7 Habits for Success

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Success comes from understanding oneself: your character, motives, attitude, and values. In "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey, personal growth is explored. If you think you don't need to read this book, you might be kidding yourself. I'll convince you why it's worth your time. I'll introduce you to the 7 habits, but for the complete picture, read the book!

 

The 7 Habits Pyramid from Stephen Covey's Book

The Habits

Habit One: Be proactive.

Habit one sets the stage for other habits by stressing self-awareness and personal responsibility. Being proactive means taking the lead in achieving goals, solving problems, and finishing tasks efficiently. In some recent seminar classes, I had the opportunity to listen to some alumni speak on their own life experiences of how they achieved their goals. It is clear that they accomplished their goals by first learning how they function best in different situations. Covey's circle concept guides us to focus on what we can control, directing energy to meaningful pursuits. To be truly proactive, it's vital to honor commitments for personal growth, independence, and a fulfilling life in society.

Habit Two: Begin with the End in Mind

Like habit one, this habit centers on personal leadership and defining a clear destination for your goals. A little tip for creating your own path is to create a personal mission statement outlining your life aspirations. Identify what's at your life's core and that will help shape your future decisions. For instance, I identify with self-centeredness, not from a big ego but because I prioritize my personal growth at my core.

Habit Three: Put First Things First

Habit three focuses on independent will. This habit resonated with me as I've always been very independent, excelling in time management, organization, and personal drive. While efficient time management isn't a new concept, Covey offers valuable insights and tips. The alumni speakers in my class shared insights on balancing work and social life. Regardless of career dedication, it's crucial to make time to relax and spend time with good company!

Habit Four: Think Win/Win

Win/win is a significant way people interact that focuses on mutual benefit. It relies on a person's character, specifically integrity, maturity, and an abundance mentality. That last one is similar to the concept my mom used to instill in the minds of me and my siblings: “Don’t worry, there’s enough to go around!”

Habit Five: Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood.

Be a good listener!!! Too many people in our current age listen with only the intention of replying instead of understanding. Try and comprehend what the person you are talking to is saying rather than just waiting for your turn to talk! Nobody likes that feeling of not being truly heard, so you will build better relationships if you fulfill the human need to be heard. Once you begin looking for a career, this concept is also pertinent in the interview scene. Thanks to advice from the aforementioned alumni speakers, I know just how important it is to show interest in the company interviewing you and to ask questions to learn more about your possible future place of work. 

Habit Six: Synergize

All other habits prepare for this one because this habit involves opening your mind, heart, and expressions to new possibilities. Openness and communication create opportunities, which is the main goal of all the above habits. Synergy itself is the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and basically stands for the entire concept of openness to new possibilities.

Habit Seven: Sharpen the Saw

The final habit is about preserving and enhancing yourself and renewing your own physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional being. It should be your aim to better yourself by creating an upward spiral of positivity throughout your life.


And there you have it, seven habits to live by that work in all aspects of life! If you didn't learn or get curious enough to read Stephen Covey's book, I've done my best! Personally, I gained a new perspective from this book and plan to keep it handy for future reads.

Thanks for reading! 😊






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