Rating: 
Summary: Too painful
Review: With such great content, it's hard to believe it could be such a chore to read. I devour personal growth books, and I had a heard time getting through this one. I've heard that there are people at the Covey Center for Leadership who didn't finish reading it.Otherwise it is outstanding.
Rating: 
Summary: Probably the most important book I've read in my life 2 date
Review: And mind you, I've only read half of it - just finished all the chapters in the Private Victory part, but I can't wait to write a comment on it, and I have already given it to a friend as a gift and recommend to many others. I bought it when I was in a period of losing self confidence and facing the worst obstacles in my life. I was under constant self evaluation and realized how inefficient I could be at times. I wanna change that, but contrary to what I thought this book would be - a practical "follow the instructions daily and you will be more effective" kind of book, it actually changes one's paradigm, a notion that the author emphasizes a lot right in the first chapter. I changed my value towards life and how to treat myself and people on a daily basis - basically it teaches you how to become more positive rather than just more efficient, because and author believes the latter is a direct result of the earlier, and so do I now...
Rating:
Summary: This book is only for people with vision who want to lead
Review: If everyone followed the concepts in this book, society would solve all of its own problems. Every problem. Every society. However, following the concepts demands strength of character that few people can muster. This book is for people who believe in their futures and want to accomplish a great life. For people who understand that it will not happen on its own by simply thinking happy thoughts. These concepts are familiar to us all because they are so fundamental, but seldom have they been so well articulated. There is no majic bullet for solving all of the problems or issues in your life or in our society. Only hard work can do that. This book describes how the work can be organized and carried out. Take responsibility and make our world better. I am.
Rating: 
Summary: Coveyisms Shoveyisms
Review: I can see where this book would appeal to people who like very orderly lives and who like to map everything out. I for one think that living my life by following a mission statement and 7 habits sounds like a drag. I don't think our reason for living is to be "effective." I'm not sure what it is for and I like it that way. It is good to not always react to things and take control of your life (Habit 1-Be proactive.) Keeping your priorities straight is smart advice also as is trying to be a better listener and understanding what others are really trying to say. There is nothing wrong with self-improvement, so I can see where this book could be handy. Yet, I must wonder, has Covey said anything in this book that hasn't been said before or that isn't blatantly obvious? Good for him that the was able to make millions upon millions requrgitating these "habits," but I for one am glad I got my book at the library and didn't contribute to his wealth.
Rating: 
Summary: Good common sense
Review: This book offers good sound advice on the important aspects of life. It will help you achieve balance and to look at things in a different way than you are used to. However, I struggled with the concept of a personal mission statement which is a key to the whole working of the book. There is also a lack of clarity with goal-setting. The idea of 'contextual' goals are not specific enough to motivate. Worth reading but needs a bit of oomph !.
Rating:
Summary: Life Transforming Book
Review: This is the most profound book, next to the Holy Bible, that I have ever read! I read it orginally in '91 or '92 and I continue to reread and reference this book. It teaches you how to be a better you -- how to be truly successful in all aspects of life. It confirms the concept that success is not measured in material gains, but in personal attainment. You can be successful regardless of your walk and life and enjoy true happiness. It is important to reread this book because it will talk to you in different ways at differant stages in your life. I recommend the hard back addition, since it is definitely a keeper. An excellent choice as a present anytime since the appeal is very broad. I have made it assigned reading for my management teams and I endeavor to live these teachings on a daily basis -- but no, it's not a cult. Just exceptionally sound advice.
Rating:
Summary: ok
Review: This is not a bad book actually learned something useful
Rating:
Summary: This book changed my life
Review: I've been a big reader all my life and several books have been life changing. This classic hit me at the right time (1996), when I was ready to take a step toward what I most wanted to do with my life: write books, get published, and teach. The phrases that hit me hardest was "being caught up in the thick of thin things" and "It's easy to say no when you have a bigger YES burning inside you." These ideas propelled me to focus seriously on my writing and make the first move to get an agent-with considerable success so far, as you can see below. Covey reminds us of what is important: expanding our sphere of influence, leaving a legacy, listening and loving, living by our principles. He never says it's easy or that you will be "enlightened," but for me, this book was truly enlightening. Covey's words made the difference between planning my future and moving into it whole-heartedly. There is so much that's helpful in this book that I can return to it whenever I feel at loose ends. ~~Joan Mazza, author of DREAM BACK YOUR LIFE; DREAMING YOUR REAL SELF; WHO'S CRAZY ANYWAY? and 3 books in The Guided Journal Series with Writer's Digest Books, columnist and features writer for Personal Journaing Magazine.
Rating:
Summary: Necessary Reading [for some]
Review: All the preaching and 'self help-isms' aside... if you read this book and come away from it not having identified at least one major area of you life that could be improved, with the confidence that you do in fact have the power to improve it, you're probably perfect. OR - You probably don't have the capability to examine yourself, and improve yourself based upon you self-examination. If you fit THIS picture.. don't buy the book. You won't like it.
Rating:
Summary: Great Read
Review: I think that this is one of the best books that I have ever read. Covey helps you to make changes to have a successful life and relationships. It showed me where I can implament or change my life and personality to reflect what I think is most importent in my life. It also gives helpful hints on how to love others. The first one-hundred pages of the book are kind of boaring, but they are laying the ground work for the rest of the book. The only think that I didn't like was Covey trying to ...his products. But even that wasn't so bad, cause he gave ways to successfully use other products to implament his philosophies.
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