8 Habits (Based On Covey)

Habits 1-3 are regarding character.

1. Be Proactive: The opposite of being proactive is being reactive, which is similar to this:

Galatians 6: 7-9 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”

2. Begin with the End in Mind: Covey uses the example of planning our funeral. What do you want at yours? This is what I want Jesus to say about me.

Matthew 5: 21 “Well done, good and faithful (servant). You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'”

3. Put First Things First: “Inside-Out Approach” to problems & goal creation; It’s important that we prioritize, putting Jesus first in our lives.

Romans 1: 8 “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.”

Habits 4-6 are regarding communication.

4. Think Win-Win: Resolve differences in marriage and family relationships

1 Corinthians 9: 19-24 “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a (servant) to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.”

5. Listen First, Talk Second:

Isaiah 41: 1 “listen to Me in silence, And let the peoples gain new strength; Let them come forward, then let them speak; Let us come together for judgment.”

6. Synergize: Abandon unhealthy behaviors; “a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects” (c/o Google)

Ecclesiastes 4: 9 “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.”

Habits 7 and 8 are regarding companionship.

7. Sharpen the Saw: Build family traditions, unity, a nurturing family culture

Ecclesiastes 10: 10 “If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success.”

8. Service - Before he passed away, Covey realized he forgot one, so he added Service. Lift yourself by lifting others. Be kind, speak in a soft tone, give, don't take.