Sean Covey

Explores the adolescent years and draws on extensive research to offer teens practical ways to cope with such important issues as peers, parents, relationships, school choices, and the future.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

Stephen R. Covey

A presentation of a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems.

Restoring the Character Ethic

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Klaire Ting

The ability to subordinate an impulse to a value is the essence of a proactive person. Reactive people are driven by feelings, circumstances, by conditions, by their environment. Proactive people are driven by values — carefully thought about, selected and internalized values.

Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.

“Paradigms are powerful because they create the lens which we see the world. The power of a paradigm shift is the essential power of quantum change, whether that change is an instantaneous or a slow and deliberate process.”

A leading management consultant outlines seven organizational rules for improving effectiveness and increasing productivity at work and at home.

Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Joel Castillo Guerra

In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen R. Covey presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, service, and human dignity—principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.

elizabeth

I got this book for free years ago and only recently read it in a spirit of earnest curiosity and generosity. And I did find a few things I want to take with me (being inspired by laws of nature, aligning choices with values, etc.). 

But there's quite a lot I could do without, like the author's self-promotion or insistence on "synergy." More broadly, it sometimes felt like Covey lived in a fantasy version of our capitalist hellscape where if you just work darn hard and stick to your homey values, then you'll be happy and perfect. Covey admits, to some degree, his habits share roots with Judeo-Christian thought. But to be more specific, they're grounded in a Mormon interpretation of that thought and interpretation of the Bible (he doesn't explicitly say this because it'd be bad for business, but it's evident; Mormons regard *perfection* as an imperative).

Anyway. You can skim this. Don't spend time on every word because a lot of it is repetition, rephrasing, or nonessential asides. Take what works, don't sweat what doesn't.

Liam Ellul

First half: character ethics, achieving independence.

Second half: synergy synergy synergy synergy. Synergy.

A cultural ritual.

Describes how successful families build a loving environment, effectively resolve problems, and cope with human relations issues

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families

matej yangwao

** spoiler alert **
           Air the views. Weekly family time. Embrace and celebrate your differences. Make it a family decision to regularly renew yourselves in the four key areas of life — spiritual, mental, physical, and social. Usual personal development on family level.

Habit 1 – Be proactive 
Habit 2 – Begin with the end in mind 
Habit 3 – Put first things first 
Habit 4 – Think win-win 
Habit 5 – Seek first to understand, then to be understood 
Habit 6 – Synergize 
Habit 7 – Sharpen the saw

Mythos

Honestly the 30 days to form a habit doesn't work especially when you're neurodivergent.

the ultimate teenage success guide

The 7 habits of highly effective teens

1/5 stars

I despise this book. I had zero problems with it before because we read it casually in school. Then they decided to make it part of the curriculum, making it mandatory. I believe people need to be reminded that this does not work for everyone. Still, they decided to make it mandatory for teachers to read this to us and make us do assignments related to the habits mentioned in this book. This was given to us along with a planner. As a person who wasn't aware they had ADHD at the time, this made it almost impossible for me to pass the class. Most of the habits were useless, and after some research, some of them have been debunked. I wouldn't recommend this book if you need help being effective.

it is a must read for anybody who has been brainwashed by society about how to pretend to be successful than to actually have qualities that emanate out of a successful person. The book talks about principles that are time tested, not about tactics to manipulate others into believing that you have what they want.

The book helps you cultivate qualities and aligns you to principles to help you deliver truly happy and successful life.

Lakshay Sethi 

this book is a blessing

it is a must read for anybody who has been brainwashed by society about how to pretend to be successful than to actually have qualities that emanate out of a successful person. The book talks about principles that are time tested, not about tactics to manipulate others into believing that you have what they want.

The book helps you cultivate qualities and aligns you to principles to help you deliver truly happy and successful life.

Beatrix Haase

We finally finished this book, haha. I thought this was going to take forever. So glad I read and finished this book. Probably one of the best books that I have read in school.

xoxo,
Bebe

Even in 2023, all of the habits, although fairly obvious to me, are relevant. For as long as I remember, I've been a procrastinator, always responding and reacting to circumstances rather than pre-empting and predicting what's around the corner. Since reading this book, however, I've found myself journaling, planning my week ahead and even proactively getting ahead of my future work schedule.

For this, I'm grateful to the author and will always remember the lessons I've learnt from the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I would recommend this book to people, but please keep in mind it was written in the late 80s. 

jason birchall

Even in 2023, all of the habits, although fairly obvious to me, are relevant. For as long as I remember, I've been a procrastinator, always responding and reacting to circumstances rather than pre-empting and predicting what's around the corner. Since reading this book, however, I've found myself journaling, planning my week ahead and even proactively getting ahead of my future work schedule.

For this, I'm grateful to the author and will always remember the lessons I've learnt from the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I would recommend this book to people, but please keep in mind it was written in the late 80s. 

Charlotte Dann

tiff

Synergy is a terrible buzzword. 

I listened to a few chapters and decided this kind of "wisdom" really wasn't wisdom at all, just prepackaged, pre-Deepak Chopra nonsense.

But Stephen Covey is the man for keeping this machine running, even after his death with The 5 Choices, a reboot of this tripe for the digital age with three annoying narrators and a truckload of shite.

$$$$$$. That's what this book is about.

Stephanie Honour

Want to pull yourself out of a funk? Read this book. Want to improve your relationships? Read this book. Want a promotion? Read this book. Just read this book, period.

Ahmed Salem

For those who read The 7 habits for highly effective people, this is much more extracted version for members in family. The book is full of different stories and examples, which for some reason was killing the wonderful experience I got from "People" book. Yet Stephen R. Covey is one of the best authors in this area of human development globally.

I hope if Covey could create much more briefed version!

Merged review:

For those who read The 7 habits for highly effective people, this is much more extracted version for members in family. The book is full of different stories and examples, which for some reason was killing the wonderful experience I got from "People" book. Yet Stephen R. Covey is one of the best authors in this area of human development globally.

I hope if Covey could create much more briefed version!

One of the best self enhancements books of all times. Very recommended for all people, who really want to make a difference in their life. Stephen Covey goes from Habit one to seven in a very easy, with lots of his life experience samples, that makes a clear picture for you.

Merged review:

One of the best self enhancements books of all times. Very recommended for all people, who really want to make a difference in their life. Stephen Covey goes from Habit one to seven in a very easy, with lots of his life experience samples, that makes a clear picture for you.

Sanaa Shaltout

عارف اللي بيقرأ حاجة وهو مضطر لها وفي نفس الوقت محدش غاصب عليه 
أنا بقى في الكتاب دا عملت كدا
على فكرة دا قرائتى له للمرة التانية
مش عارفه العيب فين
هل في الترجمة اللى واضح إنها كويسه بس كأنها بتتكلم عن كتاب تاني خالص
أو في الكلام الكتير اللى بيتكرر بس بكلمات مختلفة
هو عامة التنمية البشرية بتحتاج التكرار والكلام الكتير علشان تثبت ف المتلقي دا شيء أنا جربته كتير
بس لو استفادت حاجه من الكتاب هيكون بعض المقولات واحتفظ بها لنفسي ظللتها يعني وهنقلها في نوت إن شاء الله
ومفهوم النضج العاطفي اللى مفيش حد من دول الغرب بينفذه :)
باقى الكتاب مينفعش تتنفذ في دول العالم الثالث نهائي 
لأن الكلام سهل بس الواقع والفععل غير كدا خالص
مش علشان إحنا مش مجتمع مبدع لالالا بس علشان إحنا مجتمعات تربت على مبدأ المكسب الخسارة في كل مناحي الحياة :)
وأخيرًا حضرتك وفرت عليا بمقولة في الأخر إن الجميع بيستخدم كلمات مختلفة لوصف نفس المباديء والقوانين الطبيعية .. دا وصف بسيط للكتاب بالنسبة ليا علشان أكون راضية عن الثلاث نجمات :)

Revealing a step-by-step pathway for living, this beloved classic that provides powerful yet timeless lessons in personal change celebrates its 15th anniversary with this edition that features a new Foreword and Afterword by the author.

Personal Workbook

Sarah Hudson

If you believe: "that there are parts to human nature that cannot be reached by either legislation or education, but require the power of God to deal with." … then this is a decent book for you. When I read that, after finally reaching the end of the book, I rolled my eyes.

Drawn out, filled with awkward, silly examples, and utterly boring. Filled to the brim with quotable lines perfect for companies to plaster on posters and PowerPoint slides.

Each chapter could be whittled down to a paragraph or two. The habits alone are fine; the meaning behind them may have had more impact, if the corny examples didn't come off as bullshit. At times, it read too similar to a sermon.

Thankfully, this book was free.

Nitin Ranjan

Very few takeaways from this book. I think the best part is where the author tells you about dividing your work in four quadrants regarding what is urgent and what is important. Other than this the most part of the book is largely generic advice which is in its majority consisting of good sounding words, easy to preach but tough to implement in practical life.

Joelle Kern

For myself:

Listened to this as an audiobook while walking Gus over the last couple of months and it was easy to digest and pretty straightforward. At times it didn't feel as applicable to me because it's oriented towards workplace but still worth the read. 

Things that stood out to me:
-circle of concern vs circle of influence
-to be rather than to seem
-All things are created twice: once in the mind and once in reality. If you're not careful, you can be the second creation of another mind or your own past and habits. 
-principle-centered is the way because all our actions' consequences are based on the universal, unchanging principles that guide humanity, not on values. The more you know about the principles, the more you know about the consequences (which end up being the same for everyone).
-Synergy is when the sum of the parts is greater than the whole and that's the goal of our relationships and interactions with others. 


Below is a summary from abother review of the book that I found helpful to look back on:
This book explains 7 principles that make a person more effective personally and professionally. Covey shows how a principle-centered, character-based life helps you build the healthy relationships that are key to an effective life. This classic is well worth reading for its perspective and practical advice.

Concepts
Correct Principles: Covey frequently references his Christianity. He says the Habits are based on "Correct Principles" (aka Natural Law) found in Judeo-Christian scriptures and common to major religions.

P/PC Balance: Covey says you must maintain a balance between production (P; your output) and production capability (PC; your ability to produce). You must stay healthy and renew yourself (see Habit 7) or you'll get burned out and become ineffective. He uses the fable of the Goose and the Golden Egg as a metaphor.

Interdependence: Covey says the Habits lead you from dependence to independence to interdependence (cooperating with others to achieve a common goal; producing things greater than the sum of their parts).

The 7 Habits
Habit 1: Be Proactive
You choose how to respond to what life throws at you. Between stimulus and response lies your freedom to choose. Take responsibility for your actions.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Choose your short-term, daily behavior according to the plan you have for your entire life. Think about the legacy you want to leave. Put things in perspective; what would you want people to say at your funeral?

Habit 3: Put First Things First
Daily planning is too narrow and short-sighted. Weekly planning gives a better big-picture perspective of your goals, and allows for the flexibility to deal with the things that will inevitably come up.

People are more important than things, so plan your time accordingly. Be efficient with things, but effective with people. You can't be efficient with relationships; they take time. Instead of focusing on things and time, focus on relationships and results.

Only spend time on things that align with your deep values. Don't waste time on other things, even if it means saying no to requests. Don't prioritize your schedule; schedule your priorities.

Think of tasks in terms of urgency and importance. Focus on the important, even though they seem less urgent. Think preventatively to keep tasks from ever becoming urgent.

Use stewardship delegation instead of "gofer" delegation; teach a person to be the steward of the task you assign to them, rather than constantly telling them to "go for this" or "go for that."

Habit 4: Think Win/Win
Most of life requires cooperation, not competition. Work together with co-workers, friends, and family for mutual benefit. Approach everything in terms of "win/win or no deal"; if you can't reach a deal in which both parties feel they're winning, don't make a deal at all.

Create win/win agreements that clearly state expectations, privileges, consequences up front. This prevents you from having to figure those things out when issues arise, and makes the relationship more smooth because it causes each person to manage themselves.

Think in terms of the Abundance Mentality rather than the Scarcity Mentality; the quest for recognition, credit, power, and profit isn't a zero-sum game. Be happy when others succeed.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Listen with the intent to understand, not to reply. Diagnose before you prescribe. Understand needs, concerns, situation before you give advice.

To understand others, listen with empathy. To be understood, present your views according to:
ethos: personal credibility
pathos: emotional alignment with the other person
logos: logical reasoning

You can't motivate people by appealing to satisfied needs (money, status, etc.); only unsatisfied needs motivate.

Habit 6: Synergize.
Value the differences in relationships. Oneness is not sameness, it's complementariness. Unity is not uniformity.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Renew and improve in yourself in the following categories, by spending at least an hour each day.
• Physical: Eat right and exercise.
• Spiritual: Find and carry an inner peace. Meditate, read scripture, or spend time in nature.
• Mental: Read good literature to gain the insights of others. Write, organize, and plan.
• Social/emotional: Understand others. Serve others, at work or through volunteering.

Afterward
Covey says a summary of the first 3 Habits is "make and keep a promise," and a summary of the next 3 Habits is "involve others in the problem and work out the solution together." He says the first 3 Habits are about integrity, and the next 3 are about loyalty.

Omar Fernandez

Reading this a second time after a decade, it feels a lot more boring and cliche than when I read it during / right after college. 

I'd say, there's some useful wisdom in the book and some good frameworks that I've benefited from in the past decade. Habit 3 around actually doing the things that matter, prioritizing things that are important but not urgent over the rest, is a key part of how I live my life. But as I'm reading this again the rest feels fluffy and "nice but boring".

I'll keep this book around and check it out again in a few years, but right now it's not doing it for me and I'm just gonna stop after 180 pages.  

The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People And The 8th Habit

Nadine 

Re-read this after many years. Some great advice, some of which I manage to follow some of the time - good reminders.

Michelle García

It's a really good book, I really like the teachings it shares my only complaint it'd be that I think it's a tad too long. I started and stopped reading a bunch of times because it's a bit wordy and difficult to stick to but it may just be me. Overall really good

Ivaylo Durmonski

This is not simply a book, is a course for you to take that will help you become a better human being. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a must-read. Stephen R. Covey teaches us 7, obviously, habits that will make us more efficient, fulfilled, and hopefully, more happy citizens of this world. Full of stories and practical advice, you should definitely add this book to your shelf. Read the full review: https://corehustle.com/7-habits-of-hi...

Simon Bronders

"If we choose a certain response, we choose a certain consequence."

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

Reviews

Highlights