Self Mastery
The First Three Habits surround moving from dependence to independence:
·
Habit 1: Be Proactive
Synopsis:
Take initiative in life by realizing that your decisions (and how they align
with life's principles) are the primary determining factor for effectiveness in
your life. Take responsibility for your choices and the subsequent consequences
that follow.
·
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Synopsis:
Self-discover and clarify your deeply important character values and life
goals. Envision the ideal characteristics for each of your various roles and
relationships in life.
·
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Synopsis:
Plan, prioritize, and execute your week's tasks based on importance rather than
urgency. Evaluate whether your efforts exemplify your desired character values,
propel you toward goals, and enrich the roles and relationships that were
elaborated in Habit 2.
Interdependence
The
next three have to do with Interdependence (i.e., working with others):
·
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Synopsis:
Genuinely strive for mutually beneficial solutions or agreements in your
relationships. Value and respect people by understanding a "win" for
all is ultimately a better long-term resolution than if only one person in the
situation had gotten his way.
·
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Synopsis:
Use empathetic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels
them to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by
you. This creates an atmosphere of caring, respect, and positive problem
solving.
·
Habit 6: Synergize
Synopsis:
Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve
goals no one person could have done alone. Get the best performance out of a
group of people through encouraging meaningful contribution, and modeling
inspirational and supportive leadership.
Self Renewal
The Last habit relates to
self-rejuvenation:
·
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Synopsis:
Balance and renew your resources, energy, and health to create a sustainable,
long-term, effective lifestyle.
A sense of a foreign substance in your eyes.