Hello, I am Aila McPhail, and this is my summary of the book, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People".
Part 1 - Paradigms and Principles
Principles of Personal Vision
You need to know who you are from within. It is not a good idea to just listen to other people.
Three deterministic theories explaining why we are the way we are:
Genetic determinism - Your genes decide who you are. (Grandparents)
Psychic Determinism - Your childhood experiences decide who you are. (Parents)
Environmental Determinism - Your culture around you decides who you are. (Friends, Teachers, Bosses)
Part 2 - Private Victory
Habit #1 - Be Proactive
Humans have the ability to choose how we spend our time and energy. We can overcome bad habits and become better versions of ourselves.
Habit #2 - Begin with the end in mind
Everything we create is created twice. First, it is created in our minds. Second, it is created in reality, particularly, in action.
Beginning with the end in mind means that we need to know where we are going. That is why the first creation is so important.
Habit #3 - Put First Things First
This chapter starts with a question. What is one thing I can do better in my life?
For me it's learning to use google more to help me spell words. The point of this exercise is to help the reader focus on ways we can improve our lives. When he says to "put first things first", what he means is, do important things first and less important things later.
Next the author shares a tool for organizing life activities. All activities fall into these four quadrants:
urgent and important ... such as going to the bathroom.
not urgent but important ... such as exercising.
urgent but not important... such as picking up phone calls.
not urgent and not important... you know this one like Minecraft!
Part 3 - Public Victory
Habit #4 - Think Win-Win
Ultimately, success and happiness is built on strong relationships with other people. The best way to build relationships with others is to ensure that my interactions are win-win.
Win-win means that we both benefit from our relationship. This can be as simple as reciprocating good deeds, which means, returning favors and other kind deeds.
Alternatives to win-win can sometimes seem appealing but ultimately result in lose-lose.
Lose-win occurs when you sacrifice yourself for the benefit of others. This can result in feeling cheated or resentment if unreciprocated .
Win-lose occurs when you try to take advantage of other people. But even if you win in the short run you really lose because no one wants to be your friend if you only think about yourself.
Habit #5 - Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Everyone wants to feel understood. It's a lot harder to listen to others than to talk about yourself. That is why those who learn to listen are so treasured by their friends and family.
Learn to listen and understand others. Once other people feel understood then they are more likely to try to understand you.
Habit #6 - Synergize
Make friends with people that have different backgrounds and perspectives. It is easier to listen to people who share your views, but you are less likely to learn from them and see new points of view.
Part 4 - Renewal
Habit #7 - Sharpen the Saw
Building good habits is a continual process. Keep working at it every day!
Thank you for your interest!