If you’re looking for a book recommendation that goes beyond the usual self-help fluff and really changes the way you think and act, look no further. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is a transformational read that’s stood the test of time. In this post, I’ll explain why this classic deserves a place on your bookshelf – and how its lessons can fuel your personal and professional growth.
Here’s a book I’ve recommended to many of my clients. When I pick up this book, I always feel that it resonates with me and the content feels healthy – from a mindset perspective. I feel it affirms a positive and productive way of thinking.
Personally, at first the title made me question whether I wanted to pick it up. I thought it would be a manual to help companies coach/manage their employees. This idea didn’t appeal to me personally – but when I started listening to the book (I often listen to books before buying them in print) I immediately connected with it – especially the first 3 chapters which focus on personal growth.
- Be proactive: Take responsibility for your life and focus on what you can control rather than reacting to external situation.
- Start with the end in mind: Define your goals and values. Visualise your ideals for your future and align your actions with long-term objectives.
- Put first things first: Use time management to focus on high value activities.
I came across one of the most moving and helpful quotes I had ever come across. Since learning more about this statement I have found out that it was originally created by Viktor E. Frankl (neurologist, psychologist, philosopher and Holocaust survivor). Viktor E. Frankl and his family were sent to a concentration camp in World War II where his mother and brother were murdered and his wife died of typhus. He survived for 3 years experiencing physical abuse, malnutrition, emotional humiliation and torture. He changed his entire way of thinking in order to survive the ordeal.
There is a space between stimulus and response. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.
I found this quote to resonate throughout the book in a number of ways – in particular, author Stephen R. Covey touches on various concepts of stoicism that seem to flow through the book via various stories. The Viktor E. Frankl quote above made me literally stop and think when talking to people – this allowed me to understand that we can often steer a conversation or situation in a positive or productive direction by being aware of how we can respond.
This is definitely a book worth looking at, and one to keep and browse through over time. I hope you enjoy it too.
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