Develop the 8 Good Habits in our new article.

In our last few articles, we have covered making good habits, and stopping bad habits. In this article I will introduce a book to you that most of you have probably heard about, but perhaps have not read. It contains 7 good habits. Then, I am going to share one of my habits. That’s a grand total of 8 Good Habits!

Stephen Covey’s book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has sold millions of copies. It spawned The Franklin-Covey Planning System (calendar and organization system) that has sold millions more copies. Why? Simple really, because the information they contain works for people. It’s not pop psychology. It’s easy to understand and adaptable to goals. Maybe not everything for all people but there is something in it for nearly everyone.

The Seven Habits

“Habit 1: Be Proactive. Take responsibility for your life. Proactive people recognize that they are “response-able.” They don’t blame circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. Reactive people, on the other hand, are often affected by their physical environment. They find external sources to blame for their behavior.

Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind. Define clear measures of success and a plan to achieve them. Develop a Personal Mission Statement. It focuses on what you want to be and do. It is your plan for success.

Habit 3: Put First Things First. Prioritize and achieve your most important goals instead of constantly reacting to urgencies. First things are those things you find of most worth.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win. Collaborate more effectively by building high-trust relationships. Win-win means agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying.

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood. Influence by developing a deep understanding of their needs and perspectives.

Habit 6: Synergize. Develop innovative solutions that leverage differences and satisfy all key stakeholders.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw. Increase motivation, energy, and work/life balance by making time for renewing activities.“ https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/

I quote these seven habits for two reasons. Millions of people have used these habits and to great success. Also, please take a look and see how many of these 7 we have previously discussed in other ways and words. Most of this will not be unfamiliar: be responsible, make a plan, prioritize, listen to others, be present, work-life balance. Sound familiar? You are probably using some of those habits already. Are there others you can use?

But, isn’t this article entitled 8 Good Habits?

The 8th Good Habit

(The following habit is summarized from a discussion in my Good Habit(s) article.)

Arise

As you wake and face the day take a moment to be grateful. Grateful for the small things or the life changers.

Stabilize

A warm drink with lemon can help with hydration, digestion, skin tone, and antioxidants. Take a moment, sip your drink and think about your plan for the day?

Energize

As you begin your day, not only energize your body, energize your vision. You can reaffirm and fine tune your vision as you shower or make breakfast. Now you have set the stage for success, being aware of what you want and/or need to get done makes the doing easier as you go through your day.

Mobilize

Be realistic. As you put your plan in motion, remember there are 24 hours in a day. Try to do the “must dos” first. This way if you get sidetracked you will still feel productive at the end of the day. First and foremost, be kind to yourself. Now get out there and own today.

Summarize

Whether you are going about a day with errands or a day at your salaried job this plan can work. In either case, at the end of the day it is important to take just a minute to reflect on what has worked and what has not. Give yourself a pat on the back and acknowledge your successes. If you fell short of what you wanted, give some honest thought as to why. Remember the 8 Good habits.

As we greet each new day we have the opportunity to set the mood for what lies in front of us. With a few simple preplanned steps we can begin each day knowing we are taking steps toward success.

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