A Book Summary of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey

Steven Covey did extensive research into the habits of successful people. He studied the success habits of people beginning in the middle 1800s. What he came up with were seven habits that made him or her successful.

He begins by stating the first successful habit and that is “be proactive.” This means being responsible for what happens to me. For instance, when I become ill, I don’t wait for someone to take care of me, I do what is necessary to get well. This means I call my doctor, make an appointment and then go. But, before I become ill, I do what I can to stay well which is eating right, exercising and getting the immunization I need.

The next successful habit he mentions is to know where you going so you can see the end in your mind and that will help reach the goals you have in mind. For instance, if you want to make a career change, you begin planning for the end result such as becoming a nurse or doctor. Seeing the end in mind, will help you plan on reaching your goal.

The next successful habit is to “put first things first.” He states that if you could think of one thing that would make a big difference in your life if you put it first, how would it change your life for the better. And, if you did choose something different, what would it be? Maybe you would eat less, maybe you would exercise the first thing in the morning or maybe you would study in the morning before you did anything else.

Another habit is to “seek to understand and then seek to be understood.” Empathy is the habit here. Being empathetic can help you be successful because you are actively listening to what another person is saying to you and when that person truly understands what you’re saying, your dialog will be successful—you will be understood and that brings a bond between you and another human being.

Still another successful habit is by acting in a cooperative way. In other words, instead of competing with others in life, it is better to cooperate. By cooperating, much more can be accomplished in the goals of life.

Another successful habit is by working with other in a way where there is more open-mindedness; where there is teamwork. By communicating and interacting openly and honestly, the author states that so much more can be accomplished.

One last successful habit of successful people is by constantly renewing yourself in a physical, social, mental and spiritual way. Living a balanced life and taking time for yourself, will help keep you more alert and happy.