A Life-Changing Book You Should Read Today!
Do you want to be a better person? Are you looking for real progress in life? Do you want achievement, peace, and improved relationships?
If your answer is “yes,” then this book is for you!
“7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey is not only a book. It is a key to an improved life. In fact, millions of people across the world have been helped by this book. It is cherished by students, leaders, employees, and entrepreneurs. You can also read it and apply it too and you can improve your life. Let’s go through the book in easy language. I will also inform you as to how each habit will prove beneficial in real life.
Why Is This Book So Special?
Stephen Covey was a trainer, a speaker, and a writer. Notably, he wrote this book in 1989. Even today, it is one of the top-selling self-help books of all time.
Why?
Because it is useful. Clearly, it provides straightforward steps and most importantly shows you how to live with values. So, it’s not merely how to win money or power. This book speaks of character, not merely success.
In fact, it states: “Success starts from inside.”
What Are the 7 Habits?
Okay, now let’s discuss the seven habits. Keep in mind, they are not arbitrary. Instead, they are in a definite order. Also each one builds upon the next.
Covey states: “You must win your private life before your public life.”
Let’s begin.
Habit 1: Be Proactive
Take Control of Your Life
This is the beginning. Be master of your life. Don’t say, “I can’t do this because of others.” Instead, say, “I choose my response.”
Admittedly, bad things do happen, but you get to decide what to do. You are not solely a product of your mood, your past, or your parents. You are in control.
As Covey states: “There is a space, between stimulus and response. In that space is our power to choose our response.”
How it helps:
- Firstly, you stop blaming others.
- Then, you take action.
- Eventually, you become responsible.
Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind
Know Where You Are Going
Now, imagine your own funeral. Ask yourself, what do you wish people to say regarding you? May be, kind, loving, strong, honest? This habit assists you in planning your life. So, begin with your goals. Then make your way towards them. In case you don’t know where you want to go, then you will become lost.
How it benefits:
- You get clarity.
- You select your values.
- As a result, you live on purpose.
Additionally, Covey requires you to write a personal mission statement. It is like your own rulebook for life. It indicates what you care about.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Do What Really Matters
It’s about time. To begin with, we all have 24 hours. But what do we do? Often, we waste time on little things. Instead of that, we avoid big things. This habit says: Do important work, not only urgent work.
- Important things are:
- First of all, your goals
- Next, your health
- Also, your learning
- And of course, your family
Skip things that are urgent but not important. For example: checking social media or answering everyone’s messages.
How it helps:
- As a result, you control your time better.
- In the same way, you remain focused.
- Eventually, you grow more quickly.
In addition, Covey displays a plain box named the Time Management Matrix. Clearly, it makes you understand where you spend time. So, utilize it. Indeed, it is highly effective!
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Everyone Can Win
Undoubtedly, this is a great concept. We tend to think, in life, “If you win, I will lose.” But Covey responds, “No! We can both win.”
This habit involves mutual respect. You would like to be successful, but you also wish others to be successful. Think business. If a business considers only money and not people, it fails. In the same way, consider relationships. If one person only is satisfied, the other one suffers.
How it benefits:
- First, you form good partnerships.
- Then, you become trustworthy.
- Also, you solve issues better.
Covey says: “Win-win is not a technique. It is a total philosophy.”
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Listen First. Speak Later.
Truthfully, this habit is tough. Most of the time people don’t listen. Instead, they only wait to speak. But true listening is different. You listen with your heart, not only with your ears. You should attempt to understand the other person completely. As a result, this establishes trust.
How it benefits:
- First of all, you prevent fights.
- Next, you relate better.
- Finally, you become an excellent communicator.
Covey refers to this as empathic listening. It implies that you feel what the other person feels. Then, and only then, you talk.
Habit 6: Synergize
Create More by Working Together
Synergy is 1 + 1 = 3.
Now How?
When we work together, we can accomplish more than we can individually. Since, we are all different, that’s a good thing. If we get along and work together, we create magic. This habit is teamwork. It’s unity. It is about using differences as strength.
How it helps:
- You come up with new ideas.
- With teamwork, assembling better teams becomes easier.
- You accomplish more.
Covey states: “Synergy is better than my way or your way. It’s our way.”
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Take Care of Yourself
It is the last habit to be discussed. It keeps all other habits alive. Just think, consider a woodcutter. He cuts trees repeatedly but never sharpens his saw. What happens? Eventually, his saw is dulled. Similar is the case with us. We work hard. We try to grow. But if we do not rest or recharge, we get burned out. So, sharpen your saw.
Take care of:
- To begin with, your body (exercise, sleep, food)
- In addition, your mind (reading, learning)
- Also, your heart (friends, love, kindness)
- Finally, your soul (peace, prayer, nature)
How it helps:
- You remain strong.
- You don’t get stressed.
- As a result, you live longer and happier.
Covey says: “Self-renewal is the key to personal and professional growth.”
How This Book Can Change Your Life
You might wonder: Why must I read this book? Let me tell you. This book is not just ideas. Instead, it provides you with a system for life. It serves everyone—student, teacher, leader, or parent. Each habit adds value. You don’t need to be wealthy or intelligent. You just need to want to grow.
Interestingly, Covey speaks in simple language. He tells stories. He also provides real-life examples. His voice is soothing, not aggressive.
Best Things About the Book
Let’s mention a few more reasons to read it.
- Timeless Wisdom
Even though, the book is 30+ years old. Yet, it remains fresh and useful.
- Action-Based
Moreover, each chapter provides steps you can take.
- For All Areas of Life
Clearly, it serves you at home, work, and in your inner life.
- Clear Language
Indeed, the words are simple. Yet the concepts are profound.
- Long-Term Change
It develops your character. Not only your image.
Read More: How to Win Friends and Influence People
What Readers Say on Amazon
There are more than 50,000 reviews on Amazon. They are mostly 4 or 5 stars.
People say:
“This book changed my way of thinking.”
“I wish I had read it sooner.”
“It transformed me in my work and marriage.”
That’s why it is a #1 Bestseller. You can get the paperback and Kindle version on Amazon. It is also in audiobook.
Read More: How to Win Friends and Influence People
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Buy It Today
Let’s face it. We all want a healthier life. We want more success, more peace, and better relationships. But we don’t always know the path to get there. This book illuminates the path. It doesn’t guarantee quick results. But it provides genuine results. If you practice the 7 habits, one at a time, your life will get better. You will think better, behave better, and feel better. And the greatest thing? You can refer to this book repeatedly. It’s a lifetime guide.
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