Unlock Your Full Potential: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Become a Productivity Pro with These 7 Life and Business Changing Habits
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey is a book that has been around for decades, but its principles still hold true today. I first discovered this book in the early 90’s but didn’t really appreciate it until the early 2000’s. This book has had such a profound effect on my life that I’ve purchased a few copies as well as downloaded audio versions (back in the iTunes days) of this book so I can listen on the go.
I try to read 7 Habits of Highly Effective People at least once every year. I have found that these principals have had a different meaning depending on where I was in my life. I started to see the world differently, not feel a victim and started to focus on things to help myself (selfcare).
If you want to be the best version of yourself, then these seven habits are definitely worth incorporating into your life.
Habit 1: Be Proactive. Don't be a "my dog ate my homework" kind of person. Take control of your life and don't blame others for your problems. Be proactive and create your own path. Once you understand this and start to apply it, the world in front of you changes instantly.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind. Don't end up at Aunt Ethel's house by accident. Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and focus your energy towards achieving your goals.
Habit 3: Put First Things First. Don't let Netflix or any of the popular streaming services tempt you away from your important tasks. Prioritize your time and stay on track to ensure that your efforts are aligned with your priorities. This also includes avoiding the deadly social scroll and meme sharing. I’ve lost countless hours just by seeing that first reel!
Habit 4: Think Win-Win. If you and your friend are fighting over the last slice of pizza, cut it in half and avoid the fight. Seek solutions that benefit everyone involved. This is NOT compromise which sometimes has a negative connotation. This is truly trying to find a way for both parties to win. This is possible, but both parties have to approach this with the same sentiment.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood. Don't be hangry and interrupt your significant other when they're talking. Seek first to understand their perspective before expressing your own opinions. Personally this is a hard one for me. I’m quickly trying to offer up a solution vs taking the time to pause, reflect on what is being said and then follow up with questions BEFORE I start to provide my opinion and solution. As a father, this skill really gets tested. It has made me a better parent by taking the time to listen fully before I can offer up my solution.
Habit 6: Synergize. Don't build a fort alone when you can join forces with your friends and build a castle. By working together, you can achieve greater results than you would by working alone. This is another powerful lesson learning to work together or find a better way to breakdown silos and work on a solution collaborately.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw. Don't be a ninja with a dead phone battery. Take care of yourself, recharge, and be your best self. While all these habits have had an impact on my life, this was the one that helped me grow the most. It’s so easy to forget about yourself and or not invest in yourself properly. With this habit I’ve challenged myself to learn new skills, as well as found ways to not overload myself and take that needed break. No need for burnout.
In the coming days I’ll be going in greater detail about each habit. This will be the start of me highlighting my favorite books across business, technology and self improvement.
So if you want to be a successful and effective person, then The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is definitely worth a read. Just remember to be proactive, prioritize your time, seek win-win solutions, listen actively, collaborate with others, and take care of yourself. And always avoid the social death scroll. This book has helped in my personal and professional life and happy to recommend this book to anyone who wants to challenge themselves or make a better version of themselves.
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