Like every genre in art, Self-Help/Self-Improvement books, attract their own kind of followers. It’s hard to understand why anyone would get life advice from an author they barely know, in a different life station, with values of their own. It didn’t seem compelling to me. But as we know, when life hands you lemons? 7 habits of highly effective people, first published in 1989, is a business and self-improvement book by Stephen Covey. Written more than 50 years ago, its teachings, applications and practicability are still applicable. Here’s 7 lessons I learned:
KEY HIGHLIGHTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY
1. EFFECTIVE PEOPLE ARE PROACTIVE
You have a natural need to wield influence on the world around you so don’t spend your time just reacting to external events and circumstances. Take charge and assume responsibility for your life.
2. BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
Don’t spend your life working aimlessly, tackling whatever job is at hand. Have a vision for the future and align your actions accordingly to make it into a reality.
3. PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST
To prioritise your work, focus on what’s important. These the things that bring you closer to your vision of the future. Don’t get distracted by urgent but unimportant tasks.
4. EFFECTIVE PEOPLE FIND A WIN-WIN SITUATION
When negotiating with others, don’t try to get the biggest slice of the cake, but rather find a division that is acceptable to all parties. You will still get your fair share, and build strong positive relationships in the process.
5. SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD
When someone presents us with a problem, we often jump right to giving a solution. This is a mistake. We should first take time to really listen to the other person and only then make recommendations.
6. SYNERGY IS EFFECTIVE
Adopt the guiding principle that in a group, the contributions of many will far exceed those of any individual. This will help you achieve goals you could never have reached on your own. As the saying goes; if you want to walk fast, walk alone, but if you want to walk further walk with others.
7. SHARPEN THE SAW
Don’t work yourself to death. Strive for a sustainable lifestyle that affords you time to recuperate, recharge and be effective in the long-term.
This book not only gives us the steps to succeed in this hyper-competitive world, but it also provides very realistic ideas on how to win in our own lives.
The first three habits for self-development are inspiring and realistic that anyone can realise the best version of themselves by practicing them.
The next 3 habits focus more on public victory, and our relationships with the people around us. They teach us that we should always strive to be compassionate and understanding when dealing with the people around us. And that a win-win mind-set is the best way to live life.
The last habit teaches us about how we can renew our physical, spiritual, mental and social dimensions of life for an improved quality of life.
If you’re searching for a single book that can inspire and motivate you to do better and improve various aspects of your life, then this is the book to read.
Mshimba Michelle
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