The 7 Habits
The book first introduces the concept of Paradigm Shift and prepares the reader for a change in mindset. It helps the reader understand that there exists a different perspective, a viewpoint that may be different from his own and asserts that two people can see the same thing and yet differ with each other. Once the reader is prepared for this, it introduces the seven habits, in a proper order.
The author of the book is Stephen Covey.
The 7 habits are:
HABIT 1 : BE PROACTIVE
HABIT 2: BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
HABIT 3: PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST
HABIT 4: THINK WIN-WIN
HABIT 5: SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD
HABIT 6: SYNERGIZE
HABIT 7: SHARPEN THE SAW
Out of the 7, these three that I feel are in alignment with my own personality/traits:
HABIT 2: BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND: is based on imagination–the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes. It is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There is a mental (first) creation, and a physical (second) creation. The physical creation follows the mental, just as a building follows a blueprint. If you don’t make a conscious effort to visualize who you are and what you want in life, then you empower other people and circumstances to shape you and your life by default. It’s about connecting again with your own uniqueness and then defining the personal, moral, and ethical guidelines within which you can most happily express and fulfill yourself. Begin with the End in Mind means to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen.
HABIT 3: PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST: To live a more balanced existence, you have to recognize that not doing everything that comes along is okay. There’s no need to overextend yourself. All it takes is realizing that it’s all right to say no when necessary and then focus on your highest priorities.
HABIT 4: THINK WIN-WIN: Most of us learn to base our self-worth on comparisons and competition. We think about succeeding in terms of someone else failing–that is, if I win, you lose; or if you win, I lose. Life becomes a zero-sum game. There is only so much pie to go around, and if you get a big piece, there is less for me; it’s not fair, and I’m going to make sure you don’t get anymore. We all play the game, but how much fun is it really?
Win-win sees life as a cooperative arena, not a competitive one. Win-win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. Win-win means agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying. We both get to eat the pie, and it tastes pretty darn good!
How will I apply these habits to your educational career (here at College)?
Having these positive attitudes within helps me to be successful. For example, Think Win-Win, is more of a positive view that everything we think of doing or presenting will result in success. The same applies to Being with an end in mind, visualizing the success as the end result, everything you imagine will process with success. Whereas Put first things first, helps me to be organized with my homework, any assignments/projects.
How could I apply these habits in the workplace?
Possessing such habits, help one to build organizational skills and positive attitude amongst them. It in deed brings out a pleasant environment to work in. Once you organize the tasks that needed to be done, it will easy and no there will be no procastination.
Watch this interesting powerful lesson on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLtuGsA8KlE
For Additional Information please go to this site: https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Habits_of_Highly_Effective_People
Arschala David 