Book Review: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Book Review: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Steven Covey originally released his self-help book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, in 1989. The book is one of the most well-known and frequently read works on personal growth, having sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Covey wrote the book because he believes that in order to be truly effective, you need to be in line with the universal laws that guide conduct.
The book is divided into four sections, each of which focuses on a distinct area of personal growth. The “Paradigms and Principles” section of Part One explains the idea of paradigms and stresses the value of creating a personal mission statement. In order to change our behavior, Covey contends that we must first alter our paradigms, which he describes as “the way we see and understand the world around us.”
Creating the behaviors that lead to personal accomplishment is the subject of Part Two, “Private Triumph.” Be proactive; starting with the end in mind, and putting first things first are Covey’s first three habits. These behaviors are intended to empower readers to take charge of their life, define their values and goals, and efficiently manage their time.
Read: Book Review: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
The third and final section, “Public Triumph,” focuses on creating the routines necessary for successful interpersonal interactions. Covey introduces the next three habits, which are: think win-win; seek first to understand; then to be understood; and synergize. These behaviors are intended to promote effective interpersonal interactions, clear communication, and teamwork.
The emphasis of “Renewal,” Part Four, is on the value of self-care and individual development. Sharpen the saw is Covey’s sixth habit, which he presents. The goal of this habit is to support readers in keeping their lives in balance and in their ongoing growth and development.
The focus on individual accountability is one of “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People’s” strengths. Covey contends that we have the ability to select our own actions and shape our own realities rather than being merely byproducts of our surroundings or circumstances. Covey gives readers a strong basis for long-term achievement and personal improvement by emphasizing principles rather than quick fixes or gimmicks.
The book’s usefulness is another strength. For readers to easily apply the ideas to their own life, Covey gives a ton of examples and exercises throughout the book. Also, the book is quite readable, with compelling writing that is accessible to a variety of people.
The book may come off as unduly basic or preachy to certain readers, though. Some readers could find Covey’s approach to be unduly moralistic or prescriptive because it is based on a particular worldview that may not be shared by everyone.
The classic self-help book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” has a significant influence on millions of readers worldwide. Although it might not be for everyone, its focus on individual accountability and time-tested principles make it a useful tool for anybody looking to advance personally and succeed in life.
