The 7 Habits mind. So what does all this mean?

The end represents

Each chapter is dedicated to one of the habits, which the purpose of your life. Until you can say what that
are represented by the following imperatives: purpose is, with assurance, then you just cannot direct
your life in the manner that would bring you the
The First Three Habits surround moving from greatest satisfaction.
dependence to independence (i.e. self-mastery) There are no short-cuts here. To engage in this
• Habit 1: Be Proactive habit, you need to have a dream, define your own
Synopsis: Take initiative in life by realizing your vision and get into the practice of setting goals which
decisions (and how they align with life's principles) are will allow you to make measurable progress toward the
the primary determining factor for effectiveness in dream. If you practice a faith, then you will want to
your life. Taking responsibility for your choices and the consider how this affects your purpose in life; if you do
subsequent consequences that follow. not, you will still need to get involved in deep self-
Covey contrasts being proactive or having a examination to find out exactly what it is that will bring
proactive mentality with being reactive. Reactive you fulfilment. To help you with this, you may wish to
people, he says, are those who are resigned to the obtain my E-Book The Deepest Desire of Your Heart ;
truth that whatever they do in the present can have no available from this site. The book contains some
effect on their circumstances. And interestingly, for excellent self-reflection exercises you can use to focus
reactive people, it really is a truth, for whatever we your mind on what is most important to you in life.
believe in our heart affects our thoughts, words and Until you have defined your vision - the big
actions. If we really believe that we can do nothing dream to which you will be working - you will be unable
about our unreasonable boss or the daily events in our to move on to habit 3 which provides a basic
lives, then we simply do not make the effort. framework for you to re-align your efforts so that you
Proactive people, on the other hand, simply will will ultimately achieve your heart's desire.
not accept that there is nothing that can be done about
the unreasonable boss or the events of daily life - they • Habit 3: Put First Things First
will point out that there are always choices. It is by the Synopsis: Planning, prioritizing, and executing your
decisions we make, our responses to people, events week's tasks based on importance rather than
and circumstances that proactive people can and do urgency. Evaluating if your efforts exemplify your
affect the future. We may have no control over what desired character values, propel you towards goals,
life throws at us but we always have a choice about and enrich the roles and relationships elaborated in
how we are to respond. Habit 2.
Now this notion that having a particular Following the amazing popularity of his work
attitude of mind (which is really where this habit on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,Stephen
begins) can make such a huge and positive difference Covey published a second book that deals with the 7
to almost everything we experience in life is foreign to Habits; and the title of that book is also First Things
those who have already internalised the opposite habit First. Both the book and this habit deal with subject of
as a part of their personalities. For some people, the managing your time effectively.
glass is always half-empty and the feeling of Consider the simple 2 x 2 matrix shown below.
melancholy is a pleasant reminder that something is It plots the concepts of urgency andimportance against
indeed missing. For such people, this habit represents each other; and represents where you are spending
a bitter pill to swallow - but, says Covey, it is also your time. To really understand and apply this habit,
completely liberating. you need to have first done habit 2 - that is, you should
When we are finally prepared to accept full already have defined what is important to you. Without
responsibility for the effects that are manifest in our first doing this, habit 3 has no power because you
lives; when we have the strength of character to admit simply cannot separate what is important from what is
it when we make mistakes (even big ones); when we not important.
are completely free to exercise the options available to This representation shows four categories of
us in every situation; then it can be said that we have demand which may be made on your time. Quadrant 1
finally internalised this habit. The other six of the consists of activities which are
habits require that we first work on our basic character both urgent and important - in other words, things to
by becoming proactiveand thereby transforming which you absolutely must attend. Why must you do
ourselves into men and women of integrity. these things? Because they are important - meaning
that they contribute to your
• Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind mission; and they
Synopsis: Self-discover and clarify your deeply are urgent - meaning that
important character values and life goals. Envisioning they have some sort of
the ideal characteristics for each of your various roles deadline associated with
and relationships in life. them.
Many people in the west identify with the Choices about where
frustration of success. Being successful at their chosen to invest your time really are
career and committed to its progress they come to made in the other
realise that it does not, in the final analysis, bring any categories; and most people
sense of real satisfaction. The reason for this ultimate - driven by the concept of urgency - get drawn into
dissatisfaction is that they did not begin with the end Quadrant 3; doing things that consume their time but
in mind. For many people, it is not just that they did do not contribute to their goals. Highly Effective
not begin with the end in mind; it goes a bit deeper - People (yes they all fit together you see) understand
they did not ever get around to defining the end itself that the high leverage activities are all Quadrant 2 -
and so they simply could not begin with the end in important but not urgent. Planning, preparation,
prevention, relationship-building, reading, improving influenced by you, which creates an atmosphere of
your professional knowledge and exercise are all caring, respect, and positive problem solving.
examples of Quadrant 2 activity - not an exhaustive The fifth habit is - Seek First to Understand.
list, by any means. What most people do, naturally, when involved in some
We all intuitively know that Quadrant type of discussion, meeting or dialogue is exactly the
2 activities are the key to getting results; but you need reverse - they seek first to be understood. And,
to have internalised the first two habits before you can as Stephen Covey says, when both parties are trying to
benefit from the high leverage this habit brings. In be understood, neither party is really listening; he calls
other words, you first need to have developed the such an interaction, 'the dialogue of the deaf'. This
strength of character (proactivity) which allows you to habit is an important key to inter-personal relationships
be able to say no to demands on your time that fall and it seems to be almost magical in its ability to
into Quadrants 2 and 3; and you also need to have transform the course of discussions. Why? Because by
defined what importance means for you - otherwise the making the investment of time and effort required to
Quadrants do not exist. understand the other party, the dynamics of the
interchange are subtly affected.
Put habits 1,2 and 3 together and you have the This habit is not just about letting the other
ultimate success formula. Stated simply - get your person speak first; it concerns actually making the
mind right; define what is important; then organise effort to understand what is being said. It is about
your life to maximise yourQuadrant 2 efforts. By understanding that our natural habit of mind is to
spending appropriate time on Quadrant 2 activities, misunderstand. When we are engaged in conversation,
you will gain control over the circumstances of your error is always present.NLP tells us that we simply
life; Quadrant 1 will actually get smaller because you make our own meaning based on our own experiences
will have anticipated and prepared for much Quadrant and understanding of life; and frequently we make the
1 activity. Concentrating on Quadrant 2 is absolutely wrong meaning. You might like to take a look at the
fundamental to achieving success. You might like to answers given by school-children on history
take a look at the 4tm Spreadsheet, available from this exams which illustrates this principle - we are no
site, which can help you to make this key adjustment different!
in the use of your time. If however, we are prepared to invest the time
and effort to really understand the other person's
The Next Three are to do with Interdependence (i.e. position; and to get into the habit of spending the first
working with others) part of the discussion doing so; then, when it is felt by
• Habit 4: Think Win-Win the other person that you do indeed understand, the
Synopsis: Genuinely striving for mutually beneficial dynamic changes. People become more open, more
solutions or agreements in your relationships. Valuing teachable, more interested in what you may have to
and respecting people by understanding a "win" for all say and with the mutual understanding that flows from
is ultimately a better long-term resolution than if only this habit, you are ready to practice habit 6; which
one person in the situation had gotten their way. concerns finding creative solutions.
The next of the 7 Habits is - Think Win-Win.
This habit is again an attitude of mind. It concerns • Habit 6: Synergize
fostering an attitude that is committed to always Synopsis: Combining the strengths of people through
finding solutions that will truly benefit both sides of a positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one
dispute. Solutions do not, of course, exist in person could have done alone. How to yield the most
themselves; they must be created. And, even if we prolific performance out of a group of people through
cannot see the solution to a particular problem, it does encouraging meaningful contribution, and modeling
not mean that no such solution exists. The win-win idea inspirational and supportive leadership.
is not based upon compromise - that is where most The sixth of the habits is - Synergize. This habit
disputes naturally end. But compromise is the result of involves you putting your head together with the other
not properly perceiving the possible synergy of the party or parties in order to creatively brainstorm a
situation. synergistic solution to aproblem i.e. to find a solution
The more you practice this habit, the more which contains win-win benefits. It can only be done
committed you will become as you find solutions which successfully if you have first practiced habits 4 and 5.
truly do benefit both parties, where originally it looked The well-known definition of synergy is as follows:
as if no such agreement might be reached. Covey has Synergy - When the whole is greater than
amended the wording of this habit slightly in recent the sum of the parts.
years to read: Think Win-Win or No Deal. This attitude Finding a synergistic solution means finding a
works well because it liberates the individuals solution which is better than either party might first
concerned from the effort of trying to persuade the propose. Such a solution can only be found if both
opposite party to shift ground or compromise. The parties truly understand the other parties position - the
effort is instead spend on trying to understand, which fruit of habits 4 and 5. There have been many books
is where habit 5 comes in - you see, they are also written on successful brainstorming techniques; my
sequential. own favourite techniques are those proposed
byEdward DeBono - professor of thinking and perhaps
• Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to most famous for Lateral Thinking.
be Understood Putting habit 4, 5 and 6 together, you have a
Synopsis: Using empathetic listening to be genuinely perfect model for human interaction. Put simply: first
influenced by a person, which compels them to be mentally committed to the idea that a solution that
reciprocate the listening, take an open mind to being will benefit all parties may be constructed; next invest
the necessary time and effort to really understand the
other party and do that first; finally creatively Every day we should commit at least one hour
brainstorm a synergistic solution - a natural product of to renewal in the first three dimensions: physical,
mutual understanding and respect. mental, and spiritual. This practice is a "Daily Private
Victory."
The Last habit relates to self-rejuvenation;
• Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw The Social/Emotional Dimension.
Synopsis: The balancing and renewal of your The physical, spiritual, and mental dimensions
resources, energy, and health to create a sustainable are closely related to Habits 1, 2 and 3: personal
long-term effective lifestyle vision, leadership and management. The
The last habit of the 7 Habits is - Sharpen the social/emotional dimension focuses on Habits 4, 5 and
Saw. In this habit, you are the saw; and toSharpen the 6: the principles of personal leadership, empathetic
Saw is to become better, keener and more communication and creative cooperation.
effective. Highly Effective Peoplealways take time to Our emotional life is primarily developed out of
Sharpen the Saw. What is meant by Sharpening the and manifested in our relationships with others.
Saw is to regularly engage in the exercise of the three Renewing our social/emotional dimension requires
dimensions which make up the human condition: body, focus and exercise in our interaction with others.
mind and spirit. Covey also adds a fourth dimension - Success in Habits 4, 5 and 6 is not primarily a
the inter-personal. matter of intellect, but emotion; it's highly related to
our sense of personal security. Intrinsic security comes
Principles of Balanced Self-Renewal: Habit Seven from within, from accurate paradigms and correct
Suppose you came upon someone in the woods principles deep in our own mind and heart. It comes
working to saw down a tree. They are exhausted from from living a life of integrity, in which our daily habits
working for hours. You suggest they take a break to reflect our deepest values.
sharpen the saw. They might reply, " I didn't have time There is also intrinsic security that comes as a
to sharpen the saw, I'm busy sawing!" result of effective interdependent living and from
Habit 7 is taking the time to sharpen the saw. service, from helping other people in a meaningful
By renewing the four dimensions of your nature - way. Each day, we can serve another person by
physical, spiritual, mental and social/emotional, you making deposits of unconditional love.
can work more quickly and effortlessly. To do this, we
must be proactive. This is a Quadrant II (important, not Scripting Others.
urgent) activity that must be acted on. It's at the Most people are living in a reactive mode
center of our Circle of Influence, so we must do it for based on the social mirror. Their scripts are based on
ourselves. the opinions, prescriptions, and paradigms of the
people surrounding them. As interdependent people,
The Physical Dimension. we recognize our role as part of that social mirror.
The physical dimension involves caring for your We can affirm the proactive nature of others by
physical body - eating the right foods, getting enough treating them as responsible people. We can help
rest and relaxation, and exercising on a regular basis. support them as principle-centered, value-based,
If we don't have a regular exercise program, interdependent, worthwhile individuals.
eventually we will develop health problems. A good In the story of the mix up of the "bright" and
program builds your body's endurance, flexibility and "slow" students, the teachers of a group of "slow"
strength. A new program should be started gradually, children erroneously classified as "bright" said, "For
in harmony with the latest research findings. some reason, our methods weren't working, so we had
The greatest benefit of taking care of yourself to change our methods." The IQ scores of the students
is development of your Habit 1 "muscles" of dramatically improved. Apparent learning disability
proactivity. was really teacher inflexibility.
Goethe taught, "Treat a man as he is and he
The Spiritual Dimension. will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should
The spiritual dimension is your center, your be and he will become as he can and should be."
commitment to your value system. It draws upon the
sources that inspire and uplift you and tie you to Balance in Renewal.
timeless truths of humanity. Self renewal must include balanced renewal in
A doctor suggested that Covey try a four step all four dimensions--physical, spiritual, mental and
prescription at three-hour intervals at his favorite place social/emotional. Neglecting any one area negatively
as a child. Listen carefully, try reaching back, examine impacts the rest.
your motives, and write your worries in the sand. The same concept also applies to
When we take time to draw on the leadership organizations. The process of continuous improvement
center of our lives, what life is ultimately all about, it is the hallmark of the Total Quality movement and a
spreads like an umbrella over everything else. This is key to man's economic ascendancy.
why a personal mission statement is important.
Synergy in Renewal.
The Mental Dimension. The things you do to sharpen the saw in any
It's important keep your mind sharp by one dimension have a positive impact in the other
reading, writing, organizing and planning. Read broadly dimensions, because they are so highly interrelated.
and expose yourself to great minds. The Daily Private Victory, a minimum of one
Television is the great obstacle to mental hour a day to renew the personal dimensions, is the
renewal. Most of the programming is a waste of time. key to the development of the Seven Habits and is
completely within your circle of influence. It's also the
foundation for the Daily Public Victory. It's the source this kind of relationship is “synergy,” which means
of the intrinsic security you need to sharpen the saw in bringing together a whole that
the social/emotional dimension. is greater than the sum of the parts.
Number 7 - “Sharpen the Saw”
The Upward Spiral.
There’s an old story about a man sawing a log. The
Renewal is the principle and process that
work is going slowly and the man is exhausted. The
empowers us to move on an upward spiral of growth
more he saws, the less he cuts. A passerby watches for
and change, of continuous improvement.
a while and suggests that the man take a break to
Education of the conscience is vital to the truly
sharpen the saw. But the man says he can’t stop to
proactive, highly effective leader. Conscience is the
sharpen
endowment that senses our congruence or disparity
the saw because he is too busy sawing! A dull saw
with correct principles and lifts us towards them.
makes the work tiresome, tedious
Training and educating the conscience requires regular
and unproductive. Highly effective people take the
feasting on inspiring literature, thinking noble
time they need to sharpen their tools,
thoughts, and living in harmony with its small voice.
which are, in fact, their bodies, souls, mind and hearts.
Dag Hammarskjold, past Secretary-General of
It’s time for “self-renewal.”
the United Nations, said, "He who wants to keep his
garden tidy doesn't reserve a plot for weeds." The law
of the harvest governs, we will always reap what we
sow--no more, no less.
Moving along the upward spiral requires us to
learn, commit and do on increasingly higher planes.

Stephen Covey wrote a runaway bestseller in the Self

Improvement Industry, titled the 7 Habits of Highly
Effective People. This book has sold over 10 million
copies worldwide! In the book, Covey lays out 7 proven
principles for success

Number 1 – Be Proactive.
That’s almost self-explanatory. It means you
are taking the initiative. You are not living reactively,
but are taking a proactive stance in your life

Number 2 – Begin with the End in Mind.

The End is really your goal or your goals.
Effectiveness is not just a matter of reaching a goal but
rather of achieving the right goal. Imagine yourself
sitting in the back of the room at your funeral, and
what people could honestly say about you based on
the way you are now. Do you like what you hear? Is
that how you want to be remembered? If not, change
it.
Number 3 – Do first things first.
This means to focus on your most important priorities,
your top priorities. This doesn’t always mean urgent.
The phone is ringing, and picking it up might seem
urgent, but the caller is not always important. It could
be a telemarketer. Focus on your top priorities.
Number 4 – Think Win Win
In personal, business or other relationships, exercise
“interpersonal leadership” to make both parties
winners. Two wins make everyone better off; two
losses hurts everyone. A win/lose relationship creates a
victor and leaves someone injured. Think Win Win.
Number 5 - “Seek First to Understand, Then to
Be Understood”
Communication is a two-way street. To develop win/win
relationships, find out what the
other parties want, and what winning means to them.
Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes.
Number 6 - “Synergize”
Cooperation multiplies the power of one. In fact,
“creative cooperation” may yield a
force greater than the sum of the parts. The buzzword
to describe