"Moving Forward with a Driving Passion"

This week we were asked to answer the following questions, based on the seven habits from this week’s study of, “Moving Forward with a Driving Passion” and Steven R. Covey’s book, “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”. 

• Which of the 7 habits has the most meaning for you?

• Why will the 7 habits help you fill your life with passion and purpose as you seek to achieve both a private and public victory?

So, let’s get into it…

I think that it is important to first list out the Seven Habits from Steven R. Cove’s book, “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” They are:

1. Be Proactive

2. Begin with the End in Mind

3. First Things First

4. Think “Win-Win”

5. First Seek to Understand, then to be Understood.

6. Create Synergy

7. Sharpen the Saw

Out of the seven habits, the one that had the most meaning for me was, habit five, “First seek to understand, then to be understood.” This habit has the most meaning for me because, it is probably the habit that I struggle with the most, and don’t consider myself good at “first seeking to understand.”

I am an independent person; I am organized and a bit of a perfectionist. I work hard to make sure that what I am producing is good. But I often times forget to listen to others and get their feedback or opinions. When I do “listen” I am usually thinking of what’s next, and often can be in a conversation and not “hear” a thing. 

I am truly working on my “empathetic listening” skills, but I am a work in progress. I once received feedback from a boss, that, I am often the first one to answer a question or have a solution in a meeting. She pointed out that I had great ideas, but that a good leader first hears what others in the group have to say, and then they are able to discover an even better plan than their original idea. This feedback has stuck with me for years, and I am in a constant state of trying to be better at “first seeking to understand”. 

I believe that the Seven Habits can help to fill my life with passion and purpose because they are tools to working with others towards success. I am passionate about leadership and empowering others to work together as a team. I have seen the effects of a great team that has achieved the impossible through following some of these habits. In owning these habits, I believe one can find true joy in their personal growth and find joy as they work with others to help them achieve their personal goals. 

Works Cited

Covey, S. (2020). 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change.              New York: Simon & Schuster.

Ritchie, J. (2013). Lesson 5: "7 Habits". Launching Leaders. The Ministry of Business and                    Launching Leaders LLC.