Habit 1: Be Proactive
Stephen Covey refers to proactivity as simply taking responsibility for your life.
Those who think proactively tend to focus their efforts on what they can do something about. They think in terms of, “I can”, “I will”, “I prefer”.
Habit 2: Begin With The End In Mind
What is your end goal and what can you do to reach it?
Build a Personal Mission Statement to help you keep on track.
Having a mission statement is something that can help you focus on your goals and what you can do to meet them.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Prioritize.
Covey states, “Putting first things first means living and being driven by the principles you value most, not by the agendas and forces surrounding you.”
It allows us to access a more balanced life.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Putting your attention less on competition and more on collaboration.
When you take the time to look at what benefits both parties, it shows respect, maturity, integrity, and confidence.
It can positively affect your character and improve relationships.
Habit 5: Seek First To Understand, Then To Be Understood
Communication, specifically listening, is the basis for this habit.
Do not listen with the intent to reply, listen to understand.
Doing this is another great way to improving the relationship.
Habit 6: Synergize
Synergy refers to teamwork.
Take the time to truly accept the other person’s differences. Then use that understanding to feed off of each other and gain new insight into your situation.
Next time you’re in a difficult situation, try out the path to synergy.
Habit 7: Sharpen The Saw
Focus on the most important thing you have, YOU. When you ‘sharpen the saw’, you are taking the time you need for self-renewal.