Several of my teachers for the last two years have recommended that I read “The 7 habits of Highly Effective People” written by Steven R. Covey. After attending class and listening to “Topic Talks”, I quickly realized that several students felt revolutionized after reading this book. By purchasing Covey’s book, then sitting down to read it, I was looking for encouragement within myself. I wanted to advance certain aspects of my life such as taking time to listen more instead of doing all the talking. Seek first to understand, then to be understood”, was a quote written by Covey that really stimulated me to be an improved listener.
I have realized recently I need to try harder to listen and feel out the problem before trying to come up with solutions. I have learned that communication is the most important skill in life. I have worked hard since I have read this book to gain a better understanding for what Covey really meant by becoming a better listener. Another significant impact this book had on me was Covey’s quote, “When you defend those who are absent, you retain the trust of those present”.
I have worked in several restaurants trying to put myself through school. Not by choice, but the restaurant was the quickest and easiest money at the time. One thing about working in the restaurant scene is all of the coworkers gossiping about one another. For some reason everyone seems to get wrapped up in all of the gossip. I hate to say it, but I was a victim as well. One important detail I realized while reading Covey’s book is people will always “stab you behind the back”. By keeping my opinions to myself, it had made me become trustworthy.
Everyone gets annoyed with someone from one time to another. It doesn’t make it right for me to talk behind someone’s back when they can’t even defend themselves. I don’t want to be talked about behind my back. Therefore, I need to respect each individual as I would want to be treated. When I started reading this book, I didn’t know my character in life. I wasn’t sure if I was living my life, or the life someone else wanted me to live. I finally realized that my own individual character was in my own hands. I can now honestly say I extensively understand the significance beyond building my own character.
I am on my way of creating a useful and effective life. I build my own character; no one else builds it for me. “If you do what you’ve always done, you will get what you’ve always gotten”. I can’t emphasize enough on how much of an impact this book has made on me. I believe every student trying to be successful in life needs this as a helping guide. All 7 habits have influenced me to become a more self-confidant individual. This book certainly organized my life for accomplishing self- achievement and Interdependence.
