This week I focused on "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey.
I'm going to define each one in ways that I better understand.
1. Be Proactive.
This means to take the initiative and go for it. Don't sit around and think and wish for it, go do it! Those who go after their goals and dreams are the ones who actually reach them.
2. Begin with the End in Mind.
What are your goals? Where do you want to be in 3-5 years? These are the types of questions you need to ask yourself in order to figure out what you end game is. Once you've found that then you can begin to set goals that will get you to your desired outcome.
3. Put First Things First.
Create a list of priorities. It makes no sense to do things backwards, so put things in order. What needs to be done first?
4. Think Win/Win.
While the world may see things as win/lose in business and in life we should think of things as win/win. We can all be successful. We all have things to give to the world. We don't need our neighbor to fail in order for us to win.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.
How are you going to get anywhere when the only person you hear is yourself? We must communicate everything with our partners and families. How many times have things gone wrong just because there was no communication. Everyone has a right to be heard. Listen and validate that you understand and then they will do the same.
6. Synergize.
This falls right in line with habit 5. When we listen and understand one another we will become one in thought and purpose. Therefore we, as a team, will cooperate with each other and become one.
7. Sharpen the Saw.
We need to be continually reflecting on what we're doing and repairing those things that aren't quite working. We must also take time to renew our own energy.
That's it, my interpretation of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People".
