If we compile a list of the most frequently read and the most immensely effective books in the field of self help and inspiration, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People will surely be at the top. This book is one of the most highly recommended books ever simply because it offers great value for both your time and your money. It is based on the idea that what makes successful people achieve great heights is their way of handling life – in other words, their habits.
Our habits are what define us. Good habits make us a better person where as bad habits like smoking or telling impulsive lies destroy us. It actually takes a lot to quit bad habits and embrace good ones but once it is done, it can literally change our lives. Good habits are a blend of knowledge, skill and desire. Here is a brief overview of the seven habits that author Stephen R. Covey talks about in this bestseller.
Habit One: Be Proactive
What sets us humans apart from other living beings is self awareness and the ability to choose our responses. We are responsible for our actions; we alone have the power to control our reactions to situations or circumstances. In our life, we can choose to be either reactive or proactive. Suppose that at work, you feel great if your boss is happy with how you perform; if, on the other hand, he is not satisfied, you feel terrible. This is a reactive approach: in this way, we let situations or other people’s actions control us. Reactive people frequently use words like “I must”, “if only”, “they made me”, and “if I had”, among others.
By choosing to be proactive, we become aware that we can improve our lives by actively making decisions for ourselves, instead of just reacting to external forces that do not lie in out circle of control. By focusing on our circle of control (the things we can directly change and influence), we can start being proactive in our life. Unlike reactive people, proactive people choose words like “I prefer”, “I will”, “I choose to”, and “I can”: you can see there is a world of difference between the very feeling of these words and that of the words used by reactive people!
Habit Two: Begin with the End in Mind
Set your goals, identify your values. Basically this habit is about developing a principle-based mission statement that you can stick to for life. Develop your goals on the basis of these mission statements. Write the script of your life in harmony with what you are.
Habit Three: Put First Thing First
‘Things which matter most should never be at the mercy of things which matter least’- Goethe
Schedule your priorities – this will make time management much easier for you. It will also help you in attaining balance in your life. Identify key roles in your life like that of an employer, a father, a son, or a brother, and consciously make time for each of them.
Habit Four: Think Win/Win
In relationships and work, strive to find arrangements that are good for everyone. Instead of going your way or my way, go for a way that is better for all. This will help develop mutual trust and understanding for all the involved parties, and make for healthier work/ personal relationships.
Habit Five: Seek First to Understand, Then to be understood
One of the key habits is to listen – really listen. By listening, I mean listening without making prior judgments, and arriving at a decision only after taking the time to diagnose the issue. It is important to seek understanding before you attempt to get your point across.
Habit Six: Synergize
If you want to expand your power to influence, be prepared to be influenced as well. Find ways to leverage individual differences to create a better whole.
Habit Seven: Sharpen the Saw
It takes time to really master whatever you are focused on, but it takes only little things to dramatically increase the effectiveness of your efforts. Make small, positive changes in your physical, emotional and spiritual self to create a huge impact.
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