

This is the habit of vision, SMART Goals, and mission. Reactive people play the victim sooner than proactive people would. They tend to attract negative energy by blaming external factors or other people. When there is a problem, proactive people will focus on things they can change, whereas reactive people focus on aspects they have no control over. It is crucial not to blame others, or circumstances, for things that go wrong, in Covey’s view. The most fundamental characteristic of a successful and effective person is pro-activity. Pro-activity is the first characteristic of effective leadership according to Covey. You are aware of the fact that you are the architect of your own life (habit 1 of the seven habits of highly effective people) and with this knowledge you set to work. Here you will begin to determine your own life by using your own agenda. The first big step that has to be taken is the step from dependence to independence. Pro activity is strongly related to acknowledging your own responsibility and influence.

What you can control, what you can influence and what is out of your reach. Habit 1 be proactive has a lot to do with a person’s “circle of influence”. Stephen Covey expresses the ‘ action plan‘ in the following structured model of development.įigure 1- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Covey) 1. How do you give direction to your life in a constructive and effective way? The book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (1989), provides an answer to this central question, based on 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People explained: theory and summary He summarized these principles of success in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Stephen Covey argues that lasting success is only possible if you live according to a number of fundamental principles. Success is especially measured by personal performance, skills and status. Until World War I (WW1) success from a fundamental attitude to life could be summarized in terms of for example modesty, integrity, moderation, loyalty, patience, etcetera.Īfter WWI success was defined by a more pragmatic attitude to life.


This book is the result of a long-term study into the principles of success. In his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (1989), Stephen Covey describes how you can be happier and more effective in life.
