The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
The book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide since it was first published in 1989.
The book was authored by Stephen R. Covey who also wrote: "First Things First," "Principle-Centered Leadership," "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families," "The 8th Habit," and "The Leader in Me."
Today I want to give a brief summary from this great book: “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”.
The Seven Habits Sumarised
Habit 1: Be Proactive
“Focus on the things you can actually do something about.”
If you’re ever going to be effective, you’re going to have to be proactive. You can’t sit around waiting for an opportunity; you’re going to have to make your own opportunity. You’re going to have to carve-out an opportunity where there was none.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
“Begin everything you do with a clear picture of your ultimate goal.”
One of my favorite aphorisms is: “Things don’t end wrong, they begin wrong.” If you don’t begin with the end in mind, you may never achieve your goals. Having a clear picture of where you’re going gives you something to work towards; it motivates you in your darkest hour.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
“Manage your life according to your needs and priorities.”
Always give the highest priority to your most important task. Give priority to the tasks that have the greatest impact.
To be effective you must consistently focus your energy on the one or two critical tasks that make the difference. If you do this daily, your effectiveness will soar.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
“Stick with your true feelings, values, and commitments.”
You have to think “Win-Win” in order to be effective in the long-term. People will only consistently trust the trustworthy. To be effective you must consider others, you must put yourself in their shoes, and you must see things from their perspective, whenever you make a decision.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
“Learn how to communicate clearly and listen to others.”
Communication is the foundation of any relationship, be it business or personal. In order to have effective relationships you must have effective communication.
The key to successful communication is to first understand what the other party is saying. Not to just hear them, but to understand their words, their feelings, and their perspective. If you first work to understand their perspective, they will work to understand your perspective.
Habit 6: Synergize
“Two heads are better than one.”
You can do more with a partner than you can do on your own. Find someone who is going in the direction that you’re going and work together. You will go farther faster, because “two heads are better than one.” Find someone to synergize with today.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
“Allow yourself to grow by maintaining a balanced program in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual.”
Balance is the key to life, and you “sharpen your saw” by taking time to ensure that your life is in balance!
You won’t be very effective if you’re not mentally focused, or if you’re not emotionally balanced. Take the time to “sharpen your saw,” if you do, your effectiveness will last.
You goal is not to be effective for a few years; you want to be effective for a lifetime, so never ever forget to sharpen your saw! It is balance that will give you enduring success.
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Authour Bio
Mr. Self Development is an author who teaches a practical guide to success and wealth. Please visit him at Mr. Self Development.com if you’ve enjoyed reading this article.
