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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1 summary
Stephen R. Covey
Learn the habits of those who achieved everything
19 mins
Brief summary
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is a self-help classic, offering a framework for building successful habits and interpersonal relationships. Through practical strategies, readers learn how to be proactive, prioritize what's important, and achieve personal and professional effectiveness.
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1
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Key idea 1 of 11
For lasting change, you have to address your character, not just your behavior.
When Stephen Covey embarked on his quest to truly understand the nature of success, he began by immersing himself in some 200 years worth of literature on the topic, starting from 1776.
Based on this deep dive, he concluded that, generally speaking, there are two ways to strive for improvements to your life:
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The first method is to work on the skills necessary for the behavior you desire. For instance, if you want to improve your relationships with others, you might study communication or body-language techniques.
We can call this method the personality ethic. It’s been particularly popular since the 1920s, but, despite its sounding like a solid path for growth, it’s actually just a shortcut. The personality ethic lets you avoid working on the fundamental character traits that are holding you back, promising that some easily learnable technique will be the silver bullet for all your problems.
Unfortunately, this promise is usually empty, and it almost never results in lasting personal growth.
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The second method is far more effective: working on your character – that is, the fundamental habits and belief systems that form your view of the world. Only behavior stemming straight from your character will endure over time, because, sooner or later, your true character will shine through.
This can be called the character ethic, and it emphasizes things like courage, integrity and the golden rule. It was the dominant approach to success prior to the 1920s, clearly visible in the writings of stalwart individuals such as Benjamin Franklin.
So if you really want to change, you need to work from the inside out. If, for example, you’d like to have a happy marriage, you need to first become a more positive person yourself, not just master a few easy techniques that’ll make others like you more.
So how can you work on your character? Find out in the next blink.
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What is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1 about?
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (1989) is the enormously influential self-help phenomenon that can teach you the principles of effectiveness. Once you make these principles into habits, you’ll be well on your way to more success, both in your personal and your professional life.
Change your habits and your life with this must-know self-help method beloved by millions.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1 Review
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1 (1989) by Stephen R. Covey is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional lives. Here's what sets this book apart:
- The book provides practical, actionable advice to help readers develop effective habits that lead to success.
- Drawing on real-life examples and anecdotes, Covey illustrates how implementing these habits can transform one's relationships, productivity, and overall well-being.
- The book's engaging storytelling and insightful concepts make it a compelling read that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Best quote from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1
Between stimulus and response, man has the freedom to choose.
—Stephen R. Covey
Who should read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1?
- People who want to become more effective in their personal and professional life
- Those who have heard about the world-famous seven habits and wish to learn them
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1 FAQs
What is the main message of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1?
The main message of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1 is to develop habits that lead to personal and professional success.
How long does it take to read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1?
The reading time for The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1 varies, but it generally takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1 a good book? Is it worth reading?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1 is a valuable read for anyone seeking personal and professional growth. It offers practical advice and insights.
Who is the author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1?
The author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1 is Stephen R. Covey.
What to read after The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1?
If you're wondering what to read next after The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - 1, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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