Before you can adopt the seven habits, you'll need to accomplish what Covey calls a "paradigm shift"--a change in perception and interpretation of how the world works. Covey takes you through this change, which affects how you perceive and act regarding productivity, time management, positive thinking, developing your "proactive muscles" (acting with initiative rather than reacting), and much more.
This isn't a quick-tips-start-tomorrow kind of book. The concepts are sometimes intricate, and you'll want to study this book, not skim it. When you finish, you'll probably have Post-it notes or hand-written annotations in every chapter, and you'll feel like you've taken a powerful seminar by Covey. --Joan Price
Be Proactive - decide for yourself
Begin with the end in mind - have a personal vision
Put First Things First - Do whats most important first
Think Win - Win - Get what you want, and what the other wants
Seek first to understand, then to be understood - You can't tell your story untill the other person feels understood
Synergize - Bring your strengths and work together
Sharpen the Saw - do personal maintenance.
Its all about your relationships with others
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Source: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Contributed by: ~C4Chaos.
Suppose you came upon someone in the woods working to saw down a tree. They are exhausted from working for hours. You suggest they take a break to sharpen the saw. They might reply, ” I didn't have time to sharpen the saw, I'm busy sawing!”
Habit 7 is taking the time to sharpen the saw. By renewing the four dimensions of your nature - physical, spiritual, mental and social/emotional, you can work more quickly and effortlessly. To do this, we must be proactive. This is a Quadrant II (important, not urgent) activity that must be acted on. It's at the center of our Circle of Influence, so we must do it for ourselves.
mission statement
i was inspired by the simple, but solid argument this book makes for having integrity and character. For those seeking to live with authenticity, or those confused by their dappling in self-help literature, this book will be encouraging.