Significance of Habits in Building Personality
Review of the Book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
By Stephen R Covey
‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’ is a worldwide phenomenon written by Stephen Covey. The book is a mind-blowing resemblance of the powerful lessons in personal change. The world has changed dramatically since the seven habits was first published. Life is now more complex, more stressful, more demanding. But this does not mean that the seven habits are backdated and need a refined edition. As deep our problems and difficulties are, the more relevant the habits become.
Stephen Covey starts the book with a game, yet strange, with our subconscious mind. He shows a picture of a woman with her face un-sketched, just showing the shape of her hair, her shawl, and face. He then shows a picture of a woman perfectly drawn; with a petite nose, finely woven shawl, and her scarf, with a demure presence. He then shows another incomplete picture portraying an old woman drawn skillfully. Now, those who have seen the first picture of the incomplete young woman saw the pretty woman in the second picture. And those who saw the third picture first, saw the old woman in the second picture. Actually the second picture is the combined portrait of the first and third picture. The main motive of the game was to show that two different people can argue, fight, debate on the same topic, and yet both can be right. It is not logical, it is psychological.
The book talks about seven different stages of development to dependence, independence and interdependence. Dependence is divided into three parts; being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, and putting first things first.
The first chapter, ‘Be proactive’, talks about two different types of people, reactive and proactive. Someone who discusses and blames over any problem without the mentality to solve it, are reactive people. And proactive people are those who work independently with no one to guide or advise them, in others words; people who are very active. Reactive people will always discuss and stick to the problem, and will not get out of their comfort zone. On the other hand, proactive people can try new things and have progress on their daily life faster than that of clumsy reactive people. The journey to independence and being successful in life, cannot disobey the paradigms of a proactive lifestyle.
Secondly, on the road to independency, men should begin with the ‘end’ in mind. Of what that means, is to go a bit further, trying beyond your limits. For example, you have set a timer of twenty minutes to jog around the lake. After nineteen minutes, you got tired and exhausted. So then you take an attempt to run for another three minutes; and you accomplish it, which means you begin with the ‘end in mind’. Start from where you feel down, that you can take no more. Rather jogging for nineteen minutes, you have jogged an extra two minutes, you will now think you can go beyond your abilities, and that will eventually boost up your confidence.
Thirdly, comes putting first things first. Things that really mean to you, has an impact on your life in the long run, you always should put these above all. Covey introduces the concept of the time management matrix, which categorizes tasks based on urgency an importance. By focusing on activities that align with overarching goals, individuals can enhance their productivity and make meaningful progress.
Moving to the interpersonal realm, Covey introduces the fourth habit, “Think win-win”. This principle promotes a collaborative mindset where individuals seek mutual beneficial solution in their interaction. Covey argues that fostering a win-win mentality creates a foundation for healthy relationships and effective collaboration, transcending traditional zero-sum thinking.
The fifth habit, ‘Seek first to understand, then to be understood’, underscores the significance of empathetic communication. Covey emphasizes the value of active listening and the ability to comprehend others perspectives before experiencing one’s own thoughts. By cultivating genuine understanding, individuals can build trust and strengthen their relationships.
Habit six, ‘Synergize’, focuses on the power of team work and collaboration. Covey argues that by combining diverse talent and perspective, individuals can create solution that surpass what any single person could achieve. Synergy fosters an environment where creative and innovative thrive, leading to more robust and sustainable outcomes.
In the seventh habit, ‘Sharpen the Saw’, Covey introduces the concept of self-renewal and continuous improvement. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being to sustain long term effectiveness. This habit encourages individuals to invest time in activities that rejuvenate and strengthen various aspects of their lives.
In conclusion, “The Seven Habit of Highly Effective People” is a transformative guide that offers timeless principles for personal and professional success. This book serves as a beacon for those on a journey of self-discovery and effectiveness, offering practical wisdom that remains as relevant today as it was when first published.
Md. Labib Mahmood is currently enrolled in Wheaton International School as an O level candidate of the second batch for examitaion in 2025. He worked as a columnist in his previous school newsletters, as well as wall magazines. Mr. Labib is a sport enthusiast who won several medals on annual sports meets. He participated in couple of interschool cricket and football tournaments and left a proud legacy for his school. He plays as a professional cricketer in the U-17 cricket team for Gulshan Youth Club Cricket Academy. He is a bookworm who loves to read both English and Bengali books.
Learn more about him at- https://www.facebook.com/wheatoninternationalschool/