Covey's 7 Habits of Effective People
DIRECTIONS: Copy every word of that appears below these directions onto a sheet of paper and turn it in by the end of the class. Talking during this activity or failure to complete it will result in a Friday School assignment
HABIT 1: Be Proactive
Proactivity
Being proactive means taking initiative, not waiting for others to act first, and being responsible for what you do. The opposite of proactive is reactive. Reactive people react to what goes on around them. Proactive people act based on principles. They take responsibility for what they do.
Circle of Influence
Imagine a circle within a circle. The inner circle is your circle of influence and the outer circle is your circle of concern. This means that many things which you are concerned about you cannot influence. Yet there are many things which you are concerned about which you can influence. Reactive people focus on their circle of concern. Proactive people focus on their circle of influence. Being proactive also increases your circle of influence.
HABIT 2: Begin with the End in Mind
All Things Are Created Twice
Plan well. Think things through. The carpenter's rule is "measure twice, cut once."
Identifying Your Center
What is your center? What determines your mood? If it is determined by your work, then you are centered on work. If it is determined by your spouse, then you are centered on your spouse. If it is determined by your church, then you are centered on your church. Covey suggests that you instead center yourself on your principles.
A Principle Center
While other things which we could center our lives on fluctuate, principles do not:
A Personal Mission Statement
To find out what your principles are, envision your own funeral. Imagine that as your casket is being lowered down into the ground, your family and friends are standing around watching. What are they thinking about? When they think of you and your life, which statements, images and memories come up in their minds? What do you want them to think, imagine, and remember?
HABIT 3: Put First Things First
Prioritize: do important things first
Put unimportant or unhealthy things aside, even if friends are doing them HABIT 4: Think Win-Win
Look for third options when conflict arises HABIT 5: Seek First to Understand
HABIT 7: Sharpen the Saw
Empathic Listening
Diagnose Before You Prescribe
Then Seek to Be Understood
HABIT 6: Synergize
Synergistic Communication -- talk to each other politely and value other's opinions
Synergy in the Classroom -- value your classmates