The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Hello there!

if you stumbled upon this blog by chance, welcome to my personal notebook. here, i jot down insights, reflections, and key takeaways from books i'm reading—starting with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, a gift from my aunt.

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Overview

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

Habits = knowledge (what to, why to) + desire (want to) + skill (how to)

it is a painful process, it is a change that has to be motivated by higher purpose, by willingness to subordinate what you think you want now for what you want later.

Happiness can be defined, in part at least, as the fruit of the desire and ability to sacrifice what we want now for what we want eventually.

• dependent is the paradigm of you-you take care of me; you come through for me; you did not come through; I blame you for the result.
• independent is the paradigm of I-I can do it; I am responsible; I am self-reliant; I can choose.
• interdependent is the paradigm of we-we can do it; we can cooperate; we can combine our talents and abilities and create something greater together.

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Private Victory

Habit 1: Be Proactive

Quote: "Between stimulus and response, man has the freedom to choose."

Core Idea: Take responsibility for your actions and life.

Key Points:

1. Proactivity vs. Reactivity:
   • Proactive: Focus on what you can control.
   • Reactive: Focus on what you can't control.
2. Circle of Influence vs. Circle of Concern:
   • Circle of Influence: Things you can affect.
   • Circle of Concern: Things you can't control.
3. Response-ability: Choose your response to any situation.

Action Plan:

1. Shift Your Mindset:
   • Identify areas where you feel reactive.
   • Practice using proactive language.
2. Expand Your Circle of Influence:
   • List areas within your control.
   • Focus your energy on influencing these areas.
3. Take Responsibility:
   • Own your decisions and their outcomes.
   • Reflect on past decisions and how you responded.

To-Do List:

• Daily: Use proactive statements like "I choose to..." or "I will..."
• Weekly: Review your Circle of Influence and expand it.
• Monthly: Reflect on decisions you've made and their outcomes.

Personal Notes:

You have the ability to respond, therefore, it is called responsibility.

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wip ...

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

Quote: "Begin with the end in mind means to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination."

Core Idea:

Define clear personal goals and values.

Key Points:

• Vision and Values:
  • Know where you want to go.
  • Align actions with long-term goals and values.
• Personal Mission Statement:
  • Write a mission statement: What you want to be and do.
• Roles and Goals:
  • Identify your roles (e.g., family, career).
  • Set specific goals for each role.

Action Plan:

1. Define Your Vision and Values:
   • Write a personal mission statement.
   • Identify your core values.
2. Set Long-Term Goals:
   • Break down your vision into achievable goals.
   • Align these goals with your values and mission statement.
3. Create Visual Reminders:
   • Use vision boards or written affirmations.

To-Do List:

• Daily: Reflect on your personal mission statement.
• Weekly: Set and review goals for each role you play (e.g., family, career).
• Monthly: Update your mission statement and goals as needed.

Personal Notes:

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Habit 3: Put First Things First

Quote: "The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities."

Core Idea:

Prioritize and manage your time based on importance.

Key Points:

• Time Management Matrix:
  • Quadrant I: Urgent and important (crises).
  • Quadrant II: Not urgent but important (planning, relationships).
  • Quadrant III: Urgent but not important (interruptions).
  • Quadrant IV: Not urgent and not important (time-wasters).
• Focus on Quadrant II:
  • Prevent crises by focusing on important tasks.
• Delegation:
  • Delegate tasks when possible.

Action Plan:

1. Identify Key Roles and Goals:
   • List your key roles (e.g., employee, parent, friend).
   • Set specific, time-bound goals for each role.
2. Prioritize Tasks:
   • Use the Time Management Matrix to categorize tasks.
   • Focus on Quadrant II activities.
3. Schedule Important Activities:
   • Block out time in your calendar for important but not urgent tasks.
   • Ensure a balance between professional and personal life.

To-Do List:

• Daily: Prioritize tasks using the Time Management Matrix.
• Weekly: Schedule Quadrant II activities.
• Monthly: Review and adjust your priorities.

Personal Notes:

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Habit 4: Think Win-Win

Quote: "Win-win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions."

Core Idea:

Seek mutually beneficial solutions.

Key Points:

• Abundance Mentality:
  • Believe there's enough for everyone.
• Interpersonal Leadership:
  • Build relationships based on mutual respect.
• Balance of Courage and Consideration:
  • Express your needs and consider others' needs.

Action Plan:

1. Adopt an Abundance Mentality:
   • Practice thinking “win-win” in daily interactions.
   • Seek opportunities for mutual benefit.
2. Build Strong Relationships:
   • Invest time in understanding others' perspectives.
   • Communicate openly and honestly.
3. Develop Trust:
   • Be consistent and reliable.
   • Show empathy and respect in all interactions.

To-Do List:

• Daily: Look for win-win solutions in your interactions.
• Weekly: Engage in activities that build relationships.
• Monthly: Reflect on your interactions and improve your approach.

Example:

• Scenario: Working on a project with a colleague.
  • Step 1: Listen to their ideas.
  • Step 2: Share your ideas clearly.
  • Step 3: Find a solution that incorporates both perspectives.

Personal Notes:

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