The 3 habits (
Proactive,
Begin with the end in mind and
Put first things first) surround moving from dependence to independence -
(I find it beautyfully presented on wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Habits_of_Highly_Effective_People......)
Habit 1: Be Proactive
Taking initiative in life by realizing your decisions (and how they align with life's principles) are the primary determining factor for effectiveness in your life. Taking responsibility for your choices and the subsequent consequences that follow. Getting things done.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Self-discover and clarify your deeply important character values and life goals. Envision the ideal characteristics for each of your various roles and relationships in life. It is always better to try and foresee situations. Predict outcomes and then think of worst case scenarios, will help come up with informed decisions.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Planning, prioritizing, and executing your week's tasks based on importance rather than urgency. Evaluating if your efforts exemplify your desired character values, propel you towards goals, and enrich the roles and relationships elaborated in Habit 2. Prioritization is the key to the success of any business or in any walk of life. Being proactive rather than being reactive leads to success.
The next three habits have to do with Interdependence (i.e. working with others)
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Genuinely striving for mutually beneficial solutions or agreements in your relationships. Valuing and respecting people by understanding a "win" for all is ultimately a better long-term resolution than if only one person in the situation had gotten his way. Everyone will feel inclusive and involved. A better environment of trust and loyalty establishes.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, then to be understood
Using empathetic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by you. This creates an atmosphere of caring, respect, and positive problem solving. This can also avoid situations where the problem does not actually exist and its just a matter of misunderstanding. It is always said that listen double to what you talk since we have 2 ears to listen and one mouth to talk.
Habit 6: Synergize
Combining the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could have done alone. How to yield the most prolific performance out of a group of people through encouraging meaningful contribution, and modeling inspirational and supportive leadership. Everyone is a master of something and not everything. Positive potentials can be put together to achieve better results.
The last habit relates to self-rejuvenation;
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
The balancing and renewal of your resources, energy, and health to create a sustainable long-term effective lifestyle. This is constant improvement of one's self in order to be a better human being and to sharpen one's skills in order to achieve better results.
References :
7 habits of highly effective people
To start with, it's important to start with Habit 1 obviously. Look for opportunities where one can be proactive and don't be afraid in participation. Being proactive is all about carrying yourself a bit forward and act. E.g. consider the physical activities requirements for better health. Many a times, we decide to start jogging, going to zym or some other activities and with some initiation, do it for some day and then just stop it. Improve this habit, Initiate to continue and practice in longer run.
It's all about plan, thinkful planning and "begin with the end in mind", once planned don't think over it again. Act and force yourself to take actions, no more thinking anymore.
.....
