7 Habits of Highly effective People by Stephen R. Covey

We typically seek first to be understood. Seek first to understand involves a deep shift in paradigm. Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood® It's not your way or my way it's a better way, a higher way. This frame of mind and heart constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. Win/Win is not a technique it's a total philosophy. It's the exercise of independent will toward becoming principle-centered. Habit 3 is the second creation, the physical creation. You are in charge.' Habit 2 is the first mental creation, based on imagination, the ability to envision what you can become.

Habit 3 is the practical fulfillment of Habits 1 and 2. You need to know where you are going in order to better understand where you are now so that the steps you take are always in the right direction. To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. Our behavior is a function of our decisions, not our conditions. It means we are responsible for our own lives. Covey Habit 1: Be Proactive®īeing proactive means more than taking initiative. But if you want big and primary changes, work on your paradigm. If you want small changes in your life, work on your attitude. Paradigms are powerful because they create the lens through which we see the world. By working on knowledge, skills, and desire, we can break through to new levels of personal and interpersonal effectiveness as we break from old paradigms. Creating a habit requires work in all three dimensions. Unless you want to listen, it won't become a habit. Knowing you need to listen and knowing how to listen are not enough. Desire is the motivation, the want to do.Knowledge is the theoretical paradigm, the what to do and the why.

'Habits' Defined A habit is the intersection of knowledge, skill, and desire: Breaking deeply imbedded, habitual tendencies such as procrastination, impatience, criticalness or selfishness that inhibit effectiveness involves more than simple willpower or a few minor changes. Habits are deeply ingrained and we are constantly pulled in their direction. Because habits are consistent, unconscious patterns, they constantly express our character and result in our effectiveness or ineffectiveness. Our character is a composite of our habits, which factors heavily in our lives. One of the most compelling books ever written, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®, have empowered and inspired readers for over 25 years and played a part in the transformation of millions of lives, across all age groups and professions. Covey's book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People®, continues to be a bestseller for the simple reason that it ignores trends and pop psychology and focuses on timeless principles of fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity.

7 Habits of Highly effective People by Stephen R. Covey