Have you read this book?
You must read this book once in your lifetime.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People are as follows:
- Be proactive. Take responsibility for your own life. Take the initiative and don't simply accept what you're given. (Here are my thoughts on becoming proactive.)
- Begin with the end in mind. Have a plan for your life. Know where you want to go — and why. Like me, Covey is a proponent of writing a personal mission statement.
- Put first things first. Sort out your priorities (which is much easier to do when you have an end in mind). Focus your attention on the things that are urgent and important. Covey's “big rocks” metaphor comes from this section.
- Think win-win. When possible, seek mutually beneficial solutions to problems. Don't be adversarial. Help others achieve their aims as you achieve yours.
- Seek first to undertand, then to be understood. Don't be in a rush to be right. Listen to what others are saying. (Truly listen.) Practice empathy. I feel like this is a seldom-practiced skill in modern society, which is why I urge people to practice financial empathy.
- Synergize. Find ways to work with others in order to achieve mutual aims and accomplish things that you couldn't do alone.
- Sharpen the saw. Make time for personal renewal. Keep your lifestyle balanced. Pursue self-improvement.