This book changed my life. While my friends know I say that about a lot of books, this one really did. Although it was written in the late 1990′s this book has still got it.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens has some awesome examples and tips of habits we should all developas teens to lead happy, thrilling lives through being happy with ourselves and maintaining our relationships. While this might sound like nirvana hogwash to some of you, listen to its main points:
First, the book talks of the importance of Being Proactive (Habit #1). This means that you must take responsibility for what happens to yourself. Personally, I know that although I think I’m all optimistic, etc. I’ve realized that I can be proactive many times. Some examples of being reactive are “I don’t do well in that class because the teacher can’t teach” (I’m guilty!) or “I want to hang out but no one ever does anything.” I know I’m guilty of being reactive, but when I’m proactive, things work out- and fast. The quickest way to make something go your way is to figure out that you can change it.
The second habit is Beginning with the End in Mind. Simply put, beginning with the end in mind means knowing where you want to be. If you want to end up being an honors student, you know now that you have to study a lot. If you want to be a businessman – well you should get involved with a business club. If you want to be a great baller – play some ball, etc. This way, you are working towards what you want to become, and not getting off tracks (which sucks).
The third habit I liked was Put First Things First. This means doing what’s most important first. For example don’t go on YouTube for 3 hours tonight if you know that a project is due tomorrow (guilty again..well, was until this book)!
The first three habits are things you can do for yourself. The next 3 are habits to keep harmony with everyone around you and be a happy social camper.
The fourth habit is thinking win-win, and helping everyone win in life makes us all successful. In reality, if we all work together we are stronger than we are apart. I know that this is an overused cliche, but its true! (probably why its so overused.) It also is one of the reasons some people have so many people that like them – they spread goodness and success to all – and get blessed for that too.
The fifth habit is to seek first to understand, then to be understood. I know this quote especially applies to me, since I can talk too much. A lot of times I will have jumped at conclusions or not listen to a person while I’m thinking about what I want to say. This book stresses the importance of understanding the views of others before we try to interject. This way, we can ‘meet them halfway’ better and both be satisfied.
The sixth habit is Synergize. Synergize is a fancy word for working together. This is a biggie! It is also the reason why many loners aren’t as successful as social mavens. We all have a different set of skills which will enable us to cover far more distance if we put them together. (Similar to the fourth habit.) The book also comes with some tips on getting to Synergy.
The seventh habit covers the importance of some good quality R&R (Sharpen the Saw), and how we need it to keep ourselves sharp and alert. Don’t exhaust yourself!
There we go, I’ve probably taken a great book for teens and turned it into something that sounds scary – but this book is great. It’s filled with stories about young people that have overcome a lot and made positive changes in their lives, and it is easy to tell that Covey ‘get’s us. Tell me what you think!
