Motivational Reading: "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"

Stephen Covey, a pioneer in the self-help field, died last week at the age of 79 due to complications from a bicycle accident in April. While he wrote many books during his lifetime, he will perhaps be best remembered for The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Originally published in 1990, the book has sold more than 20 million copies in 38 languages. Some organizations have even made Covey’s classic required reading for all employees.

What makes the publication so timeless? As one reviewer notes, it has the “gift of being simple without being simplistic.” It is considered a top motivational book for anybody looking to increase productivity, improve relationships, and achieve personal and professional success.

What are the seven habits? While one needs to read the book to explore each concept in detail, here’s a preview for those who might be interested (or a review, if it has been a while since you’ve read it):

• Be Proactive: Life is full of choices, and you need to take responsibility for yours.

• Begin with the End in Mind: What do you want to be?

• Put First Things First: It’s OK to say no when necessary and focus on your highest priorities.

• Think Win-Win: See life as a cooperative, not competitive, arena.

• Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Focus on listening rather than on how you are going to make your point.

• Synergize: When people begin to interact together genuinely, and they're open to each other's influence, they begin to gain new insight.

• Sharpen the Saw:  Everyone needs to have a balanced program for self-renewal in four areas: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual.

Did Covey’s books influence your life? We’d love to hear how; leave a comment in the section below.

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