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. This book will give you direction to your life in a constructive and effective.
1)Be proactive
Pro activity means taking responsibility for your life and actions rather than just watching how things happen. The first step to becoming proactive is being independent. Here you will begin to determine your own life by using your own agenda. You are aware of the fact that you are the architect of your own life.
2) Begin with the end in Mind
Beginning with the end in mind means that when you make decisions today you consistently take into consideration what you stand for ‘in general’. Habit 2 has to do with the principles and guidelines you choose to live by. You determine what you find important in life, what you stand for, what you want to accomplish.
3) Put first things first
This habit has to do with integrity, discipline, sticking to your agreements. What is life about, and how do you wish to shape your own life? Knowing this, you will get to work pro-actively while setting the right priorities. The second big step is that of independence to (self-selected) interdependence.
4)Think win-win
This is the habit of the Paradox. Temptation is strong to think in terms of winning or losing- or wanting to be right. The trick is to recognize that a paradox provides an opportunity to unite the poles. You will be independent but at the same time you realize that you can accomplish more by cooperating with other people. You know what you are worth, but you also realize that you need the other person and that it is important to give and receive love. You can accomplish this by thinking in terms of win-win. In case of conflicts you will always search for solutions that are fair to all parties and in which there are no losers.
5)Seek first to understand then to be understood
Concentrate first on understanding the other person and then put energy into being understood. This is the habit of listening, one of the basic qualities of a leader or a coach.
6) Synergize
This means that your approach is fundamentally based on respect, cooperation and trust. This is the habit of strengthening. the pitfall is compromise.
7) Sharpen the saw
The last, seventh habit of the seven habits of highly effective people is maintenance. This is the habit that tells you that are with improving yourself and perseverance. By taking plenty of exercise, rest, meditation etc, you will keep your body, mind, relationships and spirituality in balance.
Bluedragonwater 