The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

Many elementary schools have a leadership program that is based on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The book published in 1989 by Stephen Covey has been an international best-seller for years, selling over 25 million copies worldwide.

What makes this book so revolutionary is its practical applicability to helping people become better versions of themselves. Covey presents seven strategies to help readers learn to be more proactive and productive which in turn impacts the world around them in a positive and impactful way.  As you read through these principles, I encourage you to think about how well you are performing in each habit and set some goals for yourself on how you can apply the principles more effectively in your own life to get the results you desire!

Principle 1: Be Proactive: Covey recommends being aware of when action needs to be taken and taking it rather than being reactive and responding after the fact. Being reactive is often driven by fear of what “might” happen. But by facing that fear and being proactive, we have a much better chance of shaping outcomes in a positive way, rather than picking up pieces after a situation has taken place.

Principle 2: Begin with the end in mind: This habit suggests that we are mindful of where we want to go and what it’s going to take to get there. I am a strong proponent of being mindful and living in the moment, especially as an antidote to anxiety. However, I also believe in the power of looking ahead (being proactive) when it comes to goals and self-development.

Principle 3: Put first things first: I use this principle a lot with clients who are struggling with procrastination (as we all do from time to time!). Asking “what’s the first thing” when beginning a task is a great way to keep from getting overwhelmed, especially if it’s a particularly big or challenging task. If you look at all the individual parts for too long, it’s easy to just not start.

Principle 4: Think win-win: This principle tells us that we should strive to win but also to help others win as well. Finding a mutually satisfying solution to a problem is how we preserve and strengthen relationships. Wining doesn’t always mean we get exactly what we want, but rather that a compromise was struck and both people feel understood, respected and valued in the interaction.

Principle 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood: How many relationships would be happier and more peaceful if we did more of this! I find that often people listen to respond, rather than listen to understand. Each person is just waiting to speak rather than really, empathetically, listening to and striving to understand the other person’s perspective. I tell clients all the time- understanding does not equal agreement. It’s ok to not agree, but it’s key to strive to understand.

Principle 6: Synergize: This principle is all about teamwork and achieving goals together. So, whether it’s in the work place, at home, or anywhere there is more than one person working towards a goal, synergizing means that we utilize and maximize each person’s strengths in order to achieve that goal.

Principle 7: Sharpen the Saw: If I had to pick a favorite principle, this one would win out by a hair. Sharpening the saw means that we are committed to creating a healthy, balanced, sustainable lifestyle for the long-term. The idea of balance is very important to use at TBL (hence the name) as it promotes being mindful of the value of all facets of what makes us human- mind, body and spirit- and engaging in activities that enhance each of these facets.

Perhaps you’re struggling with these habits. Or maybe you are doing pretty good on several of them but have one that’s particularly difficult for you. We’re happy to help. Give us a call at 256-258-7777 or email at info@thebalancedlifellc.com today!