Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

In 1989, Stephen Covey's book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People started a landmark revolution in how we think about time and life management. In this book, Covey presents seven principles for developing effectiveness in our private and public lives. By developing these habits, one moves from being dependent on other people to being and acting independently. Then we learn how to move to the more advanced state of interdependence and successful Cooperation. As a part of the seven habits. Covey introduces important and powerful techniques of time management under the habit of "Put First Things First." It is necessary to understand (and Practice) all seven habits so that the tools of time management can be learned and practiced in their natural setting. What follows is a basic overview of these ideas presented so you can take better advantage of this tool you hold in your hands.

The habits themselves are based on some important principles. One such principle is that of P/PC Balance. "P" refers to production of desired results (such as achieving a particular grade in a course). "PC" refer to production capability or the ability to produce successful results. In managing our lives, we must be careful to balance not only the productivity of our lives but also the abilities to achieve these results. For example, we cannot ignore the activities which help build or maintain our health, finances, relationships, ability to learn etc., in our quest to do more, achieve more, and do all of this faster and more efficiently. Burnout is the inevitable result of P/PC imbalance!

Another basic principle important to understand the 7 habits is the Maturity Continuum. The 7 habits serve as a set of integrated approaches allowing us to move along the maturity continuum from dependence to independence to interdependence. Being dependent means that you depend on other people to take care you and your problems ("You take care of me"). Being independent means that you have taken charge of your life ("I am self-reliant"). Being interdependent means you combine your talents with others to create something greater together than any of you could do alone ("We can do it"). The first of these habits focus on achieving "private victories" which help move us from being dependent to being independent. The next of these h...

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...es us (what Covey calls "Wisdom Literature") in whatever tradition you find most comfortable(I prefer the Mystical bent), through meditation or prayer, through organized church services, through spending time with nature. I am an ordained minister and run an electric ministry on the internet in which I offer various spiritual services. I am constantly reading various spiritually-oriented books, and seeking spiritually-centered materials the internet so I can better myself as well as offer better services to others. I am also currently enrolled in a home-study Doctoral program that will give me some training in spiritual counseling that is in tune with my specific religious proclivites. As my personal examples indicate, there are many opportunities for spiritual growth and development available to you, whatever your particular spiritual bent may be!

Well, there you have it, an overview of the 7-Habits with some additional insights thrown in aimed at helping you the student. I hope this precise helps you to get motivated so that you begin to use this planner tool. If you start organizing your life now, you will, indeed, find the time to " Live, Love, Learn and Leave a Legacy"!