I am very grateful to have recently taken Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People training because it's really helping me get better organized in all areas of my life.
If you're not familiar with his 7 Habits, here's a quick overview:
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
If you click on each of the links above you will be able to read what each Habit means in greater detail. I read this book right after college.
My Dad is a big believer in goal setting which is why he had suggested I read it. He would also pay me for each book report I would write of every motivational book he suggested I read. Being eager for money while in college - I read a lot!
My Dad has been a big influence in my life on so many levels. He's extremely entrepreneurial and is very involved in real estate. We three girls grew up taking care of all his rental properties - painting, cleaning, laying bricks, etc. You name it - we did it.
Needless to say, not a typical female upbringing, but a good childhood nonetheless. My mom taught us to cook and sew and have nice manners which balanced things out.:)
My Dad also got us involved in sports at an early age. Because my birthday falls in the middle of the school year I was always the youngest on any soccer team. I'll never forget him pushing me to join a very skilled soccer team after the season had started and enduring their kicks to my shins during practice because they didn't want me there since I wasn't as good a player.
I learned early on to be tough and hold my own then. My Dad was constantly pushing me into things I didn't want to do like attend events alone, travel alone, and just be very independent from a very young age. Looking back now, I know it's made me a much stronger person as a result.
It's also allowed me to enjoy more activities because I'm not afraid to go alone anywhere (for the most part.) I have learned over the years it's usually going to work out ok and just go because you never know who you'll meet and how they'll positively add and/or change your life.
But I digress. This is supposed to be about Stephen Covey.:)
When you complete the Stephen Covey training you can sign up online to complete the 7 week follow up contract which I did. As a result, I've been planning my weeks in advance and actually writing down what I need to do all in one place which has been very helpful.
Just finished plotting next week and I have a lot to do! I like being proactive and planning ahead which is why this first habit is a fun one for me. The 2nd and 3rd Habits - Begin with the End in Mind and First Things First, are also habits I have followed for a long time and enjoy doing.
It's the 4th Habit Think Win-Win which I have been really working on since it doesn't come as naturally. I was raised to be very competitive and as a result often think in Win-Lose terms, especially in politics (which apparently is one instance where it's ok.)
However, when you apply the 5th Habit - Seek First to Understand, Then be Understood to the 4th Habit, it has really helped (as does prayer!) By staying focused on what I personally have control over and not allowing the crisis of the moment to sway me has also really helped.
I believe it is helping with my current part-time gig too which makes me happy to be effecting a small change there too. It's fun to see people begin to think ahead on what they want and need to be successful.
I'm beginning to experience the 6th Habit Synergize a little more, but am still edging up to that one. The last habit - Sharpen the Saw, is something I love. I love learning, reading, taking classes, and gaining knowledge and wisdom. I'm very excited to be taking the Stephen Covey Leadership Training early January now too.
What's been fun about learning these principles in greater detail at this past seminar, in addition to all the classes and seminars I've taken over the years and books I've read, is that I've been able to share my knowledge with friends and various groups I've started over the years.
Back when I was working for Sony Pictures Imageworks, I ran numerous concurrent "Goal Groups" of 8-10 people on a bi-monthly basis. We would commit to meeting every other week for three months and set goals we wanted to accomplish by the end of that time. I was always amazed at what people were able to accomplish once they had the tools, knowledge and accountability.
I remember one friend ended up moving to Hawaii and I NEVER in a million years thought she had the guts to leave the comfort of her family and home town. She was thrilled too because she didn't think she would do it either, but she did!
Another woman was getting ready to retire and needed to get her finances in order. Something I wasn't trained in, but because she was held accountable by our group she set appointments with those who were and was very happy to achieve her goal. It gave her a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind which I find happens over and over again.
One of my close friends, as a result of participating in another of my Goal Girl Groups, ended up moving into a fitness career after many years of being a stay-at-home mom with no outside career aspirations since leaving law.
Now you can catch my Personal Pilates Trainer/Friend, Shana Stark, taking privates and teaching at Easton Gym in Hollywood!
One of the activities I like to incorporate into my groups is creating a Vision Board. (Click on the link for a full description and how to create one of your own by one of my favorite motivational and creative Singer/Songwriters I know, Christine Kane. Make sure to listen to her music for an added treat.)
I've also read other books on Vision Boarding or Treasure Mapping which it's also called, lead Vision Workshops, and taught people how to create their own Vision Board which is always fun. My friends used to laugh at me because I plaster my entire apartment with my vision boards, but hey, if it worked for Motivational Speaker, Chris Howard, it's good enough for me! Plus, it does help me achieve my own goals.:)
That's why when the topic turned to vision boarding at my latest Christmas Cookie Exchange party we all decided to create a Vision Board for 2010.
Pretty soon all of the details fell into place - now we're meeting January 7 at 7pm at a home in MB and having a potluck dinner while we create!
I am very excited to create my new 2010 vision and will keep you posted.
In the meantime, enjoy the rain! May be a good time to read Stephen Covey's book or listen to Christine Kane's music if you haven't already.:)
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