I attended a "7 Habits of Highly Successful People" education seminar through my job. It was a very enlightening course that gave me the new perspective on how to approach my professional career and personal life.

1. From the course 7 Habits of Highly
Effective People

2.  In early 2015, I attend a class in the 7
Habits® of Highly Effective People.
 The 7 Habits® Promise states you will become
profoundly more effective in the
things that matter most to you in your work
and personal life.

3.  The 7 Habits are as follows:
1. Be proactive
2. Begin with the end in mind
3. Put first things first
4. Think win-win
5. Seek first to understand … then to be
understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the saw

4.  Be proactive.
 You are responsible for your own feelings, in
spite of external factors.
 You can’t always control your situation, but you
can control how it will affect you.
 “I am in charge of how I feel; today I am
choosing happiness.

5.  Begin with the end in mind.
 Clearly defining a purpose will help put you on
the right path.
 A personal mission statement is your blueprint
for success.

6.  Put first things first.
 Focus on your big rocks –
one or two things from your
personal and professional
life – before worrying about
all of the little things that
get in the way.
 Often we let the little things
that are just distractions
become big things.
 Eliminate the unimportant
things and spend your time
in Quadrant II (see right)
whenever possible.

7.  Habit 4 – Think win-win.
 This is the habit of
attitude.
 You need to find a mutual
solution that pleases
everyone.
 When you compromise, one
side has to give up
something.
 Make a T-list – a list of your
needs and the needs of the
other people involved – to
find win-win solutions.
My Needs Your Needs

8.  Seek first to understand, then to be
understood.
 Listen to the other person and let them tell you
how they feel.
 Try to completely understand the other person
before sharing your point of view.
 Practice empathetic listening. Reflect on what
they say in your own words; wait for them to tell
you their story/feelings.

9.  Synergize.
 You have to use Habits 1-5 to reach synergy.
 Synergy starts from the inside and moves out.
 It’s important to keep your ego in check and be
open to alternatives.

10.  Sharpen the saw.
 This is the habit of daily self-renewal.
 Take some time for yourself each day to focus on
your mind, body, heart and spirit.
 Exercise, read, practice deep breathing,
meditate – anything that will help get you
centered.