7 Habits of highly Successful People

1: Be proactive

The habit of self-examination. Everyone has the right to make his own decision. When people use this power to choose responses based on their values, they are proactive. In other words, proactive people use freedom to choose the response that best reflects their values. When they focus on things they have control over (the circle of influence), rather than passively worrying about things they have little or no control over (the circle of concern), they actively influence the situation to create and reinforce the circle of influence.

Habit # 2: Start with a mission and go all out

The habit of self-leadership, the most effective people design their own future. They begin with a mission in all areas of their lives. They don't let other people or circumstances dictate their outcomes. They plan out exactly who they want to be, what they want to do, and what they want to have, and then they let that mental plan guide their decisions. This written plan of their life goals is a mission statement. A person who has a mission statement and uses it to guide his decisions will be consistent with his own goals.

Habit 3: First things first

Habits of self-management. What is the most important thing? The first important things are those that we find most worthwhile to do. They push us in the right direction, and they help us achieve the principle-oriented purposes embodied in the mission statement.

The first thing is always important and sometimes urgent:

Important: An activity is important if you consider it valuable -- if it contributes to your mission, values, and positive priorities.

Urgent: An activity is urgent if you and others agree that it needs immediate attention.

When we draw these two components and their opposite sides, we have four quadrants. Of these two quadrants, we focus our attention on the second quadrant so that we can pursue higher quality in our work and relationships.

Habit # 4: Win-win thinking

Habits of interpersonal leadership. Win-win thinking is a mental framework that constantly seeks mutual benefit in interpersonal interactions. Win-win means that everyone wins, because an agreement or solution is mutually beneficial and satisfactory to both parties who are satisfied with the decision and committed to the plan.

Win-win people have three personality traits: consistency, maturity and openness. Consistent people are true to their feelings, values and responsibilities. Mature people have the courage to express their thoughts and feelings while also considering the thoughts and feelings of others. Open-minded people think that everyone can get a lot.

Habit 5: Understand others before you let them understand you

Habits of communication. Interpersonal communication is more effective when we listen in order to understand others. We no longer see things through our own lens, and no longer impose personal experiences on the lives of others. If we put aside our gut reactions and care about what the other person is trying to say, then we are better prepared to listen intently with the aim of understanding the other person.

The second part of the habit, seeking understanding, requires courage and skill. You need the courage to express your true feelings and be open to ideas. You need the skill to frame your ideas clearly and explicitly against other people's reference points.

Habit 6: Brainstorm ideas

Habits of creative collaboration. Although the root system of redwood is shallow, it grows closely together. Their roots are interleaved to prevent the trunk from collapsing when the wind blows. Two people working together have the potential to multiply the results of working alone. This principle, pooling the wisdom of others, is also correct in social life. Two people who collaborate creatively and rely on each other will accomplish more than they can together. When they value their differences, are open to new possibilities, practice win-win thinking, and build trust, they reap the benefits of brainstorming.

Habit # 7: Get ready

Habits of self-renewal. Saws become dull with age, serrations no longer cut through wood, and blades no longer saw effectively. People need to renew themselves in order to function effectively. In other words, they need to maintain and improve themselves. The key to gaining momentum is regular and sustained renewal in four areas: physical, social/emotional, spiritual, and mental. Regular physical and mental exercise will enable them to take on greater challenges, and quiet introspection will make intuition more and more sensitive. Relationships that are faithfully maintained will grow. When people balance and renew these four areas, they reinforce the effectiveness of all their habits. By doing so, they grow, change and improve.