I am re-reading the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It's a great book, that I find it easy to relate to and really enjoy reading. It's one of those ones that every morning when I get off the subway and I'm walking to work I can really reflect on what I just read and I look forward to trying to implement one or more mindset or idea.
Yesterday's idea was your circle of influence vs. your circle of concern. Your circle of concern might be huge, but there are only so many of those things that you can actually do something about, and if you don't work in that circle, you're overwhelmed by the circle of concern and less effective in the circumstances/things where you actually do have influence....the most important of these being your mind, your emotions, your reactions. That's definitely something I need to focus more on---only trying to control or worry about the things I can do something about.
Here's a summary of the 7 Habits:habit 1 - be proactive
This is the ability to control one's environment, rather thanhave it control you, as is so often the case. Self determination, choice, and the power to decide response to stimulus, conditions and curcumstanceshabit 2 - begin with the end in mind
Covey calls this the habit of personal leadership - leading oneself that is, towards what you consider your aims. By developing the habit of concentrating on relevant activities you will build a platform to avoid distractions and become more productive and successful.
habit 3 - put first things first
Covey calls this the habit of personal management. This is about 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 is the second, or physical creation. (See the section on time management.)
habit 4 - think win-win
Covey calls this the habit of interpersonal leadership, necessary because achievements are largely dependent on co-operative efforts with others. He says that win-win is based on the assumption that there is plenty for everyone, and that success follows a co-operative approach more naturally than the confrontation of win-or-lose.
habit 5 - seek first to understand and then to be understood
One of the great maxims of the modern age. This is Covey's habit of communication, and it's extremely powerful. Covey helps to explain this in his simple analogy 'diagnose before you prescribe'. Simple and effective, and essential for developing and maintaining positive relationships in all aspects of life. (See the associated sections on Empathy, Transactional Analysis, and the Johari Window.)
habit 6 - synergize
Covey says this is the habit of creative co-operation - the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, which implicitly lays down the challenge to see the good and potential in the other person's contribution.
habit 7 - sharpen the saw
This is the habit of self renewal, says Covey, and it necessarily surrounds all the other habits, enabling and encouraging them to happen and grow. Covey interprets the self into four parts: the spiritual, mental, physical and the social/emotional, which all need feeding and developing.
