I recently purchased a book I’d early sworn I’d never own. Despite being strongly recommended by Jess of Makeunder My Life (someone whose advice I take quite seriously), I couldn’t shake my general distaste towards The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
What did Stephen Covey and his highly-acclaimed personal leadership book ever do to me? Well, circa 1998, it was strongly recommended by a guy I was dating. This guy was particularly self-righteous (just the way I liked them!) and so I was quick to shed everything “him” once our romance fizzled. I was nothing like him, so why would I want to read a book he suggested? Yep, I’ve avoided this book since high school because someone I didn’t like told me to read it.
(To put this avoidance in perspective, I also have yet to see As Good As It Gets because another high school boyfriend saw it with his new girlfriend on a date I felt fell far too close to the demise of his relationship with me. I’m nothing if not tenaciously principled).
Anyway – live, learn, grow, move on… yes?
The other weekend I was scouring a local used book store for books on wedding planning. Along the way, I uncovered the Covey tome. I’m not saying it was a sign, but whatever, it was reasonably priced and I have nothing to lose.
So, new project! As I read each chapter, I will share my thoughts and reactions with you.
The Habits:
- Be Proactive
- Begin with the End in Mind
- Put First Things First
- Think Win/Win
- Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
- Synergize
- Sharpen the Saw
Initially, I thought this project would take seven weeks (one per habit). Now, having read just the introduction, I can assure you that it will take longer – and that I want it to.
If you’ve read the book, feel free to play along.
Abigail Smith says
Hello Helena!
Been following some of your insightful posts as of late.
In high school I was required to read The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Despite my own reservations, mostly b/c it was required reading, I found the book to be somewhat insightful. I would even credit it with helping me move away from being a jaded teenager.
I am curious to read your thoughts of the adult version.
Good luck and happy reading!
Helena says
I can see how it would have affected me as a teen (I’ve just read the intro and already I’m liking the “take responsibility, take action” tone).
Abigail Smith says
Hello Helena!
Been following some of your insightful posts as of late.
In high school I was required to read The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Despite my own reservations, mostly b/c it was required reading, I found the book to be somewhat insightful. I would even credit it with helping me move away from being a jaded teenager.
I am curious to read your thoughts of the adult version.
Good luck and happy reading!
Helena says
I can see how it would have affected me as a teen (I’ve just read the intro and already I’m liking the “take responsibility, take action” tone).
Amber says
I’m reading this right now. I thought I’d like it more. It has really great insights here and there, but it’s not overly amazing like everyone makes it out to be. Of course, I still have 6 habits to go, so we’ll see. 🙂
Amber says
I’m reading this right now. I thought I’d like it more. It has really great insights here and there, but it’s not overly amazing like everyone makes it out to be. Of course, I still have 6 habits to go, so we’ll see. 🙂
Helena says
Haha – that’s always the problem with books everyone loves (*cough* Eat Pray Love)
Ally Bean says
That book was forced down my throat by one of my first post-college bosses. The same thing happened to my husband. There were seminars. There were datebooks. There were classes to learn how to teach the habits to your staff. We still snarl whenever Covey and his stupid habits are mentioned in polite conversation.
Be that as it may, I’m sure that reading the book on your own because you want to will be of value to you. It’s not that Covey’s ideas were so bad [albeit sometimes obvious], it was the way in which corporate America said we had to utilize his habits in the workplace. Meh.
Helena says
I know what you mean about books being forced down your throat. I definitely have some books I’ll avoid forever just because I hate hearing about them – it can totally ruin the experience.
Ally Bean says
That book was forced down my throat by one of my first post-college bosses. The same thing happened to my husband. There were seminars. There were datebooks. There were classes to learn how to teach the habits to your staff. We still snarl whenever Covey and his stupid habits are mentioned in polite conversation.
Be that as it may, I’m sure that reading the book on your own because you want to will be of value to you. It’s not that Covey’s ideas were so bad [albeit sometimes obvious], it was the way in which corporate America said we had to utilize his habits in the workplace. Meh.
Helena says
I know what you mean about books being forced down your throat. I definitely have some books I’ll avoid forever just because I hate hearing about them – it can totally ruin the experience.
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