summary
To be truly effective, you need to live by universal values like honesty, responsibility, and having a purpose.
The 7 Habits Framework
1. Take the lead (Habit of Choice)
Reactive or proactive:
Reactive: Put the blame on the situation (“I have to”)
Proactive: “I choose to” pay attention to what I can change
Use your “Circle of Influence” to help you focus on what you can change.
2. Have a Vision Habit: Start with the End in Mind
Write down your own mission statement:
What kind of memory do you want to leave behind?
What rules do you live by when you make decisions?
Do this: Think about your 80th birthday. What do you want people to think of when they think of you?
3. Do the Most Important Things First (Habit of Execution) Time Management Matrix:
Quadrant II (Important/Not Urgent): You should think about your plans, your relationships, and how to take care of yourself.
Get rid of Quadrant III/IV (Trivial/Urgent tasks)
Before problems come up, set your priorities.
4. Make it a habit to think win-win.
You can’t win or lose in life.
When you’re trying to reach an agreement, look for options that make everyone feel important.
5. The habit of empathy is to try to understand first and then be understood.
While you listen, don’t think about what you want to say.
Before making a diagnosis, ask questions.
6. Synergize (the habit of working together in a creative way)
1+1=3: When people on a team work together, they can come up with new ideas.
Key: Differences in value (“Your weakness might make my strength stronger”).
7. Sharpen the Saw (a way to keep things fresh)
Four Levels of Balance:
Physical (Exercise and food)
Mental (learning, reading)
Relationships in the social and emotional sense
Spiritual (meditation, thinking)
The Inside-Out Approach: Private Victories (Habits 1–3): Learn how to take charge of your life.
Public Victories (Habits 4–6): Make people believe in you.
Habit 7: Renewal—keep your success going for a long time.
Principles are more important than tactics, and this book works anywhere and anytime.
Holistic: combines success in both your personal and professional life.
Good for:
Leaders who want wisdom that will last
People who work too hard
Anyone who wants to get things done with a goal
Right now, do this:
Write a rough draft of your mission statement in ten minutes.