Practice the Seven Habits

I originally read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People about seven years ago and recently had the urge to read it again. This time I enjoyed the reading, and at the beginning of each chapter I found myself wondering, “Hmmm, have I embraced this particular habit?” And at the end of each one, I was excited to learn that yes, I had in fact embraced all of these habits since reading the book the first time—although, mind you, with a few of my own adaptations. Determining your own level of success can be done only by you. Each of us has our own “success stick” by which to measure our success. How are you measuring up?

Steven Covey invites readers of The 7 Habits to:

• Become familiar with habits used by highly effective people.
• Become highly effective and/or successful.
• Be more satisfied with the work you accomplish at the end of a given time frame.

Of these elements, do you see where these may be fitting into your own personal or professional life? Part of embracing a life-long learning approach is to continuously be reading and expanding our awareness of new perspectives, thoughts and trends.

Covey’s book has sold more than 15 million copies in 38 languages throughout the world since first being published in 1991. The author was named one of Time magazine's 25 most influential Americans (1996), and his book was named one of Forbes’ top 10 most influential management books (2002). This is no small success!

Consider how Covey opens his book with the results of a survey of 23,000 full-time workers, managers and executives. Only 50% were satisfied with the work they accomplished at the end of the week, while only 37% said they understood what their company’s goals were and just 25% were enthusiastic about these goals. Covey likens this to a soccer team, with only half the team happy at the end of the game, only four of the 11 players knowing which goal were theirs, and only two of the 11 players actually caring! Compare this to your own workplace or the company you want to create. What types of signs or signals might you need to look forward in order to ensure your employees do not fall into the same line of thinking or perspective?

Here’s how to practice the first three of the seven habits:

1. Be Proactive: Between stimulus and response there is a space, and in that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. Proactive people have the ability to choose a response (“response-ability”) and focus on finding solutions.

2. Begin with the End in Mind: This habit is based on the principle that all things are created two times. The first creation is a mental one and the second creation is a physical one. Write your goals in a mission statement: what you want to be, to do and to know.
3. Put First Things First: Putting first things first focuses on your highest priorities, which usually are results and relationships. Begin focusing your attention on what you are putting first and how this might be affecting your own success.

Some individuals have difficulty prioritizing tasks and decisions. A helpful tool is the Time Management Matrix, outlined below.

Quadrant I: Urgent Activities

crises, pressing problems, deadline-driven projects (top left corner)

Quadrant II: Important Activities

prevention, relationship building, recognizing new opportunities, planning

Quadrant III: Unimportant Activities

interruptions, some calls, some meetings

Quadrant IV: Trivial Activities

time wasters (bottom left corner)

For an individual to become highly successful, it is Quadrant II where their heart is focused. These are activities that, if you do on a regular basis, make a quantum positive difference in your ability to achieve the success you desire. These activities focus on doing preventative things or being proactive, which keep situations from developing into crises in the first place. Spending time in the other quadrants involves time-wasting or crisis management, which embraces a more re-active approach. (Note: In time management jargon, this is called the Pareto Principle, which says 20% of the activities give you 80% of the results).

How do you get started? A simple approach might be to choose activities that will help you achieve the end results you want. To aid you with this, start by writing your own personal mission statement. You may want to write a mission statement for your family as well if the end you are seeking involves them. (see habit 2). Or maybe your focus is on meeting targets. Ask yourself, “What one thing I can do (that I’m not doing now) which would make a positive difference in my personal or professional life?

Remember, if you manage to embrace a proactive approach, have a vision for yourself, and set priorities that support your vision, you are well on your way to being Highly Effective.

Until next time, embrace your inner wisdom.

Namaste,
Karen

References:
Covey, Stephen R. (1991), The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

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