I was surprised to hear that Stephen Covey died at the age of 79. He had become a great inspiration to many people around the world. Stephen Covey sold millions of books and his most popular book was The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. He was also co-founder of FranklinCovey. A professional development organization and an organization that sells planners almost everywhere.

So, my question to you is what did you learn or gain from Stephen Covey?

Well, here is a list of the habits he suggested should be used by highly effective people.

• Habit 1: Be Proactive: Take initiative in life by realizing that your decisions (and how they align with life’s principles) are the primary determining factor for effectiveness in your life. Habit 2:

• Begin with the End in Mind: Self-discover and clarify your deeply important character values and life goals.

• Habit 3: Put First Things First: Prioritize, plan, and execute your week’s tasks based on importance rather than urgency.

• Habit 4: Think Win-Win:  Genuinely strive for mutually beneficial solutions or agreements in your relationships. Value and respect people by understanding a “win” for all is ultimately a better long-term resolution than if only one person in the situation had gotten his way.

• Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood: Use empathic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by you. This creates an atmosphere of caring, respect, and positive problem solving.

• Habit 6: Synergize: Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could have done alone. Get the best performance out of a group of people through encouraging meaningful contribution, and modeling inspirational and supportive leadership.

• Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw: Balance and renew your resources, energy, and health to create a sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle. It primarily emphasizes on exercise for physical renewal, prayer (mediation, yoga, etc.) and good reading for mental renewal. It also mentions service to the society for spiritual renewal.

I think he guided millions with tools to create order in a person’s life. He taught people how to think, act and react. He taught people valuable lessons on leadership and how to attain wanted situations through thought and effective communication.

I am sure he will be missed but his legend will live on.

Dr. Jessica is a Psychologist and Empowerment Coach with the Center for Discovery. She helps people experiencing a personal or career transition discover their highest potential, using proven principles and practices of mind, body, and spiritual development. Check out our services and resources at The Center for Discovery.
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