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Of Seven Good Habits, my favorite

As I continue this journey to greatness, I am impressed with Steven R. Covey's book Seven Habits of Highly-Effective People, that being a success is possible. It is great that great men of the past have written so effectively without being arrogant, a way to make myself not simply a person in existence, but someone who can convince and influence people around me to work as a team. And how is that accomplished? It is done through not only hard work, but careful attention to detail, perseverance, and positivity.

Of all the 7 habits of highly effective people the ones which impress me the most (which I think I need the most work on) are 1. Seek to understand, then seek to be understood, 2. Put first things first, and 3. begin with the end in mind.

Seeking to be understood is one of the mistakes many of us make. It seems logical to want to have our ideas listened to, but in actuality if we want to have our ideas listened, it would probably be more helpful first to seek understanding of the ideas expressed by those who we want to impress. If I seek to understand where my mentor is coming from, couldn't that be an excellent learning point for me? And how much more impressed would he be if he felt like I was actually listening to his ideas in a meaningful way?

Putting first things first is another principle I need work on. This principle applies with my everyday life. Should I eat first, do scripture study second, and then read the newspaper? Silly as this sounds putting the most important procedures in my everyday life with most important first to least last could seriously help mold me and shape me for the rest of my life. When considering what things need to be done as highest priority is weighed heavily on my understanding of the Gospel. Spiritual matters should always come first, temporal second an so on.

The third principle I am most fascinated by is beginning with the end in mind. Surely if I regard my life itself with such a sad terminus, wouldn't I have a hard time being happy. I think Steven Covey is trying to help us understand that when we are doing business or handling other life responsibilities, it would be wise for us to not just live in the moment, but rather have the end in mind. That means to me that if I'm to plan an event, I have a starting point and and ending point. No event goes on forever. The best events have an effective start and ending. If I approach my career with this mindset, surely it will help me understand that my working days are not continual for eternity (in this mortal life anyway), but rather have a point where retirement kicks in. If I recognize that my life's work will have an end, it would be more likely for me to work to achieve my best results rather than accept mediocrity.

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