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Summary: An in-depth exploration.
Review: Steven R. Covey's book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" asserts that habits are powerful elements in our lives that can pull us either toward or away from a fulfilling life. Rather than turning effectiveness, balance, growth and interdependence into an unattainable set of ideals, he presents them as a lifestyle, partners to the 7 habits that are genuine expressions of one's self. One interesting distinction he makes is the difference between "being" and "seeing," that someone's opinion of their life has little to do with the way they are in reality. I enjoyed this comparison, as it illuminates the value of having a system like the "habits" that supports people in living from their actual strengths rather than from their self-perceived limitations. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is an exploration into what is possible for human beings. I also suggest that anyone interested in expanding their awareness and effectiveness in all areas of life read "Working on Yourself Doesn't Work," by Ariel & Shya Kane, a simple, fun, direct and powerful guide to being present to your life in each moment.
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Summary: What Can Review #292 Contribute?
Review: What CAN another review of this book have to add? Hopefully, a Christian pastor's perspective. Let me begin by saying that this is NOT a Christian book (as most of the books I review are). It is not Christian, and Mr. Covey doesn't claim that it is. But let me also say that I do not totally discount the value of the book because of that. This book was recommended to me by Christians whom I respected and whom I thought were very good leaders. I read it several years ago, to my profit. It helped me in several ways: 1. The principle "Be Proactive" helped drive home the truth that we are responsible for our actions. We have choices to make about our attitudes. This chapter illustrates that well. There is a balancing truth that is not written here, namely, that there is an Almighty and Sovereign God exercising control over all things (see my review of A. W. Pink's "The Sovereignty of God"). But as far as it goes, the basic point that we must be proactive and not reactive, is good. 2. Covey helped me crystallize my sense of purpose in life. Imagining my funeral and writing a Personal Mission Statement (Habit 2 - Begin with the End in Mind) were immensely helpful exercises for me. But again, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps" (Prov. 16:9). 3. From Habit 3, "Put First Things First," I really learned how to work through priorities. The urgent/important paradigm was extremely helpful to me. I think of it often in my day-to-day activities. Covey even succeeds in helping a person identify what some of those priorities should be. But he falls short in that he advocates "a principle-centered life" rather than a "God-centered life" (see my review of John Piper's "God's Passion For His Glory.") 4. The final habit (Sharpen the Saw) is just common sense. It is smart to exercise, relax, learn, and pursue spiritual vitality. And sometimes it must be planned. The second triad of habits (Think Win/Win; Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood; and Synergize) were less helpful to me, but still worth reading. The emphasis on taking initiative and seeking creative options in relationships was helpful to me. There are some dangers in this book. 1. It can lead a person to self-sufficiency. This is crippling to the Christian whose sufficiency must be found in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. We must be careful when reading this kind of material, lest we adopt an "I can do it" mentality which fosters pride and alienates us from God. 2. There is no objective foundation of reality behind this book and no standard except Covey's assimilation of the wisdom of the ages. I think Covey probably assumes the reality of God (I don't remember for sure), but there is no definition of who this God is what He is like. To me, if there is a God, then He must define all things and life must be centered around Him. 3. Covey could have said everything in about 150-200 less pages. Seven Habits is wordy and repetitive. I have chosen to rate this book in the middle - three stars. I will not give it five stars because there are some profound philosophical and theological differences between Covey and myself (and more importantly, between Covey and the Bible). I will not give it one star because I was helped by the book and I think that thoughtful, Bible-saturated, God-centered leaders can sharpen their personal leadership skills through a cautious reading of this book. I do not recommend it to young Christians. I do recommend it for mature Christians in key leadership positions.
Rating: 
Summary: Sensible and pramatic
Review: I found this great book by Dr. Covey to be both sensible and pragmatic. This is an outstanding book that really delivers. Follow the 7 habits and you will become a success. Other books I recommend include The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren and Super Self (if you can find a copy) by the late Charles Givens.
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Summary: Proven Success Strategies.
Review: If it's true that strategies are like recipes, then this wonderful book by Stephen Covey holds the recipe for success. A key word right in the title is "habit" not The 7 "suggestions", it's the 7 "habits" When you take success strategies and turn them into everyday practiced habits, you get results.I've read the negative reviews and can only assume that Dr. Coveys detractors either don't have the ability or desire or the discipline to practice habits. Perhaps if Dr Covey chaged the title of this book to "7 seconds to achieve ultimate success without effort" they would have liked this book more. Other books I recommed are "Life Strategies" by McGraw and "SuperSelf" by Givens. Great books.
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Summary: Best Self Help Book out there!
Review: I have read many of the popular self help books available on book shelves and have purchased a few other programs. Covey is the best.I have now read this book for the third time and have taken copious notes. It's great.I also suggest Principle Centered Leadershp also by Covey and Direct from Dell by Mike Dell.
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Summary: Para-dime is still 20 cents
Review: I worry for the pop culture. Its members still seem to think that speaking the incomprehensible MUST indicate deep meaning and--GAK---paradigm shift. A lot of that tendency started decades ago with the likes of Norman Vincent Peale and others. Covey's made a veritable cottage industry of it. How about X Habits of Successful Authors Who Don't Say Anything? Gibberish the lot of it. I tried to read this all the way through. But it echoes other New Age gurus like Matthew Fox, a New Age Christian babbler; lots of words indicating not a thing. One of my favorite authors, Wendy Kaminer, described Covey appropriately years ago as having a great talent at saying nothing inspiringly. Don't waste your time with any of these "habits" tracts.
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Summary: Habits lead our lives
Review: I read the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People years ago. I have recommended it to so many people, I should get some kind of reward for it. I was in a book store and pointed out to a couple some of the features of the book. It was practical, like a training class, the picture that shows perspective is a real eye opener. I think that is what really got me to continue to read. Do we live from a limited perspective and perception or are we willing to take life by the horns and live it the way it should or could be lived. I have read a lot of self help books and time management books in my life, Covey's book had a real effect. Those who know the scriptures will see he uses biblical principals, his Seek first to understand then to be understood principal is 'be quick to hear, slow to speak.' I too recommend Principle Centered Leadership as a must read. I am reviewing that as well.
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Summary: Forming Better Habits
Review: A few years ago I borrowed the book, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." The book was impressive in the areas dealing with change from old to better habits. More recently I realized I was under stress because I was constantly dealing with things that were due "yesterday." At that point I knew I needed to find a copy of Steven Covey's book. Because I had little time to sit and read, the Audio Cassette was a great time saver in more ways than one. For those of you who are frustrated with relationships at work or at home, or simply desire a better way of organizing your life, I highly recommend reading or listening to the audio cassettes. It's about changing and forming new and better habits regarding: setting priorities for yourself, and interacting with others both on a personal "and" formal level. Covey leaves you with the feeling that you have control over your life but it has to start with you. He uses personal experiences that are believable to emphasize a point. If you don't finish the book or cassettes without recognizing at least one habit you can change; I would be very surprised.
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Summary: Effective emotions = effective habits
Review: Seven habits is just such a great way to frame what's important in getting what you want out of life. It's not a matter of knowing factually the habits, but being motivated and having the clarity to pursue them. That's the real value of the book. When I purhcased 7 Habits I also ordered the recommended title The Emotional Intelligence Quickbook which is just terrific. I never had considered how my emotional experience of events impacts my effectiveness and that really helped. A great pairing!
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Summary: "This and 'Mizraim Principles' are all you need!"
Review: This work has stood the test of time, and is well-worth every one of its stars. The principles are not profound, but they WORK. I know; my job is training people to succeed in society. This work and 'The Mizraim Principles' are just about the only tickets to successful living one could ever possibly need. Every other work is pretty-much a protracted version of these timeless masterpieces. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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