Today we are going to talk about a book that is by a secular author, but I believe the principles are taken right out of the Bible and can be beneficial to our life. Would you like to be less defective and more effective? I know I sure would. There are 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey that gives powerful lessons in personal change. My husband had our church ministry staff study this book and I know it has helped many of them be more effective in their own lives. We all want to live joyful and effective lives, and most or many of us fall way short of that. Let’s change that! Here are the 7 Habits.
1) Be proactive – take initiative. Choose to look for solutions instead of only seeing problems. Focus your time and energy on those in your influence. Choose to respond, don’t just react.
2) Begin with the end in mind – Get creative! Have a vision for what you want, and then go after it.
3) Put first things first – be productive. Understand the difference between urgent and important. Sometimes we need to say no to the good, so we can say yes to the best. Use your time wisely.
4) Think win/win – how can we benefit both parties – look for solutions that satisfy you and others. It means seeing from another perspective and choosing the solutions that benefits both. One person’s success should not be achieved at another’s expense. We is always better than me.
5) Seek first to understand, then to be understood – be empathetic. Don’t prescribe before diagnosis. Don’t try to fix something without getting the bigger picture. Become a good listener.
6) Synergize – value each other’s differences. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Cooperation and sharing is essential to open minds and hearts.
7) Sharpen the saw – Keep getting better. Do your best to stay in balance in every dimension of your life, and never quit learning.
a. Physically – eat right, get rest, learn to relax, take time for exercise
b. Spiritually – Listen to the Holy Spirit, Read the Word, Pray, Meditate on the Word (Schaal suggestions!)
c. Mentally – be a life long learner, study to show yourself approved to God!
d. Socially/Emotionally – Serve others, and operate in self discipline.
In our desire to live effective lives, we can put these principles into action and make positive changes that can help us get on track and stay on track for the long haul. So do you want to be effective? I know you want to, and I know you will!
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