaningful to me is being proactive.  It is the foundation to all of the other habits.  It’s important to learn how to not let outside circumstances define who I’m going to be.  I have to be proactive about how I choose to respond to situations in life.  From the reading it stated, “Proactivity means to control a situation from the inside out.  Or in other words, to affect positive change, stop focusing on the immediate circumstances and instead consider your response to the conditions that exist.  Do that and you have removed the power of anything external to affect you.”  This reminded me of the parable of the talents.  I may not have any control over what I’ve been given, but I do have control over what I choose to do with it.  

These 7 habits help to provide the focus that is needed to hone my skills and be more productive.  The first three habits help me work on the changes that only I can work on.  Once I’ve achieved self-mastery in these areas, I can then move on to the next three habits that will help me to create victories in the public arena.  The last habit helps me to maintain my ability to continue pushing forward and keeping my proper motivation.

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