Author: Stephen R. Covey
The 7 Habits
1. Be Proactive
Take responsibility for your life. Don’t blame circumstances or conditions — you have the power to choose your response.
“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.”
2. Begin with the End in Mind
Define clear personal and professional goals. Visualize the legacy you want to leave behind and align your actions accordingly.
“Start with a clear destination to understand where you are now, where you’re going, and what you value most.”
3. Put First Things First
Prioritize the important over the urgent. Focus on what matters most, even if it’s not pressing.
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
4. Think Win-Win
Seek mutually beneficial solutions in your relationships. Life isn’t a zero-sum game.
“Win-win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit.”
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Practice empathetic listening. Understand others deeply before trying to get your point across.
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
6. Synergize
Value differences and build on strengths through teamwork and creative collaboration.
“Synergy is better than my way or your way. It’s our way.”
7. Sharpen the Saw
Take time to renew and grow in four areas: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual.
“We must never become too busy sawing to take time to sharpen the saw.”