Tsunagi Kokonotsu Me (Linked Nine Squares)

Stephen R. Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, passed away on Monday. In his honor I'm posting the lessons I'm trying to learn from him:

1.      Be proactive. Take responsibility for your choices and the consequences that follow.

2.      Begin with the end in mind. Imagine the ideal characteristics for each of your various roles and relationships in life. Create a mission statement.

3.      Put first things first. Prioritize, plan, and execute your week's tasks based on importance rather than urgency.

4.      Think win-win. Genuinely strive for mutually beneficial solutions in your relationships.

5.      Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Practice empathetic listening. This creates an atmosphere of caring, respect, and positive problem solving.

6.       Synergize. Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could have done alone.

7.      Sharpen the saw. (My personal favorite) Lead a balanced life. Engage in activities that will lead to physical, mental and spiritual renewal.