7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Took these pointers from the newspaper recently which featured Stephen R. Covey, the writer of the book 7 Habits and The 8th Habit: From effectiveness to greatness. Here's Covey's 7 Habits-and his 8th-at a glance:

1. Be Proactive
You can always choose to respond in any given situation, so choose what earns your respect, trust and love.

2. Begin with the End in Mind
Ask yourself what moves you to act in principled and Fulfilling ways. Then write that down, plus how You could make a difference.

3. Put first things first
Picture what you really care abt as Rocks. Then picture the day's many demands that, while immediate, will not add much to building a character. Make sure you fill your week with more rocks than stones

4. Think win-win
If you and I have only one orange between us, don't just slice it in half. I might actually want only the peel, and you the juice. So strive for solutions that make Everyone better off.

5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood
Always listen deeply and respectfully first to what others have to say, before you jump in with what you feel and think.

6. Synergise
Make the most of others' strengths and always be open to new ways of doing things

7. Sharpen the saw
Living all the above habits are useless if you're physically weak. So Exercise and live Responsibly and Joyfully.

8. The 8th Habit
Find your own voice and help others find theirs.