The Key Points in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 

Most people want to be highly effective in their lives but often don’t know how. Stephen R. Covey, an American educator and author, claims a solution to this through his 1989 self-help book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The book is said to promise that It changes the way you see the world and shows the path to success in life. 

This book doesn’t give you instant solutions. Instead, it widens your perspectives, changes your character, and helps you build effective habits for a successful life. An example of getting lost in the city is used in this book. One person with a positive outlook perceives it as frustrating whereas another one with a positive mindset perceives it as an adventure and a way to explore. So, how you view the world determines what you feel about it and your further action. 

The 7 habits in his book include: 

1. Be proactive 
2. Begin with the end in mind 
3. Put first things first 
4. Think “win-win” 
5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood 
6. Synergise 
7. Sharpen the saw if you want to keep sawing 

This article briefly describes each one so you can utilize them in your life.

Read More: Are Self-Help Books Helpful?

Be Proactive 

Generally, people often react to different external circumstances. It may be some negative events, people, or anything external. However, in most circumstances, you don’t have any control over your external circumstances. In contrast, those situations control you. They affect the way you think, feel, and behave. Covey points out the influence of this in his book. 

Instead of being reactive, you need to be proactive in your lives. Now, you may confused about what being proactive really means. Proactive implies taking responsibility for one’s own decisions and behavior. We often waste our time by blaming others or some uncertain events. This blaming helps you to get relieved from your responsibility for the problem but it also limits you to where you are and makes you stuck. Instead of searching for solutions you get stuck in the loop of blaming. So focus on things you have some control over and be aware of your thoughts and feelings. Act wisely and try to avoid things that are not in your control and negatively affecting you. 

Begin With the End in Mind 

Many of you are hardworking but don’t accomplish what you need. Sometimes people who may seem working less than you may achieve better. They become more successful quickly than you. Why? One reason is proper planning. If you want to do something begin by imagining it. What are the things you want to do? What are the resources you need to reach there? How can you get there? What are the different possible ways to reach there and which is the best? Also, make a list of alternative plans. What are the possible obstacles you are going to face on the way to achieving your goal? How can you deal with them? 

So, you must go through all stages in your imagination before you actually begin it. This will give you a more clear picture of your journey. You will be more prepared to deal with the possible threats. Moreover, this will help you waste time on unnecessary things. 

Put First Things First 

You often have a lot of things to do. So, effectively prioritizing them is very important to be highly effective in life. How do you effectively prioritize tasks? One easy way is using the Eisenhower matrix. It’s a very effective method, but many are not aware of it. This matrix can be created manually or using digital sources like apps. 

The Eisenhower matrix involves four quadrants. 

• Quadrant 1: On the top left corner. Note here the tasks that are urgent and important. 
• Quadrant 2: This is in the top right corner. Write tasks that are important but not urgent. 
• Quadrant 3: Place urgent but unimportant tasks in this bottom left quadrant.
• Quadrant 4: Note unimportant and non-urgent tasks in this bottom right quadrant. 

In contrast, Covey says to focus more on the second quadrant. These tasks will you achieve long-term goals and have a greater impact than others. Moreover, focusing on this quadrant will help you reduce the tasks in quadrant one. Certainly, tasks in quadrant one may need to be done first. Allocate some time to regularly focus on quadrant 2 tasks.

Think Win-win 

People often take different situations as competitions, a win-lose game. But life is more about negotiation. You need to think of having benefits for both parties. That is, through win-win means. How to do this? Covey suggests four steps to acquire this. 

1. See the problem from the other person’s view. Try to understand their needs and concerns. 
2. Identify their key issues and concerns. 
3. Now, think about what will be a fully acceptable solution. 
4. Identify the possible new ways to reach that solution. 

This win-win thinking pattern comes from a character of integrity, maturity, and an abundance mentality. It often works in high-trust relationships. Be more collaborative than being competitive. 

Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood 

Have you ever listened to someone with a complete intention to understand them? If yes, then it’s great. Also, how often did you have such experiences? Most people listen to someone while thinking about how to reply. Covey says we often respond in one of the four ways which are more autobiographical than being empathetic. The four ways include: 

1. We evaluate: We either agree or disagree with them. 
2. We probe: We ask questions from our frame of reference. 
3. We advise: We counsel them based on our experience. 
4. We interpret: We try to figure people out, to explain their motives, and their behavior, based on our motives and behavior. 

What happens here is that you will see the other person from your own biases rather than understanding them really as they are. People often misinterpret that others also think and feel as they do. That’s not the case. What you need to do is to listen empathetically. Not only focus on the words of others but also analyze how they communicate – what their body language says about what they feel. People will open up to you comfortably if they feel you can really understand them. 

Synergise 

This concept put forward the importance of connections. In this competing world, most try to work alone only for individual sake. Synergy implies the whole is greater than some of its parts. The outcome obtained by teamwork will be far greater than adding up the outcomes of each individual if it is done separately. What you need is cooperation rather than competition. For this, you need to learn to value the differences and respect them. This will help you get insights from others and foster mutual learning. 

Sharpen the Saw If You Want to Keep Sawing 

People often forget to take care of themselves while working hard to take care of themselves. Covey emphasizes the importance of self-improvement. You need to take care of yourselves – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Health is important throughout the journey to work better. 

Moreover, you need to take breaks in between to relax. If you use a saw continuously to cut a tree without sharpening it, its output gradually diminishes and you can’t cut the tree. Similarly, you need to work on your skills and improve them in between to get the most out of you. Otherwise, you will get tired and struggle with limited resources. So maintain your health and make better social relationships to enhance your support system. Improve your knowledge regularly and be updated. 

Conclusion 

Are you ready to begin the journey to be a highly effective person? Now, you know being highly effective in life needs the development of several positive habits. You have to identify them and work on them. This article gives you some insights into 7 such habits and their importance. Now, you need to read more and start practicing each of these habits in your daily life. You may have some difficulties in the beginning. They are very normal while developing new habits. What you need is consistency. So, don’t limit yourself by focusing too much on the setbacks. Try to read the book completely and widen your perspectives. It’ll help you see the world from a different perspective. 

FAQs 

1. What are the 7 habits of highly effective people? 

The 7 habits are: 

• Be Proactive – Take responsibility for your actions and life. 
• Begin with the End in Mind – Define your goals and desired outcomes clearly.
• Put First Things First – Prioritize tasks based on importance, not urgency.
• Think Win-Win – Strive for mutually beneficial solutions in relationships.
• Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood – Practice empathetic listening before sharing your viewpoint.
• Synergize – Leverage the strengths of teamwork and collaboration to achieve more. 
• Sharpen the Saw – Continuously renew yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 

2. Why is “Be Proactive” the first habit? 

“Be Proactive” emphasizes that we are in control of our choices. Covey stresses that highly effective people don’t react to external circumstances but take intentional actions to create positive outcomes. This habit is foundational because it shifts the mindset from being a victim of circumstances to being a creator of opportunities. 

3. What is the difference between efficiency and effectiveness in Covey’s framework?

Efficiency is about doing things quickly and with minimal effort, while effectiveness is about doing the right things that lead to meaningful and lasting results. Covey emphasizes that focusing on effectiveness ensures long-term success. 

4. What is the “Circle of Influence” and “Circle of Concern”? 

The Circle of Concern includes things you worry about but cannot control (e.g., weather, economy). The Circle of Influence includes what you can control (e.g., your actions, and attitudes). Covey advises focusing energy on the Circle of Influence to expand it over time and reduce stress. 

5. How do these habits apply to personal and professional life? 

The 7 habits provide a framework for self-mastery, effective relationships, and meaningful contributions. They help individuals take ownership of their personal growth while improving collaboration, trust, and productivity in professional settings. 

6. What is the key takeaway from “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”?

The key takeaway is that effectiveness comes from aligning your actions with principles of personal responsibility, integrity, and collaboration. It emphasizes proactive growth, goal-oriented behavior, and prioritizing relationships and renewal for lasting success.