When this book was published in 1990, it set the stage for a new thought on personal development. Since then, barrages of books have been written following a similar pattern, but with different terminology, and, frankly, they are all helpful in one way or another.

One of the obvious lessons in the book is how the principles can be applied to work, home, and family – all parts of personal growth. However, like all determinants of change, the seven habits are easier to read about than they are to adopt.

I encourage reading the book, if you haven’t already. And, if you have read it, maybe review it and make a post-it note reminder of the habits to develop:

1. Be proactive – Control your life rather than letting it control you
2. Begin with the end in mind – Personal Leadership – Put your focus on activities that lead towards your goals
3. Put first things first – Personal Management – Organize and implement the activities from habit #2
4. Think win-win – Interpersonal Leadership – Co-operative efforts with others brings success. There is enough for everyone, so find ways to benefit you and them.
5. Seek first to understand and then to be understood – Communication Rule – That doesn’t require any explanation, does it?
6. Synergize – Creative Co-operation – See the good and potential in others’ contribution because together we accomplish more than we do alone.
7. Sharpen the saw  – develop and re/energize your spiritual, mental, physical and social/emotional sides.

If you don’t have time to read the book, listen to the audiobook version where Covey covers the habits while speaking to an audience. Steven Covey passed away in 2012, but left the world with some good habits to live by.

Order your copy here