What is a habit ?A habit is an internalized principle. A principle is a statement ‘words on paper’ that describe an idea. Internalization of a principle comes by combining knowledge, skills, and attitude. For any principle there is the what to do (knowledge), how to do it (skill), and why/want to do it (attitude). Combining these things allows us to internalize the principle and thus make it a habit. What is "effective" ?Effectiveness is maintaining a balance between P (production of desired results) and PC (Production Capability). Something is effective when it produces desired results in a way that does not sacrifice the purpose of the principle as a result of the production. |
In terms of a procedure, a procedure is effective when the output of the procedure achieves the results needed and those using he procedure want to perform the procedure (made it a habit)\
The seven habits are principles that if we internalize are designed to help us in our daily lives. This first three habits are character habits, the work on moving from dependence to independence (working with self) The second three habits are personality habits, moving from independence to interdependence (work with others). The order of the habits are very important because in order to move along a continuum of maturity. Personality habits cannot be developed and used sincerely until after the character habits are understood and established.
Be Proactive (You're the programmer) (The habit of personal vision)
Understand that you are able to choose your response, E+R = 0?. Proactivity is more then just having initiative, it is a philosophy against determinism. It states that we are designed to chose our responses rather than have events control us.
Begin with the end in mind (Write the program)(The habit of personal leadership)
Set a personal mission, vision of what things will look like at the end. The end of an objective, the end of your life. This helps you related to your personal value system, what are the things that matter to you, how would you like yourself to be in different areas of your life, health, well being, personal, with your spouse, with friends. Establish your vision
Put first things first (Live the program) (The habit of personal management)
Manage and organize your life, time emery and efforts in a way to accomplish your mission/vision. Four quadrant approach, important and urgent, not urgent and important, not important but urgent, not urgent and not important.
Personality Habits
Think WIN-WIN
WIN-WIN is a philosophy of synergy/co-operation. It requires
Communicate
Seek first to understand, then to be understood
Synergize
Work to create options in groups which are more powerful then any of the options brought together by the individual.
Sharpen the saw
Continue to learn, train, and perform activities which re-affirm these habits, vision and objectives