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bookeysnewsletter · 12 days

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First Things First: A Summary of Covey's Time Management

Chapter 1 What's First Things First by Stephen R. Covey

"First Things First" is a book by Stephen R. Covey that focuses on time management and personal effectiveness. Covey, known for his bestselling book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," outlines a framework for prioritizing tasks, setting goals, and achieving a balance between work and personal life. The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is truly important and aligning daily activities with long-term values and goals. Covey introduces the concept of the "time management matrix," which helps readers categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. Overall, "First Things First" offers practical advice and tools for increasing productivity and achieving success in all areas of life.

Chapter 2 Is First Things First A Good Book

First Things First by Stephen R. Covey is generally considered to be a good book by many readers. It offers practical advice on time management and prioritizing tasks to achieve personal and professional goals. Covey's approach emphasizes the importance of identifying and focusing on what is truly important in life, rather than just reacting to urgent demands. The book has been well-received for its insights and actionable strategies, making it a valuable resource for individuals looking to improve their productivity and overall quality of life.

Chapter 3 First Things First by Stephen R. Covey Summary

In "First Things First," Stephen R. Covey discusses the importance of prioritizing and focusing on what truly matters in our lives. He argues that many people spend their time and energy on urgent but less important tasks, rather than on important, long-term goals. Covey introduces a time management matrix that helps readers differentiate between urgent and important activities, and encourages them to focus on Quadrant II tasks which are important but not urgent.

Covey also stresses the importance of identifying and aligning our actions with our values, principles, and long-term goals. He emphasizes the need to take personal responsibility for managing our time, setting goals, and making choices that reflect our values.

Throughout the book, Covey provides practical tools and techniques for managing time effectively, including setting goals, planning, and organizing tasks. He encourages readers to develop a personal mission statement and to regularly review and reassess their priorities.

Overall, "First Things First" is a guide to help readers prioritize their time and energy, focus on what truly matters, and live a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Covey's timeless principles and practical advice continue to inspire readers to lead more productive and meaningful lives.

Chapter 4 First Things First Author

Stephen R. Covey co-authored the book "First Things First" with Roger Merrill and Rebecca R. Merrill, which was first published in 1994. Covey is a renowned American author, educator, and businessman known for his best-selling book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People."

Some of Covey's other notable works include:

1. "The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness" - Released in 2004, this book builds upon the principles outlined in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and focuses on finding your voice and inspiring others to find theirs.

2. "Principle-Centered Leadership" - Published in 1992, this book explores the importance of living by principles and aligning your actions with your values to achieve success.

3. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families" - Released in 1997, this book applies Covey's principles to the family unit, offering practical advice on cultivating strong relationships and communication within families.

In terms of editions, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is considered Covey's most well-known and impactful work. It has been revised and re-released multiple times, with the latest edition including new insights and perspectives on the timeless principles outlined in the book.

Chapter 5 First Things First Meaning & Theme

First Things First Meaning

"First Things First" is a phrase often used to emphasize the importance of prioritizing important tasks or responsibilities before attending to less important ones. In the context of Stephen R. Covey's book, "First Things First," it emphasizes the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life, such as personal growth, relationships, and living in alignment with one's values and priorities. Covey encourages readers to identify their core values and goals, and to prioritize their time and energy accordingly in order to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. The book serves as a guide for individuals seeking to improve their time management, productivity, and overall well-being by focusing on what truly matters most to them.

First Things First Theme

The main theme of "First Things First" by Stephen R. Covey is the importance of prioritizing our time and energy on the things that truly matter in life. Covey emphasizes the need to identify our values and goals, and to align our actions with them in order to live a fulfilling and purposeful life. He encourages readers to focus on what is important rather than what is urgent, and to be proactive in managing their time and responsibilities. The book emphasizes the idea that success is not just about getting things done, but about getting the right things done. By prioritizing our time and energy on the things that are most important to us, Covey argues that we can achieve greater satisfaction and fulfillment in both our personal and professional lives.

Chapter 6 Other Accessible Resources

1. Stephen R. Covey's official website (https://www.stephencovey.com/)

2. Amazon listing for the book "First Things First" by Stephen R. Covey

3. Goodreads page for "First Things First" with reviews and ratings

4. Audible listing for the audiobook version of "First Things First"

5. YouTube videos of Stephen R. Covey discussing the principles of "First Things First"

6. Podcast episodes featuring discussions on the concepts in "First Things First"

7. Articles and blog posts analyzing the key ideas in "First Things First"

8. Social media pages dedicated to sharing insights from "First Things First" by Stephen R. Covey

9. Online forums and discussion boards where readers can connect and discuss their thoughts on "First Things First"

10. Educational websites offering summaries and study guides for "First Things First" by Stephen R. Covey.

Chapter 7 Quotes of First Things First

First Things First quotes as follows:

1. "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."

2. "The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities."

3. "The best way to predict the future is to create it."

4. "The key is in not spending time, but in investing it."

5. "The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire not things we fear."

6. "The essence of self-discipline is to do the important thing rather than the urgent thing."

7. "Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important."

8. "Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least."

9. "If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster."

10. "The key is to teach yourself to stay focused and not get distracted by distractions."

Chapter 8 Similar Books Like First Things First

1. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle - This book delves into the importance of living in the present moment and letting go of past regrets and future anxieties, aligning well with the themes of mindfulness and self-awareness discussed in The Power of Your Subconscious Mind.

2. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz - This book offers practical guidance on how to cultivate a more fulfilling and authentic life by adopting four simple but powerful agreements with oneself, which could complement the principles of positive thinking and intentionality in The Power of Your Subconscious Mind.

3. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck - This book explores the concept of fixed versus growth mindsets and how our beliefs about our abilities and potential shape our success and happiness, providing valuable insights into the power of mindset and self-perception discussed in The Power of Your Subconscious Mind.

4. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer - This book explores the nature of consciousness and offers practical techniques for quieting the mind, releasing negative thoughts, and connecting with our true inner selves, offering additional tools for harnessing the power of the subconscious mind as discussed in Joseph Murphy's book.

5. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson - This book challenges conventional notions of success and happiness, encouraging readers to focus on what truly matters to them and let go of societal pressures and expectations, which could offer a refreshing perspective on personal empowerment and self-improvement after reading The Power of Your Subconscious Mind.

Book: https://www.bookey.app/book/first-things-first Author: https://www.bookey.app/quote-author/stephen-r.-covey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstThingsFirst Quotes: https://www.bookey.app/quote-book/first-things-first

The Power of Now: https://www.bookey.app/book/the-power-of-now

#Personal Development

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brestylefire · 29 days

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Summary of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey

Summary of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey#affiliate Get Your Own Copy Here https://amzn.to/419Fmlm

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divinehelps24 · 2 months

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7 Habits of Highly Effective People By STEPHEN R COVEY Book Summary Audi...

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#law of attraction #mindfullnes #personal development #personal growth #happy living #youtube

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skincareii · 6 months

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Applying Covey's Habit 3: Put First Things First in Your Life

Stephen Coveys "7 Habits of Highly People" has served as a source of inspiration for individuals worldwide. One of the habits Covey emphasizes is the habit, which revolves around prioritizing crucial tasks and staying committed to our primary objectives.

Today we will delve into Habit 3. Explore its application in our everyday lives. This particular habit holds potential to enhance our productivity, personal development and overall well being.

Benefits of Giving Priority to Important Tasks:

By handling the tasks first we create room for unforeseen circumstances or alterations granting us more time and flexibility. When we concentrate on tasks initially we are more likely to accomplish them accurately. This approach bolsters our confidence and instills a sense of achievement within us leading to effects on our state.

The Secret Sauce:

To effectively direct our focus, towards tasks it is imperative that we establish SMART goals—ones that're specific, measurable, achievable,relevant and time bound. Than spreading ourselves with multiple goals channeling our efforts towards a select few significant goals proves more fruitful.It is important for us to regularly reassess and revise our goals so that they remain relevant and effective, over time.

Tools to Stay on Track:

Plan and organize your meetings, tasks, and appointments on a calendar. Prioritize critical chores first on your daily to-do list. Make use of productivity software or apps to effectively manage your time and tasks. Techniques for Managing Your Time: Sort your jobs according to priority and urgency by using the "Eisenhower Matrix". Prioritize doing the chores in the upper-left quadrant. To stay focused and avoid burnout, take regular breaks. Recall that self-control and regular practice are necessary for this habit. But there are huge benefits to prioritizing your goals and concentrating on critical work first.

In summary, we have covered Habit 3 in this blog post from Stephen Covey's book, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." Setting clear goals and prioritizing crucial chores are key components of this habit that help you stay focused on your primary goals. We can dramatically increase our productivity, personal development, and general happiness by putting these ideas into practice.

#book review #habits

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authallan · 11 months

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Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life Book Summary

1. Main Topic or Theme of the Book:

"Unfu*k Yourself" is a self-help book that aims to help readers overcome self-doubt, conquer negative self-talk, and take control of their lives. It explores the concept of personal responsibility and empowers individuals to make positive changes in their thoughts, actions, and mindset.

2. Key Ideas or Arguments Presented:

The importance of taking ownership of one's life: The book emphasizes that individuals have the power to change their circumstances, but they must first acknowledge and take responsibility for their choices.

Shifting perspectives: The author encourages readers to challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, replacing them with empowering ones that foster growth and success.

Embracing discomfort: The book highlights the necessity of embracing discomfort and taking risks in order to achieve personal growth and reach one's full potential.

Cultivating selfdiscipline: Bishop stresses the importance of selfdiscipline in achieving longterm success and happiness.

3. Chapter Number or Main Sections of the Book:

Chapter 1: Unfu*k Yourself

Chapter 2: I Am Willing

Chapter 3: I Am Wired to Win

Chapter 4: I Got This

Chapter 5: I Embrace the Uncertainty

Chapter 6: I Am Not My Thoughts; I Am What I Do

Chapter 7: I Am Relentless

Chapter 8: I Expect Nothing and Accept Everything

4. Key Takeaways:

The power of choice: The book emphasizes that individuals have the power to choose their mindset and take control of their lives.

The importance of selfbelief: Selfconfidence and positive selftalk play a crucial role in achieving personal success.

Action over thoughts: Rather than dwelling on negative thoughts, the book advises readers to focus on taking action towards their goals.

Embracing discomfort: Stepping out of one's comfort zone is essential in personal development and growth.

5. Author's Background and Qualifications:

Gary John Bishop is a personal development expert and speaker who has delivered workshops and coaching programs for various organizations and individuals worldwide. He has a wealth of experience in helping people transform their lives and challenging their selflimiting beliefs.

6. Comparison to Other Books on the Same Subject:

"Unfu*k Yourself" stands out with its blunt and nononsense approach to personal development. It offers a unique perspective on taking responsibility and overcoming internal obstacles. While it shares some themes with other selfhelp books, such as "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson, Bishop's style is distinct and presents fresh ideas.

7. Target Audience or Intended Readership:

The book is targeted towards individuals who struggle with selfdoubt, negative selftalk, and feeling stuck in their lives. It is suitable for those seeking a straightforward and practical guide to making positive changes.

8. Reception or Critical Reviews of the Book:

"Unfu*k Yourself" has received generally positive reviews, with many praising its practical advice and motivational tone. Readers have appreciated the book's direct approach and actionable strategies for personal growth. However, some critics argue that the book may lack depth in certain areas.

9. Other Book Recommendations on the Topic:

Additional books that complement the themes in "Unfu*k Yourself" include:

"Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck

"Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey

10. Biggest Takeaway and Point:

The biggest takeaway from "Unfu*k Yourself" is the importance of taking ownership of one's life and choices. By shifting our mindset and taking action, we have the power to create the life we desire. The book encourages readers to stop making excuses and start taking responsibility for their happiness and success.

#choices #responsibility

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ravikugupta · 11 months

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Summary of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey

Habit 1: Be Proactive – Take responsibility for your life and actions, choosing to respond based on your values and principles rather than reacting to circumstances. Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind – Envision and set clear goals by defining your values, aspirations, and long-term vision. Create a personal mission statement to align your actions with your desired outcomes. Habit 3: Put First…

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#7Habits #GrowthMindset #HabitsOfSuccess #HighlyEffectivePeople #LiveYourBestLife #PersonalGrowth #ProductivityTips #SelfDevelopment #StephenCovey

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smartskill97-sinha · 1 year

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The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People (Summary)

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is a renowned self-help book by Stephen R. Covey. It offers powerful insights and principles for personal and professional growth. Covey presents a holistic approach to effectiveness, emphasizing the development of character and integrity.

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theinkwise · 1 year

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readbooksummary · 7 months

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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Summary

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Summary, first published in 1989, is a business and self-help book written by Stephen R. Covey. Covey presents an approach to being effective in attaining goals by aligning oneself to what he calls "true north" principles based on a character ethic that he presents as universal and timeless.

https://www.readbooksummary.com/2023/06/7-habits-of-highly-effective-people-summary.html

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operationsinsider · 1 year

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"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is a book written by Stephen Covey. Stephen Covey was an American educator, author, businessman, and keynote speaker, who was widely recognized for his work in the field of personal and organizational effectiveness. The book provides a comprehensive guide to developing personal effectiveness and leadership skills. The author argues that by developing these skills, individuals can become more successful in their personal and professional lives. The book is divided into three parts: the first part provides an overview of the 7 habits, the second part examines how to develop the 7 habits, and the third part looks at how to apply the 7 habits in different areas of life. Go to operationsinsider.com to read the full summary including the key takeaways of this book. Link for summaries or purchase in BIO Like❤️/Share✅/comment👇/follow👉@operationsinsider #opex #operationsinsider #wasteattack #waste #StephenCovey #personalEffectiveness #organizationalEffectiveness #leadership #selfImprovement #productivity #success #habits #principles #character #values #proactive #BeginWithTheEndInMind #FirstThingsFirst #ThinkWinWin #SeekFirstToUnderstand #SharpenTheSaw #business #professionalDevelopment #Bestseller #author #keynoteSpeaker #businessman #coaching #emotionalIntelligence #timemanagement (hier: Air India Airlines) https://www.instagram.com/p/CovDgcHo8Rq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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unfoldingmoments · 3 years

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The centre of our life “Whatever is at the center of our life will be the source of our security, guidance, wisdom, and power.”

What is at the center of your own life?

Fill the blank: Spouse, Family, Money, Work, Pleasure, Family/ Enemy, Church, Self

ie. __ Centeredness ie. Self- Centeredness

Understanding your own center is so important.

As a principle-centered person, you try to stand apart from the emotion of the situation and from other factors that would act on you, and evaluate the options. Looking at the balanced whole—the work needs, the family needs, other needs that may be involved and the possible implications of the various alternative decisions—you’ll try to come up with the best solution, taking all factors into consideration.

“First, you are not being acted upon by other people or circumstances. You are proactively choosing what you determine to be the best alternative. You make your decision consciously and knowledgeably.

Second, you know your decision is most effective because it is based on principles with predictable long-term results.

Third, what you choose to do contributes to your ultimate values in life. Staying at work to get the edge on someone at the office is an entirely different evening in your life “from staying because you value your boss’s effectiveness and you genuinely want to contribute to the company’s welfare. The experiences you have as you carry out your decisions take on quality and meaning in the context of your life as a whole.

Fourth, you can communicate to your wife and your boss within the strong networks you’ve created in your interdependent relationships. Because you are independent, you can be effectively interdependent. You might decide to delegate what is delegable and come in early the next morning to do the rest. And finally, you’ll feel comfortable about your decision. Whatever you choose to do, you can focus on it and enjoy it.

As a principle-centered person, you see things differently. And because you see things differently, you think differently, you act differently. Because you have a high degree of security, guidance, wisdom, and power that flows from a solid, unchanging core, you have the foundation of a highly proactive and highly effective life.

The goal will be a principle- centered person.

Excerpt From: Stephen R. Covey. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” iBooks.

#stephen r. covey #7 habits of highly effective people #book #summary #booksummary #centre #life #relationship #ego #principle

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hansolmates · 4 years

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popular-ish | (02)

pairing; popular!jk x normie!reader summary; you are way out of jungkook’s league. Or is it the other way around? genre/warnings; self-deprecating language, your typical college!au, jungkook is a piner, shy!oc, oc just wants some damn pizza, maaa yyybeeee eventual fwb 2 lovers au, oc is also a little cold-cutie but who can blame them, dang how did this get so angsty? this is comparable to cher’s reflection arc in clueless–jk is a big ol doof in this installment w.c; 408 a/n; what on earth w the notes u guys are AWESOME. ive opened the taglist to whoever wants to follow poppy jk and normie reader and pls give me some direction w this couple because i love your ideas!! feel free to pop em in! have a great saturyay bubs💕💕💕

taglist is OPEN: @jiminskth @scalubera @aretha170 @apollukee @livewittykid @papamochiissad

“Hey, gotta pen?”

Your eyes look down at his Air Jordans, unsure of what actions you should take next. Jungkook grins, feeling full with attention as if you’re flustered to be looking at him. He came late today, and ran into the first empty seat he saw.

Next to you. You, who looks unbelievably adorable in your large cardigan and fluffy lavender winter boots. Jungkook is appalled at himself for not noticing you earlier. You look a little familiar, but it’s 8AM and he can’t wrack his brain for your name. Considering the way you shrink in your seat as he leans in closer, it’s probably a trick of the light, and maybe he’s just seen you in passing at a party or something. His head is still pounding from last night’s events, and in his rush he’s forgotten half of his supplies.

“Uh, what color?”

“Black is fine.”

You quickly shuffle into your bag, pulling out a pig-shaped pencil case. Out pops a plain black pen, albeit decorated with little whale stickers. Cute. Soft hair, soft eyes, soft lips. You look so damn pretty.

“Thanks.”

“It’s nothing.”

The rest of class is quiet between you two, although Jungkook can’t help but steal glances at you every five minutes. It’s unfair, how you’re currently monopolizing all his attention in the span of thirty minutes. You have no right living in his mind rent-free when he should be trying to absorb Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits.

“Hey, did you watch the game last night?” Jungkook asks you between transitions.

“What game?”

“The lacrosse game,” Jungkook rests his fingers on your little desk, taking advantage of his time while the old professor weaves through his Google Drive for the next set of slides, “I’m sort-of their All-Star.”

“O-oh,” you make a funny face, one where Jungkook can’t tell if you’re flustered or amused.

“You should come sometime, I’ll save you the warmest seat in the house.”

“Why?”

“Because? You’ll be more comfortable sitting by the lights?”

“Why are you asking me?”

“Why not?” Jungkook tilts his head, “I’ve never seen you before, I’d like to get to know you.”

You’re embarrassed. Your eyes flicker around the room, feeling like a caged bunny. Girls and boys alike flicker their eyes to Jungkook, curious. He doesn’t get it.

The funny face that mars your face is not because you’re flustered by his charm, but because you feel like a damn fool being played.

#jungkook x reader #kwritersworldnet #btsghostie #goldenclosetnet #jungkook fluff #jungkook angst #bts fluff #bts angst #bts fic #jungkook fic

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michaelbranch · 2 years

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A Brief Summary of Ideas: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

*These summaries are kept intentionally very brief, just hitting what I consider some of the important/interesting takeaways, most word-for-word or paraphrased. My goal is also to stick to ideas/principals that might guide others (or my future self) in deciding the value of a read (or re-reading). T = takeaway, Q = Question

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Author(s): Stephen R. Covey

Lens through which we see the world itself shapes how we interpret the world.

Two primary methods to success:

Character ethic: Basic principles of effective living; success come as people learn and integrate these principles into their basic character.

Personality ethic: Success a function of personality, skills, and techniques.

In the short run, an artificial social system (personality ethic) you may be able to get by. But secondary traits alone have no permanent worth in long term relationships. Character communicates most eloquently.

Paradigm: theory, explanation, or model of something else.

Maps in our heads are of two main kinds:

Maps of the way things are (realities).

Maps of the way things should be (values).

We interpret everything we experience through these mental maps.

Two people can see the same thing, disagree, and yet both be right.

"Where we stand depends on where we sit."

"We see the world not as it is, but as we are."

The more bound a person is by the initial perception, the more powerful the "aha" experience (in regards to paradigm shifts).

Practices vs. principles

A practice that works in one circumstance may not work in another.

Principles are fundamental truths with universal applications. Principles are the territory. Values are the maps.

Admission of ignorance is often the first step in our education.

Inside-out approach: start first with self. Start with the most inside part of yourself--your paradigms, character, and motives.

Our character, basically, is a composite of our habits. "Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny."

Habit is the intersection of knowledge (what to do/why), skill (how to do), and desire (motivation/want to do).

Happiness can be defined, in part at least, as the fruit of the desire and ability to sacrifice what we want now for what we want eventually.

Maturity continuum:

Dependence: paradigm of "you". Need others to get what you want.

Independence: paradigm of "I". Can get what you want through your own effort. As you become truly independent, you have the foundation for effective interdependence.

Interdependence: paradigm of "we". Combine efforts with others to achieve greatest success.

Private victories precede public victories!

Effectiveness lies in balance of production of desired results (P), and production capability-the ability or asse that produces the desired results (PC).

"No one can persuade another to change. Each of us guards a gate of change that can only be opened from the inside. We cannot open the gate of another, either by argument or by emotional appeal."-Marilyn Ferguson

If you want to make minor improvements change your behavior. If you want to make quantum improvements change your paradigm.

Habit 1: Be Proactive

"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor."-Henry David Thoreau

Between stimulus and response, man has the freedom to choose.

As human beings we are responsible for our own lives. Our behavior is a function of our decisions, not our conditions.

If you wait to be acted upon, you will be acted upon.

Our language is an indicator of the degree to which we see ourselves as proactive people. The language of reactive people absolves them of responsibility.

Proactive people focus their efforts in the circle of influence.

The problems we face fall in one of three areas: direct control (problems involving our own behavior); indirect control (problems involving other peoples behavior); or no control (problems we can't do anything about).

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

Most fundamental application is to begin today with the image, picture, or paradigm of the end of your life as your frame of reference.

All things are created twice. Once in your mind, and the second/physical creation.

In our personal lives, if we do not develop our own self-awareness and become responsible for first creations, we empower other people and circumstances outside our circle of influence to shape much of our lives by default.

Leadership is the first creation. Management the second. Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things.

Effective way to begin with the end in mind is to develop a personal mission statement. It becomes a personal constitution, the basis for making decisions (major and daily).

Whatever is at the center of our life will be the source of our security, guidance, wisdom, and power.

A good affirmation has five basic ingredients: personal, positive, present tense, visual, and emotional.

Without involvement, there is no commitment.

It's easier to stick to your principles 100% of the time than 98% of the time.

Habit 3: Put First Things First

"Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least." - Goethe

Integrity: ability to make and keep commitments to ourselves.

Pareto principle: 80% of the results flow from 20% of the activities.

Management matrix: Quadrant 1 (urgent/important), Quadrant 2 (not urgent, important), Quadrant 3 (urgent, not important), Quadrant 4 (not urgent, not important)

To say yes to important quadrant 2 priorities you have to learn to say no to other activities, sometimes apparently urgent things.

Quadrant 2 organizing involves four key activities: Identifying your roles, selecting goals, scheduling, and daily adapting.

Effectively delegating to others is perhaps the single most powerful high-leverage activity there is.

Trust is the highest form of human motivation. It doesn't preclude the necessity to train and develop people so that their competency can rise to the level of that trust.

You can't talk your way out of problems you behave yourself into.

Real self respect comes from dominion over self, from true independence.

Our most constant relationships, like marriage, require our most constant deposits.

6 major deposits that build the Emotional Bank Account

Understanding the individual

Attending to the little things

Keeping commitments

Clarifying expectations

Showing personal integrity

Apologizing sincerely when you make a withdrawal

Habit 4: Think Win/Win

If you can't get to a win/win then be willing to accept no deal and agree to disagree

Focus is on results, not methods.

So often the problem is in the system, not in the people. If you put good people in bad systems, you get bad results.

The essence of principled negotiation is to separate the person from the problem, to focus on the interests and not on positions, to invent options for mutual gain, and to insist on objective criteria that both parties can buy into.

Have an abundance mindset.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

Communication is the most important skill in life.

The real key to your influence is your example, your actual conduct.

Satisfied needs do not motivate.

If you don't have confidence in the diagnosis, you won't have confidence in the prescription.

4 stages of empathetic listening:

Mimic content

Rephrase the content

Reflect the feeling

Rephrase the content and reflect the feeling

Habit 6: Synergize

When properly understood, synergy is the highest activity in all life.

Synergy: when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

The essence of synergy is to value differences--to respect them, to build on strengths, to compensate for weaknesses.

The key to valuing differences is that all people see the world not as it is, but as they are.

Getting to synergy:

Define the problem or opportunity.

Seek first to understand the ideas of others.

Seek to be understood by sharing your ideas.

Brainstorm to create new options/ideas.

Find the best solution.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

This is the habit that makes all others possible.

Preserving and enhancing the four dimensions of your nature: physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional.

Single most powerful investment we can ever make is in ourselves.

T= you are not a brief burning candle, but a splendid torch. Burn brightly while you can!

Moving along the upward spiral requires us to learn, commit, and do on increasingly higher planes.

"Have you ever been too busy driving to take the time to get gas?"

"That which we persist in doing becomes easier--not that the nature of the task has changed, but our ability to do has increased."-Emerson

All change starts with you.

#book summary #7 habits of highly effective people

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samiha-kabir · 3 years

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So you want to become a better person by building good character traits? Perhaps, you’d like to be more “kind,” “loving” or “generous.” Or, you look up to the heroes you admire and wish you had their “discipline,” “patience” or “grit.”

At this point, the sceptics may say: “But that’s impossible!” or “I was just born this way.” The good news is they don’t know what they’re on about.

Changing your character is not only doable, but also simple. That doesn’t mean the path is quick or easy. It takes sacrifice, persistence and effort.

But the rewards are well worth it.

Because here’s the thing: the only difference between you and your heroes is character. When you reforge your nature, you’ll find their footsteps easier to follow.

But where does this journey begin? What should you take with you? And whom?

By the end of this article, you’ll have answers to all those questions. You’ll also have:

A list of 800 character traits to inspre you;

A set of free value tracking templates to support you; and

A foolproof five-step process to help you develop a good character.

Let’s get started!

What Are Character Traits?

One way to better understand character traits is to define three closely related ideals: core values, personality traits and character traits.

Though often used interchangeably, these terms have distinct definitions:

Core values (a.k.a personal values) are theoretical ideals of thought, word or deed;

Personality traits describe one’s public, external behaviour; and

Character traits describe one’s private, internal compass.

The main focus of this guide is building good character traits. To understand why it’s a priority, let’s dive deeper.

Core Values vs. Personality and Character Traits

I don’t talk much about core values with my clients. Here’s why:

Values describe ideas;

Traits describe actions; and

Actions speak louder than abstract ideas.

Anyone can claim or aspire to “tolerance” or “equality.” But it’s not until those values are expressed through actions that they become traits. And it’s not until they become traits that they impact you and the people around.

When you focus on values, there’s a tendency to talk a lot, then “set and forget.” You decide to be “kind,” “generous” and “loving.” You may even write those words down. But until you change how you act them out when it matters, core values are no more than ideas.

That’s why here, we focus on character traits. Obsessing over values is like getting distracted by the half-way line when your gaze should be fixed on the end-zone.

Personality Traits vs. Character Traits

The second important distinction is between personality traits and character traits.

We all know people whose appearances don’t always match their “true colours.” Who care more about being seen as “modest,” “selfless” or “thoughtful” than about being those things. Who put on good acts but betray their heart under pressure.

This is the essential division between personality traits and character traits. Personality traits describe what you do, character traits describe who you are.

When the stakes are high or your ability to pretend is low, the character always wins.

Character Traits Definition

That’s why I focus on character traits. I’m not here to teach you to say pretty words or become a good actor. The goal is to help you redefine the core of your being.

Core values are theoretical ideas, positive personality traits can be simulated but positive character traits go right to the heart of us. They’re deep-seated, long-term patterns of action, reaction and compromise that become hard to fake when we’re stressed out or tired.

List of Positive Character Traits: 99 Examples and Definitions

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Another great way to understand traits is with a lot of examples.

To that end, I’ve compiled a long list of good character traits from diverse sources: Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations (Summary), Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Summary), religious texts and even handbooks for aspiring samurai and chivalric knights.

This list isn’t exhaustive – you can download a longer one above. But what you’ll find below is a comprehensive collection of 99 common good traits and personal attributes from high-quality sources. I’ve also supplemented them with definitions, based mostly on the Oxford English Dictionary.

Don’t let this list overwhelm you. Skim through it, let it soak and feel free to make note of any traits that particularly inspire you. When you’re done, we’ll cover a practical step-by-step process to build them into your life.

Here’s the list of character traits:

Active – Alert, lively and ready to engage energetically. 🏃‍♂️

Adaptive – Willing to change in response to circumstances.

Affability – Friendly, good-natured or easy to talk to.

Affectionate – Showing fondness or tenderness.

Alert – Clear-thinking and intellectually active.

Ambitious – Having desire and determination to achieve success. 💯

Attentive – Showing careful attention to the comfort or wishes of others.

Austere – Disowning comforts or luxuries.

Balanced – Enjoying harmony and stability. ⚖️

Benevolent – Being well-meaning.

Careful – Prudent and showing thought or attention.

Characterful – Showing strength and originality in one’s nature.

Charitable – Kind and tolerant in judging others.

Creative – Showing inventiveness and use of imagination. 🖊️

Compassionate – Showing sympathy and concern for others.

Confident – Certain in one’s worth, abilities and qualities.

Considerate – Showing careful thought not to inconvenience or harm others.

Cooperative – Complying readily with requests to achieve mutual ends.

Courageous – Able to do things that one fears.

Curious – Showing a strong desire to know or learn new things.

Dependable – Being trustworthy and reliable.

Determined – Showing firmness of purpose. 💪

Diligent – Working carefully and persistently.

Disciplined – Doing what one knows they should do (even if they don’t feel like it).

Dispassionate – Remaining rational and impartial.

Dutiful – Conscientiously or obediently fulfilling one’s duty.

Encouraging – Giving others support, confidence or hope.

Energetic – Showing or involving great activity or vitality. 🔥

Enthusiastic – Showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest or approval.

Excellent – Being outstanding or extremely good. 👌

Faithful – Remaining loyal and steadfast.

Flexible – Ready and able to adapt to different circumstances.

Forgiving – Feeling no anger or resentment to offences or mistakes.

Friendly – Being favourable and serviceable to others.

Frugal – Sparing or economical with money or food.

Generous – Ready to give more than necessary or expected.

Gritty – Showing courage, resolve and strength of character.

Hard-working – Working with energy and commitment. 👷

Harmonious – Being free from disagreement or dissent.

Honest – Free of deceit; truthful and sincere.

Honourable – Knowing and doing what is morally right.

Hopeful – Feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event.

Humble– Having a modest or low view of one’s importance.

Independent – Thinking and acting for oneself.

Industrious – Diligent and hard-working.

Integrous – Honest and of strong moral principles.

Initiative – Assessing things and taking action independently.

Just – Behaving according to what is morally right and fair.

Kind – Being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Liberal – Respecting behaviour and opinions different from one’s own.

Listening – Take notice of and make an effort to hear others. 👂

Lively – Full of life and energy; active and outgoing.

Logical – Acting based on clear, sound reasoning.

Loving – Feeling and showing deep, selfless affection for others.

Loyal – Showing firm and constant support or allegiance.

Merciful – Showing compassion or forgiveness to those who harmed one.

Methodical – Orderly and systematic in thought or behaviour.

Mindful – Conscious and aware of the present moment.

Moderate – Avoiding excess or extremes.

Modest – Unassuming in the estimation of one’s abilities.

Neat – Tidy, smart, or well-organized.

Open-minded – Accepting of and receptive to change or new ideas.

Orderly – Neat and methodical. 📁

Organised – Structured, systematic and planning effectively.

Passionate – Having, showing, or driven by strong feelings or beliefs.

Patient – Waiting without getting tired of waiting.

Persistent – Continuing firmly despite difficulty or opposition.

Polite – Acting respectfully and considerately.

Pragmatic – Acting sensibly, realistically and practically.

Prudent – Showing care and thought for the future.

Punctual – Doing things at agreed or proper times.

Purposeful – Showing determination or resolve.

Quality – Showing general excellence of standard or level.

Rational – Thinking and acting in accordance with reason or logic. 🤔

Reasonable – Having sound judgement; fair and sensible.

Reliable – Consistently good in quality or performance.

Resolute – Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.

Respectful – Showing regard for the feelings, wishes or rights of others.

Righteous – Acting according to what is morally correct.

Self-disciplined – Doing what one knows they should do (even if they don’t feel like it).

Self-controlled – Managing emotions and desires well in difficult situations.

Self-mastery – Knowing one’s traits and predispositions and managing them effectively.

Silent – More prone to listen than to speak.

Sincere – Free from pretence or deceit.

Simple – Presenting no difficulty to others.

Stable – Unchanging; not easily upset or disturbed.

Steadfast – Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.

Strong – Not easily disturbed, upset, or affected.

Supportive – Providing encouragement or emotional help to others.

Temperate – Showing moderation and self-restraint.

Thrifty – Using resources carefully and not wastefully.

Tidy – Neat, orderly and controlled.

Truthful – Telling or expressing the truth; honest.

Trustworthy – Able to be relied on as honest or truthful. 🤝

Unselfish – Putting the needs or wishes of others before one’s own.

Valiant – Possessing or showing courage or determination.

Vital – Being strong, active and energetic.

Warm – Showing enthusiasm, affection, or kindness.

Wise – Showing experience, knowledge, and good judgement.

(You can send yourself a huge list of 800 positive, neutral and negative character traits (though without definitions) by using the form at the top of this post. And if you’re here because you’re a writer, you might enjoy this awesome post on how to find freelance writing jobs from my buddy Kevin while you’re at it!)

How to Embody Good Character Traits

The secret to developing good character traits is realising that each trait is a constellation of deep-seated habits.

For example, “modesty” describes many small routines of thought, word and deed which create patterns of behaviour that are consistent with our idea of “modest.”

But here’s the challenge. Because unlike big habits, the “building blocks” of character traits are hard to pick out and isolate.

What are “tolerance,” “curiosity” or “acceptance”? Defining the sums by their parts is a challenging task. And, even if we could identidy those thousands of sub-habits, they’d be too many to work on.

That’s why the approach to character traits must be slightly different from how we build habits.

From Input to Output-Based Tracking

What we need is a system similar to habit hacking but more output-focussed. This system measures the results of our actions, rather than whether or not they took place.

The solution (first described in Benjamin Franklin’s excellent Autobiography) is to flip habit tracking on its head. Instead of tracking habits (input) to change your behaviours (output), you’ll track behaviours (output) to alter your habits (input).

Specifically, you’re going to track every behaviour that fails to align with your desired character trait.

5 Steps to Hacking Your Character Traits

If this explanation sounds overwhelming, the good news is that it’s time to get practical. Building new traits into your character is incredibly simple and has five foolproof steps:

Step 1: Identify Character Traits That Inspire You

Step 2: Prioritise ONE Trait at a Time

Step 3: Set Your Trait Up for Success

Step 4: Make Your Character Trait a Habit

Step 5: Repeat the Trait Building Process

Let’s look at each step in more detail.

Step 1: Identify Good Character Traits That Inspire You

The first step in our process is to identify a handful of positive characteristics that inspire you.

Building character traits is a long journey. Starting with those that excite you (rather than those you think you should work on) will make you more likely to succeed.

There are two main ways to tackle this: the long list approach or the hero approach.

For the long list approach – re-read the list of good character traits above and note any traits that jump at you. Don’t overthink it. You should easily find 10 or more ideas in a few minutes.

For the hero approach – make a list of the people that inspire you the most. Dead or alive, fact or fiction, all choices are good. When that’s done, reflect on the two or three traits you most look up to in each of those people.

Both approaches work well, though one big advantage of the hero approach is that it unlocks something I call “hero-based thinking.”

Picturing your hero and thinking about what they’d do in a given situation makes the whole process more fun and inspiring. Many decisions and trade-offs become easier to make.

Step 2: Prioritise ONE Trait at a Time

Although the process of developing character traits is simple, it can also be challenging. Taking on too many traits at once may hold you back from changing anything. The solution is to start with one, then add more as you go.

To pick the ONE character trait you should start with, look at your shortlist and ask:

“Which of these traits would most transform my life if I embodied it?”

Narrow your selection to a few candidates, then pick ONE to get started with.

A big part of you is going to want to tackle three, four or five values at once. My recommendation is to strongly resist that temptation.

You can think of it this way. If you could embody even ONE trait like “discipline” or “kindness,” there’s a good chance you’d change beyond recognition. Why let impatience put that opportunity at risk?

Start with one trait to maximize your odds of succeeding. You can always come back for more later.

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Step 3: Set Your Trait Up for Success

Loners don’t last long in the wild. That’s why we all have an insatiable drive to “fit in.” It’s also why the strongest influence on your actions is the behaviour of the people you hang out with.

No matter how driven you are to change, you’ll struggle if you surround yourself with lazy people. Each time you start making progress, your subconscious will try to drag you back in line with the group.

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