Moving Forward with a Driving Passion - based off the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Moving Forward with a Driving Passion - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

As an approach to solving personal and professional problems, Stephen R. Covey created the 7 habits of highly effective people.  The 7 habits give the ability to work from the inside out to build character of total  integrity.  Through these 7 habits, we learn to develop the fiber of our own character traits, learn to work with others, and finally how to improve the effectiveness of our lives in all areas.

7 Habits:

1- Be proactive

2 - Begin with the end in mind

3 - Put first things first

4 - Think win/win

5 - Seek first to understand

6 - Synergize

7 - Sharpen the saw

Which of the 7 habits has the most meaning for you?

While each of the 7 habits hold its own meaning, purpose and value - and the combination of all habits together are very powerful, the habit that has the most meaning to me is the seventh - sharpen the saw.  The teaching that we need to not get so busy sawing that we "don't realize we are sawing with a blunt saw" really hits home with me.  My current work load is very demanding.  Aa a mother of five, a seminary teacher, a student at BYU, a high school varsity coach, an indoor travel head coach, and a business owner, my every minute of the day is being utilized.  

The 7th habit reiterates the importance of taking the time on a regular basis to sharpen the saw in physical, spiritual, mental and social or emotional dimensions.  Taking the time to refuel is exactly the reminder and change I need.  It is so easy to just tackle each day with knocking one item off the never ending to-do list at a time.  So much of my day is bouncing from one task to another trying to stay above water.  The habit of "sharpening the saw" insists that our personal welfare take a priority.  

Physical Exercise - 

Taking time out of my day, even if just for 30 minutes, changes my whole day.  I know through experience, (though I often let the demands of my responsibilities prevent me from this habit), that if I take some time to workout my mood is lifted and my self-confidence is strengthened.  Often times when I am stressed, working out is the only thing that will bring me back to a happy place.  Covey says, "spending a minimum of 30 minutes per day exercising will vastly improve the quality of the remaining hours of the day."  I find it ironic that I coach volleyball 4-7 hours a day, and yet I still need to make time to workout.  I know personally when I do workout, I have a different outlook on life.  I feel more inclined to set and reach goals - which is also accompanied with a greater confidence that I can do so.  

Spiritual Refueling - 

In my opinion, this is the most important yet the hardest for me to do sadly.  We are instructed to draw upon the sources that inspire and uplift us.  Covey states, "We can take this time to recommit ourselves to our center and purpose in life."   The reading in this class has really inspired me to find my holy ground and to refuel.  The temple is that holy ground for me.  Earlier week I disconnected from the world and sat on the temple grounds just soaking in the spirit.  It was a much needed refueling for sure.  I must take time to commune and the provide opportunities for the spirit to talk to me.

Mental Dimensions - 

Honing and expanding the mind is a vital mental renewal. As a coach I am always teaching my athletes to be a student of the game  - whether in the game or in the classroom (the bench).  I love to learn and believe we should always be finding ways to learn in every setting we are in.  I love Covey's quote. "Television is a good servant, but a poor master."  Isn't that the truth! Proactive people put the remote control down and pick up a good book.  I have really come to appreciate the power of learning and enjoy expanding my knowledge.  I have learned that being a life-long learner opens so many doors to endless opportunities.  

Social and Emotional Recharging - 

It is important that we take care of our emotional and social batteries,  Engaging in heartfelt conversations, laughing and joking in a stress-free setting, or even loving others through service, allows me to fill my social an emotional bank.  I enjoy people and I enjoy great company, but find it hard to set time aside to be as social as I would like to be.  I need to make time!  The companionship of family and good friends brings joy and balance.  A peace of mind comes when we are in balance.

In summary, these 4 aspects of sharpening the saw will provide such a powerful difference in my life.  As much as I know the value of each, I struggle to find the time.  Let this serve as a reminder and as a challenge for me to personally make time to refuel. Without being in a good place myself or feeling confident, the other habits are insignificant. 

Why will the 7 habits help you fill your life with passion and purpose as you seek to achieve both a private and public victory?

The 7 habits will help me fill my life with passion and purpose as I seek to achieve both a private and public victory because it works inside out.  Everything we do should start inside out.  The 7 habits teach and inspire the private victories within - learning who I am, what I am good at, how to recharge, and learn to love.  The private victories are followed with the public victories - lifting, encouraging and building others.  This combination will continue to lead me to find that inner strength and reminder that I need to be able to use my time and talents to bless the lives of others.