7 Habits

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

By: Stephen R. Covey

            Out of the 7 habits, the first one made the most impact on me. Covey’s first habit is “Be Proactive”. He defines this first habit, “…being proactive, to actively choose what our response will be in any situation rather than to react blindly.” After reading this, it reminded me of the scripture, 2 Nephi 2:26 – “…And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon…”. In addition, James E. Faust, gave a talk reminding us to “take responsibility for our moral decisions in life”.

            Covey explains further that we (humans) are unique because we have the ability to think about our thought process, we simply don’t have to just react. We have the power to control our thoughts and choose how we will respond to certain situations! Just this aspect alone, made me pause and think about how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ gave thought to how we should be formed.

            I think the 7 habits will help fill my life with passion and purpose because all the skills build on each other. Covey’s first 3 steps focus on the individual, which is the first important place to begin with self-improvement. Once I am able to accomplish those steps, it will only make it that much easier to focus on the next 3 habits that will help me work with others. After that is achieved, I can move on to the last step, “sharpen the saw”. This last habit allows us to pull everything together and improve the effectiveness of our lives in all areas. By working all these habits, I would be able to help others and work more effectively with them.