8+Habits

= 8 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE AS DESCRIBED BY STEPHEN COVEY =

** Habit 1. Be proactive® **
=== This is the ability to control one's environment, rather than have it control you, as is so often the case. Self determination, choice, and the power to decide response to stimulus, conditions and circumstances ===

** Habit 2. Begin with the end in mind® **
=== Covey calls this the habit of personal leadership. leading oneself that is, towards what you consider your aims. By developing the habit of concentrating on relevant activities you will build a platform to avoid distractions and become more productive and successful. ===

** Habit 3. Put first things first® **
=== Covey calls this the habit of personal management. This is about organizing and implementing activities in line with the aims established in habit 2. Covey says that habit 2 is the first or mental creation; habit 3 is the second or physical creation. ===

** Habit 4. Think win.win® **
=== Covey calls this the habit of interpersonal leadership, necessary because achievements are largely dependent on cooperative efforts with others. He says that win.win is based on the assumption that there is plenty for everyone, and that success follows a cooperative approach more naturally than the confrontation of win or lose. ===

** Habit 5. Seek first to understand and then to be understood® **
=== This is one of the great maxims of the modern age. This is Covey's habit of communication, and it's extremely powerful. Covey helps to explain this in his simple analogy 'diagnose before you prescribe'. This Habit is simple, effective and essential for developing and maintaining positive relationships in all aspects of life. ===

** Habit 6. Synergize® **
=== Covey says this is the habit of creative cooperation. The principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, which implicitly lays down the challenge to see the good and potential in the other person's contribution. ===

** Habit 7. Sharpen the saw® **
=== This is the habit of self renewal, says Covey, and it necessarily surrounds all the other habits, enabling and encouraging them to happen and grow. Covey interprets the self into four parts: the spiritual, mental, physical and the social/emotional, which all need feeding and developing. ===

** Habit 8. Find Your Voice and Inspire Other to Find Theirs **
=== The essence of this habit is that you will find your voice if you are 100% involved in what you are doing with your life. 100% involvement means your heart, soul, mind and spirit all fully engaged in the adventure that is your life. Does what you do in and with your life serve as an emotional, spiritual, intellectual source of stimulation? ===