Book Review. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
By Stephen R. Covey
Running Press Editions, 1989, 95 pages, $5.95 hardcover, ISBN 0762408332
Reviewed by Sehrish Pesnani
Stephen R. Covey is vice chairman of Franklin Covey Co. And teaches principle-centred living and leadership. Covey is also the founder and former CEO of Covey leadership centre. Covey’s seven habits describe a way of thinking, living and doing that is consistent with these principles. The habits take considerable commitment to achieve. We first have to break old habits and adopt new ones.
Habit 1: Be Proactive
This habit is about taking control of our lives and the ability to control our environment, rather than have it control you, as is so often the case. Furthermore, self determination, choice, and the power, help to decide the response to stimulus conditions and circumstances. Lastly, you must use your resourcefulness and your initiative to work toward your personal goals and not see yourself as a passive victim in other's games.
Habit 2: Begin With The End In Mind
Covey calls the second of the seven habits; the habit of personal leadership - leading oneself that is, towards what you consider your aims. It is about having clear goals, based upon principles and what we want to be. By developing the habit of concentrating on relevant activities you will build a platform to avoid distractions and become more productive and successful. Covey suggests two ways of clarifying these issues. First, with an example, considering your death. What do you want people to say about you at your funeral? How will you be remembered? Secondly, by developing a personal mission statement that clarifies what we want our lives to be about.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Also known as the habit of personal management, this chapter guides us regarding organising and implementing activities in line with the aims established in habit 2. Covey says that habit 2 is the first, or mental creation; habit 3
By Stephen R. Covey
Running Press Editions, 1989, 95 pages, $5.95 hardcover, ISBN 0762408332
Reviewed by Sehrish Pesnani
Stephen R. Covey is vice chairman of Franklin Covey Co. And teaches principle-centred living and leadership. Covey is also the founder and former CEO of Covey leadership centre. Covey’s seven habits describe a way of thinking, living and doing that is consistent with these principles. The habits take considerable commitment to achieve. We first have to break old habits and adopt new ones.
Habit 1: Be Proactive
This habit is about taking control of our lives and the ability to control our environment, rather than have it control you, as is so often the case. Furthermore, self determination, choice, and the power, help to decide the response to stimulus conditions and circumstances. Lastly, you must use your resourcefulness and your initiative to work toward your personal goals and not see yourself as a passive victim in other's games.
Habit 2: Begin With The End In Mind
Covey calls the second of the seven habits; the habit of personal leadership - leading oneself that is, towards what you consider your aims. It is about having clear goals, based upon principles and what we want to be. By developing the habit of concentrating on relevant activities you will build a platform to avoid distractions and become more productive and successful. Covey suggests two ways of clarifying these issues. First, with an example, considering your death. What do you want people to say about you at your funeral? How will you be remembered? Secondly, by developing a personal mission statement that clarifies what we want our lives to be about.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Also known as the habit of personal management, this chapter guides us regarding organising and implementing activities in line with the aims established in habit 2. Covey says that habit 2 is the first, or mental creation; habit 3