Saturday, June 6, 2015

Habit 1

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People  by Steven Covey

I read this book many years ago but I don’t remember any of it.  Maybe it was lack of life experience or immaturity.  I am in a much better place now, truly desiring to make some changes in my life and become a better disciple and beacon of light to those around me. These 7 Habits are based on “principles which are guidelines…that have been proven over time to have enduring, permanent value.” (Summaries.com p 2)  These principles represent values that are important to me.  I can learn how to use these habits to become a more effective person.  

A paradigm is the way we see and understand the world around us.  Before I can change anything, I need to check my perceptions or shift some of these paradigms.  I need to be aware of how my opinions are affecting my attitude towards others, towards change, or towards challenges.  These habits “are a new level of thinking – a paradigm shift based on a principle-centered, character-based inside-out approach to personal effectiveness.”  (p 2)

Trying to tackle all of these habits at the same time would not be productive.  I need to focus on one practice at a time, allowing each to truly become a habit.  I want these habits to help me find purpose in my life.  I want them to make long term changes.  By reading the full book, rather than the summary, I will be able to better understand how I can have each habit truly change me.

The first 3 habits deal with self-mastery or private victories and lay the foundation for the other habits.

Habit 1 – Be Proactive
Before I can change how I see or think about others, I need to understand how I see myself.  There are a few things I can control.  This introduces the principle of self-awareness.  What can I control?  First off, my thoughts; I have the ability to create a new reality; I know inside what is right and wrong; and I have the ability to act on my thoughts.  I can choose my response to any situation, but not the consequences that come with those choices.  I can choose to be reactive or proactive in every circumstance. “This is the true meaning of ‘response-ability’.” (p 3)  Being proactive means I think about my actions and thoughts and the effect they have on me and on others.  I need to be proactive in whatever situation I am in.  I need to learn to “control a situation from the inside out.” (p 3)  If I can learn to do this, even in the little everyday things, I can be a better leader.  I can have the confidence I need to move on to the next habit. 


This week, I will really focus on what paradigms need to be shifted.  Where can I change my perception into something more positive?  Where can I improve my attitude?  How is my perception of a situation effecting those around me?  What are my actions in response to different situations teaching my children?  I will post these questions where I can see them each morning, reminding me to be aware.  I will share my goals with Bill.  I will have him help hold me accountable to seeing this through.  Perhaps we can help each other.

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