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Writer's pictureTim Peden

7 Habits Of HIghly Effective People - Stephen Covey


Rick Joyner Prophesy


There is a revolution coming to the whole church and much of this will be driven by Christian education. Australia is called to be a leader in this. There are great churches in Australia, but even so, Christian schools in Australia are accomplishing more for the coming purposes of the Lord than the churches are at this time. However, neither the schools nor the churches have yet perceived the spiritual revolution that they are called to lead, and both are still far from their full purpose. There will be a revolution without rebellion, but a revolution of purpose.


God is calling for the church to have a complete paradigm shift. The 7 Habits outlined by Covey is a great place to start!


15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15


7 Habits of Highly Effective Kids and People

Stephen Covey



The Six Big Ideas


Covey talks about ways people can change themselves and then change how they relate with others to be most effective. He gives six big ideas:-


  1. Proactive people work on the things they can do something about.

  2. Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.

  3. A paradigm is a way we “see” the world.

  4. We see the world, not as it is, but as we are conditioned to “see” it.

  5. To make relatively minor changes in your life, focus on your attitudes and behaviours. To make significant, quantum change, work on your basic paradigms. “Our paradigms, correct or incorrect, are the sources of our attitudes and behaviours, and ultimately our relationships with others.”


Attitudes and behaviours versus basic paradigms. P.38


A paradigm is a theory or explanation or model of something. These maps are divided into two categories. One is the way things are (reality) and one is how we think they should be (values)Eg:

a. Personality ethic – We are successful because of how we present ourselves on the outside. (Destroys us long term)

b. Character Ethic – We are successful because of the deep character traits we have that mean we act and behave the same no matter where we are. (This is the Biblical View)


Our paradigms are the source of our attitudes and behaviours. Our paradigms are the thing that affects our relationships the most. It is how we view the world. All our behaviour and actions stem from the paradigms we have in the world.


“If we want to make relatively minor changes in our lives, we can perhaps appropriately focus on our attitudes and behaviours. But if we want to make significant, quantum change, we need to work on our basic paradigms.” This means we need to work hard to step out to see the world differently to challenge the way we think and change our paradigms.


What Is A Habit?

·

Stephen defines a habit as the intersection of knowledge, skill, and desire.

  • Knowledge is the theoretical paradigm, the what to do and the why.

  • Skill is how to do it.

  • Desire is the motivation, the want to do.

To make something a habit in our lives, Stephen explains, we need to have all three.


What Are The Seven Habits?


Effective people have the following habits:-


  1. They are proactive - They take initiative.

  2. They begin with the end in mind - they focus on goals

  3. They put first things first - they set priorities.

  4. They think win/win - They only win when others win.

  5. They seek first to understand then they try to be understood - They communicate well.

  6. They synergize - They learn to work well with others cooperatively.

  7. They sharpen the saw - They continually reflect on and repair their deficiencies.

What Does This Mean - A Deeper Look


START WITH YOU


1. Be Proactive


I have a “Can Do” attitude. I choose my actions, attitudes and moods. I don’t blame others. I do the right thing without being asked, even if nobody is looking.


2. Begin With the End in Mind


I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my school. I look for ways to be a good citizen.


3. Put First Things First


I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am organized.


RELATE WELL WITH OTHERS


4. Think Win-Win


I want everyone to be a success. I don’t have to put others down to get what I want. It makes me happy to see other people happy. I like to do nice things for others. When a conflict arrives, I help brainstorm a solution. We all can win!


5. Seek First to Understand


I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas.


6. Synergize


I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different from me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems. I know that “two heads are better than one”. I am a better person when I let other people into my life and work.


LOOK AFTER YOURSELF


7. Sharpen the Saw


I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places



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