I have been silent; silent reading Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. You don’t just read this book. You really need to read it, study it and practice the teachings. I will admit I just finished reading it after several weeks. Now I need to go back and do some actual work applying the teachings. I definitely could see common themes I have read in other books. I really can’t believe that I have not taken the time to read this book before now.
What attracted me to this book? I have been trying to figure out the answer to why does any of it matter in the first place and how can I live a more meaningful life. I have a long list of things I have and do enjoy in life. It’s just I can’t figure out why it matters. Does anyone really care that I love to take pictures, run on the lakefront or drink wine? I am not even a specialist or guru at any of these things. As with all of us, finding time to pursue our interests is often challenging. Sometimes I feel like I have too many interests and can’t choose. I find myself wondering why I don’t just pick one and submerge myself in my enjoyment. Maybe a new career will present itself.
Then I look at my mother with dementia and wonder, why? She has spent her life making memories, having fun and learning to only have it eaten away by disease. I know there are many, many people suffering and asking themselves the same questions. I just need to believe that there is a something greater than us all and somehow this all matters.
It seems that Stephen really believed in trying to live a principle led life. He prepares us for a paradigm shift in our thinking. I like that he looks at all the dimensions of your life physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual. He also draws from his own life situations that include professional and personal. I do appreciate that Stephen Covey is open about how his belief in God is an important aspect of the principles he taught. It’s about your inner-self and character.
Today I am starting back at the beginning with re-reading Habit 1: Be Proactive. We do have a choice in how we respond between the stimulus and response. We are response-able. Now it’s time to put that into action. The first step is to identify the areas of concern that we actually have control over. The book says to practice this habit over the next 30 days. Here I go; although I think I will move onto Habit: 2: Begin with the End in Mind also. I have to keep this project moving, so much to do with so little time.
Below I have included a few additional links for your perusal.
https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits.php
http://blogs.hbr.org/2012/07/stephen-r-covey-taught-me-not/
Mom In Transition 