The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

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Summary: if you never read another book...
Review: First, you have to accept that you're never too old to learn; second, you must be prepared and willing to make changes in your own attitudes, behaviour and outlook.
There are many self help books out there telling you to be more positive and so on, but this one describes the habits or rules you need to develop for dealing with life in general, so that the specifics can be dealt with almost sub-conciously. Covey sugests that, if you are in the habit of dealing with life's little problems using the same basic rules of thumb, when the big or urgent problems arrive without warning, you will automatically respond in the right way.
Simple ideas such as "begin with the end in mind" are so obvious, yet how many of us leap at the first - and easiest - solution to our problems, only to find that we have not thought the thing through and we end up in a worse dilemma?
An excellent book, it should be read over a period of a year or more, as you learn and practise the habits suggested.
The only minor negative I would find is that it is very obviously written by an American for an American audience - but, fellow Europeans, do not let that put you off!



Rating:
Summary: One of the best self-help books ever written
Review: This book is powerful because it builds character from a solid foundation. The illustrations explain the author's viewpoints and the examples are applicable to people in most situations. I thoroughly recommend this book. I also recommend the author's latest book "The 8th Habit" where he uses a quote from my favorite book, Optimal Thinking: How To be Your Best Self and says "The key question is "'What is the best thing I can do under these circumstances?'" This use of Optimal Thinking is a simple way to shine and rise above mediocrity!

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Summary: 7 habits that give you insight of your effective self
Review: Stephen Covey effectively broke down a board concept: effective personal growth, into diagrams and languages that are so easily understandable. The concept of a paradigm shift and the balance of product/ produce capability amazed me.
The book divides into 3 parts: private victory, public victory and a renewal habit. Private victory include being a proactive individual, the habit of beginning with an end in mind (mental visualization) and putting first thing first (emphasize on focusing on something that is not urgent but very important e.g. exercise and health, as opposed to urgent and important things such as seeing a doctor because of poor health.) Public victory include a habit of thinking win/win, empathic communication (seek first to understand others and then to be understood, and the power of synergy that produce creative cooperation. The last habit is to sharpen those 6 habits mentioned.
Being a truly effective person does not require any technique. Covey stresses the importance of conscience and the power that follows by applying it. The seven habits are self-evident and are not difficult to apply in daily living if a person is proactive and demands personal growth. This is a very insightful book that changes you to become a better and more productive member as well as team player.


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Summary: By far one of the best books
Review: I have read many self-help and motivational books. This was different. It goes to the heart of the matter. It makes a person examine their inner motivations. It really hits on deep issues such as character ethics, integrity, diligence, understanding, etc. I have read this book three times already in the past 10 years, and I will re-read it gain very soon. Everyone should read this book.

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Summary: Teacher & Engineer
Review: Buying this book will be one of the most effective investment you every made in your life.