Moving Forward with a Driving Passion

 

This week in our Intro To Entrepreneurship class, our topic of study was moving forward with a driving passion.  As a part of the readings this week we were assigned a summary of the book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey.  I was reminded of how important this book and its principles are, it’s been a long time since I have read it. 

The principle/habit of “Think Win/Win” stood out to me this week as perhaps the most meaningful.  Cooperation in a true spirit of win/win seems to have been lost in our society.  Political ideologies, cultural conflicts, religious differences are no longer discussed with respect of each other.  Quite the opposite is true, and automatic intolerance of other’s beliefs now seem to rule the day.   The world needs individuals committed to win/win thinking and action.  Men and women who stand by their principles, but do it in a way that is respectful and in a peaceful way.  Covey goes on to teach that if win/win cannot be achieved then agreeing to not make a deal is better than any win/lose or lose/win scenario.  Individuals, families, social communities and places of business would all fare better if win/win or no deal was the standard. 

While win/win stood out to me this week, each of the habits taught in this book are vital. Reviewing these habits regularly and putting them to work would have a significant impact on what I want to achieve in life.  Striving for the private victories of effectiveness and the public victories of cooperation and team work are powerful tools to drive our goals forward.  I’m grateful for great thinkers and teachers like Mr. Covey and have a renewed determination to put these principles to work in my life, for the benefit of my family and business activities I engage in moving forward. 

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