Have you ever read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey? I have. It’s a great book and I would highly recommend reading it. Stephen Covey’s son, Sean Covey, also wrote a book, it’s called The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. The latter book has actually been loaded onto the iPads of our high college students with the expectation that they all read it.
Both of these books are essentially about how to become independent and effective by following seven basic habits. These habits are:
1. Be Proactive
This simply means that you’re in charge, so take the initiative.
2. Begin With the End in Mind
We need to have a plan.
3. Put First Things First
Do the things that are most important first.
4. Think Win-Win
Everybody should win.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Listen first, then talk.
6. Synergise
Work together, do it together, it’s heaps better.
7. Sharpen the Saw
Live a balanced life. (The IFS philosophy!)
In my life, I try to live by these habits. In our classroom we are introducing these habits as a way of approaching learning and living life.
Are there any habits that you already implement?
Are there any habits you would like to implement?
I need to read that! As a Mum, it’s too easy to forget Point 5 – “understand first then seek to be understood”. It’s way too easy to rant at the kids without first listening to what they have to say…. See – the IFS “self improvement” policy is working on all the family 🙂