If you heard about a book with life improvement principles that were simple, and not especially unique, would you read it? What if it sold more than 25 million copies? In 40 languages?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey was named by Forbes as one of the top 10 most influential management books ever written. A survey by Chief Executive magazine recognized it as one of the 2 most influential books of the 20th century.
But, what made the book so successful?
Proven Principles, Simple Habits
Self-help fads come and go, and there always seems to be a secret new way to be successful. But, be careful, because some of those ideas could cause more harm than good.
Most wisdom is not new, nor is it a secret.
Many of the habits of highly effective people have been around for a while. They are universal and timeless, and have been proven to help people live more effectively for decades, even centuries.
“Our problems and pain are universal and increasing, and the solutions to the problems are and always will be based upon universal, timeless, self-evident principles common to every enduring, prospering society throughout history.” (Stephen R. Covey)
Yet, some other modern authors seem to try too hard. In their striving to appear sophisticated or differentiated, they offer complicated approaches that may spin off good sound bites, but are too complex to be easily integrated into our normal lives.
Most wisdom is not complicated, and truth is often quite simple.
Don’t get distracted by the hype, and sort through the clutter. Be selective as you pick which areas to focus on in your life. Look for simple principles that have proven effective for other people over a long period of time. Pick those that will work best for you, and build them into your daily habits.
In addition, many modern books make promises they simply can’t keep. They promise easy prosperity, or quick success, or manufactured charisma, or instant power and control. Wisdom is reliable, and it can be trusted.
There is no quick fix for life’s problems, and success normally comes only after a lot of hard work. In reality, you can’t control other people, and many circumstances are beyond your control as well. Instead, look for principles that align with God’s wisdom, and work on being the best you possible. Your relationships, your circumstances, and your satisfaction with life will take care of themselves.
“The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.” (Ezra Taft Benson as quoted in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People)
Habits of Highly Effective People
What are Stephen Covey’s 7 habits of highly effective people? And what do they mean?
- Be proactive – get started rather than procrastinate.
- Begin with the end in mind – always build a good plan.
- Put first things first – work on things that are important.
- Think win-win – look for ways to collaborate well with others.
- Seek first to understand, then to be understood – begin by listening.
- Synergize – know that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
- Sharpen the saw – focus on personal development as a regular habit.
Seven life improvement principles that are simple, and not especially unique. But, they work. They are effective. And that is what wisdom is all about.
In the book STEPS, I tried to emulate—that’s a fancy word for copy—Stephen Covey’s approach:
- Gather and synthesize the timeless wisdom of proven experts.
- Communicate key principles in a clear and simple manner.
- Help people learn how to apply them on a daily basis.
“Life is a journey. Seek the right direction using God as your guide. Make wise choices and take the next right step.” (STEPS: A Daily Journey to a Better Life)
Proven principles. Simple habits. Highly effective.
Question: Which of the habits of highly effective people means the most to you?
Action: Decide which habits you will commit to apply as part of your normal routine.
Photo by Magic Robot 
