7 Habits Of Highly Effective People

Stephen Covey has helped the world in ways that no one individual could do without the seven habits. As stated by many that have may taken the course in college or sat through a seminar, the seven habits have helped them learn much about myself but also learn things that could cater and help their life that they may have never thought about. With that in mind, it gave the opportunity to understand and comprehend things that would not have even predicted to be an impact. 


Stephen R. Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, continues to be a best seller for the simple reason that it ignores trends and pop psychology and focuses on timeless principles of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity. For over 25 years, it has continued to inspire readers and played a part in the transformation of millions of lives, across all age groups and professions. The book will help you navigate very real problems in challenging times.

 

HABIT ONE


Starting with Habit 1 be proactive, the main principle is individuals are responsible for their own choices and have the freedom to choose. Achieve extraordinary results by consistently executing their R & I (resourcefulness and initiative) to break through barriers. Overall, what is learned about self from this habit is sometimes the issues presented in the world could take advantage of one's mind and cause them to react in a certain way. 


You can’t keep blaming everything on your parents or grandparents. Proactive people recognize that they are “response-able.” They don’t blame genetics, circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. They know they choose their behavior.


Most favorite activity from this section in the highly effective people workbook is the one entitled circle of influence because it helps understand the ways in which things around you such as a traffic jam are out of your hand and something that you cannot change. Learning what is in your control and what is not. The main goal that one should have remaining from this habit is remembering that you can not control everything and everyone around you. 

 

HABIT TWO


Next there is Habit 2, begin with the end in mind, the main principle is mental creation precedes physical creation. Develop an outcome-oriented mindset in every activity they engage in—projects, meetings, presentations, contributions, etc. Overall, what is learned about self from this habit is you tend to take control of my own future and create a vision around things that are important to you. Focus time and energy on things that can be controlled. 


Sometimes people find themselves achieving victories that are empty-success that have come at the expense of things that were far more valuable tlo them.

Most favorite activity from this section is creating the mission statement and learning about how the roles you have are important. The main goal that one should have remaining from this habit is success is based upon you and the decisions that you choose to make early on.

 

HABIT THREE


Then there is Habit 3, put first things first, the main principle is effectiveness requires balancing important relationships, roles, and activities. Overall, what is learned about self from this habit is you sometimes have a habit of not realizing the importance of things and putting them behind things in which they are not. 


To live a more balanced existence, you have to recognize that not doing everything that comes along is okay. There’s no need to overextend yourself. All it takes is realizing that it’s all right to say no when necessary and then focus on your highest priorities. 


Most favorite activity from this section is entitled matrix quick assessment. It helps you understand the immediacy of things. The main goal that one should have remaining from this habit is spending more time on important activities that are not urgent so that you will not be pushed into the important and urgent and then become stressed out.

 

HABIT FOUR


Additionally, Habit 4, think win-win, the main principle is effective, long-term relationships require mutual benefit. Overall, what is learned about self from this habit is it is not just always about you. The benefit is always better when it is not just about you. 


Most of us learn to base our self-worth on comparisons and competition. We think about succeeding in terms of someone else failing–that is, if I win, you lose; or if you win, I lose. Life becomes a zero-sum game. There is only so much pie to go around, and if you get a big piece, there is less for me; it’s not fair, and I’m going to make sure you don’t get anymore.


One’s favorite activity from this section usually are the win-win opportunity questions. It helps you learn that things that are important to you should always have a win-win outlook which would make it better. The main goal that one should have remaining from this habit is you should always have an abundance mentality, knowing that there is enough for everyone. 


HABIT FIVE


Likewise, in Habit 5, seek first to understand then be understood, the main principle is diagnosis must precede prescription. Overall, what is learned about self from this habit is that it is always better to have your idea, someone else’s idea and then yours together will be the idea that will equally benefit everyone. 


Create an atmosphere of helpful give-and-take by taking the time to fully understand issues, and give candid and accurate feedback.


Most favorite activity from this section was the relation activity. It gives one the opportunity to break down situations in which you would attack, tolerate, accept, value, or celebrate. Everything does not need the same reaction. Break down the situation first then figure out what the end goal should be. The main goal that one should have remaining from this habit is to go into a situation with not wanting to just be heard but to be a listener and someone who listens.


HABIT SIX


Furthermore, in Habit 6, synergize, the main principle is the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.Overall, what one learns about self from this habit is sometimes the barriers that stand in my way during a conversation is one’s personal thoughts. 


To put it simply, synergy means “two heads are better than one.” Synergize is the habit of creative cooperation. It is teamwork, open-mindedness, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. But it doesn’t just happen on its own. It’s a process, and through that process, people bring all their personal experience and expertise to the table. Together, they can produce far better results that they could individually.


Most favorite activity from this section was enetitled creating the third alternative. It gies you the chance to understand a different outcome. The main goal that one should have remaining from this habit is you have to remain to come together from the beginning and stay together to keep the progress.


HABIT SEVEN


Lastly, Habit 7 which is sharpen the saw, the main principle is production (results) requires development of Production Capability (resources). Overall, what most learn about self from this habit is that your life requires much production and it will not come over not without work. 


Sharpen the Saw means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have–you. It means having a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual. Here are some examples of activities:


Most favorite activity from this section was the renewals from each section. You have to do the plan statement. It makes you stick to your word. The main goal that one should have remaining from this habit is to stand still and realize you need to respect your life and gain a sense of self. 


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Author: Tamara Scantlebury