7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE
A book can change your life. That's why we like to ask people we admire which book inspired them and changed their perspective. Here is one of them:
When it comes to books recommended for entrepreneurs and business professionals, there is one that ends up on almost every list and has been around since 1989 (that's 29 years!), The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, is a powerful and honest work that shows the path to self-improvement through concrete take-home lessons... If you haven't read it yet, you're probably thinking "How does a 'self-help' book stay relevant over 28 years?" Well, Professor Covey shows us that there is something that always remains relevant over time to living a full and "effective" life.
IDENTIFYING YOUR KEY GOALS AND BELIEFS
Character and ethics are the main concepts behind all habits. He ensures that the reader understands that in order to live the life he wants, he must base his beliefs on the end goal and structure his daily life, including personal, family and professional life, around these core goals and beliefs must build. The other main key is the willingness to actually step back, look at yourself objectively, and be open to changing your mindset and habits to fit those core values.
THE TIME MANAGEMENT MATRIX
Only once you have fully established your own core values, or what he calls a personal mission statement, can you begin to change and reflect on your habits and lifestyle. One of the most praised ideas highlighted in the book is time management through what Dr. Covey calls the “time management matrix.” It is an easy-to-use tool that helps us visualize how we organize our time. It helps us understand that we should take care of the things that are urgent and important, but that the things that are not urgent but still important are the things that we usually put aside. He shows us that this is the cause of many people feeling ineffective in their lives, and that over time, if we make time for things that are important but not necessarily time-sensitive, we can achieve our long-term goals.
Why the 7 Habits Have Remained So Influential Over the Years? Probably because the ideals listed as habits form the core of our human nature. They do not change with time and societal norms, they are connected to our instincts and find a balance that works for everyone. Everyone, regardless of their activity or lifestyle, can apply it to their own needs and ideals.
Certainly a book to add to your reading list!