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In order to make something a habit in our lives, we have to have all three.” HABIT 1: PROACTIVITY And desire is the motivation, the want to do. Knowledge is the theoretical paradigm, the what to do and the why. ”A habit is the intersection of knowledge, skill, and desire. Concerns are deeper issues, they are never as shallow as they might first appear. In order to ‘solve’ the problem, we need to adjust our thinking and find a new level of thinking. It’s more to do with what we think about the problem. He explains that if you look within, and analyse the real problem, it’s not something that can be solved on the surface. ProblemsĬovey explains that the way that we see problems that we face, is actually the problem. You can see these principles and laws everywhere you look, any family, community, city or society at any time in history has had their own natural laws. However, it is the ‘lighthouse’ principles that are the ‘objective reality’ – these principles are the key to growth and our overall happiness. The paradigms are what Covey calls a ‘subjective reality’ – the way we can describe the territory. He explains that we don’t necessarily look at our lives in relation to a paradigm or map.
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”A Paradigm Shift is the “a-ha” experience associated with finally perceiving or understanding some aspect of the world (or a circumstance) in a different way.” Principles and paradigmsĪ principle, on the other hand, is something that Covey describes as a natural, unbreakable law. Every time a paradigm shifts you are experiencing a powerful change, the way you see the world and the way you behave is probably changing. Sometimes the changes can be considered positive or negative and some might be instant whereas others happen over a long period of time. Now that we understand what a paradigm is, the next question is can paradigms change over time? Covey explains that they absolutely can, and it’s almost inevitable that they will. Paradigms and our behaviours cannot be mutually exclusive. Without these, we simply have nothing to base ourselves on, Covey explains that we would lack integrity. Our behaviours and attitudes are a direct result of our paradigms. And to change yourself effectively, you first have to change your perception.”Ĭovey explains that a paradigm is the way that you “see” the world, the way you perceive the world, understand it’s workings and interpret events. ”In order to change a situation, you first have to change yourself. BOOK SUMMARY PARADIGMS, PARADIGM SHIFTS AND PRINCIPLES Then we’ll move on to discussing each of the 7 habits being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand – then to be understood, synergise, and finally sharpening the saw. In this summaryīefore we dive into the 7 habits, we’ll briefly summarise a few paradigms and principles that Covey believes are important, and we’ll discuss exactly what a habit is. Covey passed away in 2012 leaving behind his loving wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was an inspirational leader and teacher, he aimed to share his message and principles with as many people as possible. Covey was recognised by Time Magazine as one of America’s top 25 most influential individuals. Stephen Covey was the author of multiple international best-sellers, including the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. A great read for anyone looking to be more productive in their everyday life. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People explores a number of paradigms, principles, and habits that can help you become more productive, whether that be as an individual, as part of an organisation or a business. HABIT 5: SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD.Imagination, conscience & self-awareness.PARADIGMS, PARADIGM SHIFTS AND PRINCIPLES.
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