JULY 16, 2020
Stephen R. Covey’s classic “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is a great book for anyone interested in creating their future rather than just framing their past. Covey outlines seven habits that will assist you in reaching your dreams and understanding why you are here. As a brief review, the seven simple habits include:
- Be Proactive; Many of us spend too much time “reacting” to things and events. (Remember, you have a choice) Be more proactive in discovering the creativity you possess.
- Begin With End in Mind; I like this one as you need to visualize and anticipate GOOD things happening. If you visualize what might be, practice the “Little things,” and FOCUS, you just might get what you want. (and need)
- Put First Things First; There are certain responsibilities in life that NEED to be done. Not only for yourself but for your family or your team. Self-Awareness will allow you to know what to do and then you can work on your dream.
- Think Win/Win; We have talked before about the “Double Win.” (See Denis Waitley). Great leaders are the only people on the planet that can see the solutions in other people. Always be looking for that Win/Win proposition.
- Seek First to Understand, Then to be understood; This means you had better know the other person (or get to know them) if you want to influence them into a double win. Remember this: Assist but DON’T compare. You are all special.
- Synergize; Interacting or cooperating with one another produces a joint effect that is greater than the sum of effects achieved separately.
- Sharpen the Saw; This means we all need to make sure we take time to renew ourselves, not just physically but also spiritually, socially, and mentally.
In sharpening our own saw, imagine yourself walking into a forest. We see a guy (or a gal) sawing down a tree. It is obvious the blade is dull…which is making them work way harder and longer than they would need to if they had a sharp blade. You can suggest that they sharpen their saw a bit. In response, the person tells you, “I’m TOO BUSY to take the time to sharpen my saw.” The moral of the story is: “Don’t be that saw person who thinks he/she’s too busy to take time to sharpen his/her saw. “Are YOU being that person?”
If you want to flourish in life, you will need ENERGY. Where do you get YOUR energy? It is so essential that we step back (reflect) and work on a well-sharpened or well-oiled saw to help us cut down the distractions and setbacks life will throw at us. Many people would rather just keep sawing in order to show others that they are busy or they are working hard in life. Wake up and learn to sharpen your own saw so that you have more time to do MORE. I understand that many people don’t want to do more. That is because they enjoy the comforts life gives them and have no concern for reaching out to others to help them. Loving one another takes energy and ACTION.
Remember the first six habits. Work on being less reactive and more proactive. Have an end goal in mind when you are doing life. Don’t just think of yourself as the winner. Life is more fun if you win with others. Understand what others need and then understand YOU have the power to help them. Work together because you will be able to accomplish MORE.
Lots to digest today as we continuing thinking about creating our own futures. We will need to take others along with us so be prepared to enjoy the ride. Don’t get hung up on the mistakes you make along the way. We will all make mistakes. It is those that LEARN from their mistakes that will allow them to move forward and not get hung up on their past.
Go sharpen your saw.
Elevator Guy