Apr 6, 2025
One of the best self-help books that has inspired countless people and changed habits and lives is ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ by Stephen Covey. It is simple, easy to understand, and versatile, and while the book states 7 habits, we mention 10 lessons one can take.
Simon-Schuster
The first and one of the most powerful habits is to be proactive in life, and to take charge and responsibility wherever possible. Throughout your personal and professional life, focus on what you can control, change things, and excel.
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Covey mentions in his book that you need to ‘Begin with the end in mind’. This rule and habit means that you need to have a clear vision in mind of whatever you do. It could be a new business, a goal you are setting, anything.
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Time management is important for succeeding and you need to set the right priorities to excel in life. So categorise all the tasks at hand based on urgency and their importance, and plan ahead.
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Another habit by Covey is to ‘Think win-win’. Many people interpret it according to their choices, but the best way to think about it is that you need to think about your win from a certain situation and someone else’s. Your success does not need to come at another’s expense.
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A rule Covey wrote was ‘Understand first, to be understood later’, and this defines the give and take philosophy. If you wish to command respect, you need to give the same respect.
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For highly effective people, teamwork is a habit, not a compulsion. And while working alone seems carefree, sometimes you need help to steer the boat.
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Covey’s last habit is to ‘Sharpen the saw’, and it means that it is important to constantly improve and better yourself. Don’t be stuck in age old certifications or habits, improve yourself a little everyday.
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Another lesson one can take from the book is that time management is important for anyone trying to be successful. You don’t just have to be busy with work, you also need to be productive with work.
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A simple book is considered timeless today, and its ‘Habits’ are read and followed by many across the world. And this shows that words inspire people and are extremely impactful.
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One reason Covey’s book became a bestseller is that his advice was simple, basic, but also extremely powerful, that hit a chord with the readers. And this showed that people need the most basic advice to excel.
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Thanks For Reading!
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