Fave Book No. 1: The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People
Stacey Moore
Founder @ Hot Goss - Helping experienced marketers keep their clients impressed and obsessed. ? Hire Sassie for $500/mo. She does the work. You take the win. ? ?????
The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People is a self-help book by Stephen R. Covey that proposes seven habits for living a successful life. Even though the book’s lexicon has devolved into cringeworthy jargon (e.g., proactive, paradigm, and synergize), it is an enduring business classic and a contemporary primer for success.
I was introduced to The 7 Habits in the early ’90s when Covey was a guest on Anthony Robbins’ PowerTalk. Side note: PowerTalk was like a podcast before there were podcasts. But you had to pay for a subscription. And it came in the mail once a month on cassette tape! I still have the book summary from all those years ago and revisit it regularly.
Nostalgic ramblings aside, I’ve used the habits in my life ever since I read the book in 1992. Since then, it has sold more than 25 million copies and been translated into over 40 languages, so it seems like I’m not the only one who thinks highly of it.
What are the seven habits?
1. Be proactive - Take responsibility for your life instead of being reactive to circumstances around you. Don’t wait for things to happen to you. Take the initiative and build your future.
2. Begin with the end in mind - Make a plan for what you want out of life. Consider how you want the world to remember you, and let this vision guide your daily decisions and actions.
3. Put first things first - Prioritize tasks based on their importance rather than their urgency.
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4. Think win-win - Look for solutions that benefit everyone rather than trying to get more for yourself than the other party.
5. Seek to understand, then be understood - Listen actively to others by avoiding distractions and being fully present in the conversation.
6. Synergize - Collaborate with others to create something even better than you could on your own.
7. Sharpen the saw - Maintain balance in your life by taking time for physical, mental, social, and spiritual activities.
It’s fascinating to review how impactful Covey’s book has been in the world of business. Wall Street Journal called it “the most influential business book of the century.”
One of the most practical things I learned in the book was the four-quadrant way of thinking about time management. Known as the Eisenhower matrix, it divides your tasks into blocks based on urgency and importance. It helps you stay focused on what is important instead of getting caught up in distractions.
I encourage everyone to read The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People if they are looking for a way to improve their lives or careers.?It is not just for business people but can help with everything from becoming a better friend to being a better parent. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.