LEARN MORE...
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen R. Covey
Contributed by Margherita Wickersham
Content
Overview
Context
Themes
Reviews
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Get 24/7
Homework help
Our tutors provide high quality explanations & answers.
Post question

Newest Questions

Chapter 2
Summary

In this part, Covey introduces the first habit of highly effective humans as being proactive. He states that a person has the capability of creating their reality since they are in charge of their lives. The ability to independently decide on the appropriate stimulus to take onto without the influence of the world is Covey's definition of proactivity. Covey argues that proactivity is the unique characteristic that set us apart from animals.

Covey describes the difference between stimulus and response using the analogy of Frankl to show that human beings have the prerogative to choose and that is what distinguishes from animals. He adds the facts that people not only have imagination, but they also have the self-awareness, unlike animals that are programmed to behave in a particular manner. People have the vision that aids in the creation of reality in the future beyond what is in the present. One also has a conscience which is the deep and innate feeling of making out the right from wrong. People unlike animals do not react to stimuli but rather respond appropriately after critical thinking to issues.

The author also describes the difference in success and happiness between the ‘have’s’ and the ‘be’s.’ The ‘have’s are the kind of people that chase success by acquiring things that make them happy for instance when one talks about being happy when they have a car. Such people attach happiness and success to material things and worry more about what other people are going to say about them as well as pleasing the crowd. The haves' are also the kind that dwells on regrets such that they exclaim statements like, ‘if I had a car…’ however, the circle of people who are be's people look forward to changing their inner self by ‘being’ what they desire.

In this part, Covey brings out the concept of the ‘the circle of control’ in the representation of all that people care to attach emotions too. He introduces the fact that people have a minimal influence on the things and people they care about consequently, people should narrow down and focus on the portion that they can control. The latter is further linked up to the fact that the extent to which we can control things is indirectly proportional to giving up and boredom which manifests in the form of worry as well as complaining. Covey adds that when energy focused on the portion one can control, it will in tandem, increase the circle of influence on success and contentment.

Starting with the final part in mind is the second habit indicated by covey. Covey urges people to commence creating their reality by beginning with the end so that they can be precise on their objectives. Covey states that habit two is formulated on imagination and the rationality that two creation approaches exist which include mental and physical creation. He adds that the lack of clarity on the two criteria of creation on one's objectives results in the mayhem and chaos of randomness as well as circumstances. Covey, therefore, urges his readers to align their lives with the principles by compiling the goals of their personal mission which take the directions what one wants to be and accomplish.

Analysis

Private victory attributes to independence and efficiency accompanied by personal decisions and in this case, covey analyses three habits associated with the independence phase. The first habit of being proactive stresses the need to make yourself the captain of your ship. From the prose in the book, it can be deduced that every step one takes a step closer to opportunities. Proactivity advocates for planned and strategic action that gears one to success in all endeavors. Proactivity not only makes one better but initiates the process of doing things differently from other. For this habit, if people gain a sense of responsibility and the diligence of action, then appropriate decision making takes place. As a result, the nature of humanity will not be influenced by conditions but rather decisions.

The second habit of starting with the result in mind denotes the visualization of principles that will guide the result. This habit articulates the idea that creation takes place twice that is in mind and then physically which is generalized to the social, work and family life. The author gives a formula for attaining great results by urging the reader to develop a mission goal day to day to utilize time to the maximum. This is described as the daily private victory which helps one to remain focused to your goal. Covey helps people gain momentum in their lives by assisting them to control their energy and channel it to objectives thus regarding leadership as first creation and management the second.

Being the captain of your ship is the precise description of habit 3; prioritizing thing by putting the appropriate stuff first. The latter thus requires that one manages to lead an organized life by focusing one's energy on productive missions. Habit 3 seeks that one follows the order of necessity and not counter the flow and order of events. Covey addresses the reader to be assertive in decision making; saying no to projects veering off their objectives. The three habits mentioned in this part by the author conquer the independence of the reader and are fundamental to the formation of good personal ethics.

<
Chapter 1
Chapter 3
>
info_outline
Have study documents to share about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People? Upload them to earn free Studypool credits!

Popular Book Guides