Stephen Covey’s the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People – Habit #1

You may have heard about or read Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Its principles are as relevant today as they were when it was first published in 1989, and they can help all of us in our professional and personal lives. We live and work in a complex world, and Covey’s concepts provide some clarity and common sense that can help us weather challenges. In the next few issues of the Homestead Post, we’ll discuss Covey’s approach, starting with Habit #1 in this edition.

Habit #1: Be Proactive
The first habit is being proactive and responsible for what happens in our lives and at work. It’s about anticipating issues before they become problems and responding to them in a positive way that will improve the situation.

Proactive people realize they can choose and control what they say and do. They don’t blame external sources for how they behave. While some elements of a situation may be outside of their control, proactive people recognize what is within their power to change or improve, focusing their energies on those things.

This habit can be especially helpful in times of uncertainty. Take notice of when you’re proactively responding and when you’re reacting (letting circumstances control your actions and words). Being aware of how you’re spending your energy at home and work is a critical step toward becoming more proactive and intentional. A proactive mindset can help you seize opportunities and resolve challenges faster.

Stay tuned for more food for thought about Covey’s 7 Habits in our upcoming issues!