7 Habits

The book promises to fix your life and achieve your goals. Obviously there is a lot of competition out there. Starting with the Bible and finishing with the newest cookbook I bought.

Yet for some reason 7 Habits is exceptional. The rules are simple and actually you knew them before reading. Its just the thing of realizing them and putting into action.

Personally I love this book. It helped me realize what I want from life and did the same to some of my friends.

Its controversial. Some people love it, some hate it. Some even say that its evil Mormon propaganda as the author is a very commited member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

What are the habits?

Stephen Covey (why all the guru’s tend to be bald we will probably never find out) divides habits into 2 groups. First 3 constitute what he calls private victory. The remaining 4 are required to achieve public victory.

Habit 1: Be Proactive™

In short take responsibility for your situation. Remember that you are the only person responsible for your fate. Stop blaming the environment.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind™

Its best described by Cat and Alice from Alice in the wonderland:

Alice: Would you tell me please which way I ought to go from here?

Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to

Alice: I don’t much care where…

Cat: Then it does not matter which way you go

In practice this means setting yourself goals and then planning week in week out in a way that brings you closer to achieving them.

Habit 3: Put First Things First ™

Prioritize. Do things that are important. Distinguish between important and urgent. Concentrate on actions that will help achive your goals.

Habit 4: Think Win/Win™

That’s the one where most people throw the book out of the window. Its sooo American. Its sooo hard to put in practice

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood™

Listen first then talk. When listening try to understand instead of thinking what to say next .

Habit 6: Synergize™

This is a fruit of using habits 4 and 5. If you strive to achieve win - win situation and listen to understand you may be able to deliver results way better than anyone expected.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw ™

Just take care of yourself. And make sure that when you concentrate on your goals, you also develop yourself mentally, socially, spiritually and keep physically in good shape.

Here are some links you may find helpful:

Wikipedia on Stephen Covey (link)

Wikipedia on 7 habits: (link)

Franklin Covey website: (link)

Stephen Covey home site: (link)

As you can see – no rocket science here. Hope you found it interesting. Please let me know about your experience with 7 habits!