This is my official apology to Stephen R. Covey. The Best selling author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
I am currently reading this book because it is required reading in a psychology class I am taking. When I first found out that this was the book that I had to read for the class, I said to myself, “you see, you could have aced this class if you would have only read this book when you should have.”
I SHOULD have read this book many years ago when I was training heavily on the subjects of success, financial mastery, sales, marketing, etc. Every one of my mentors at that time told me that it was required reading for anyone that wanted to achieve long lasting success in their lives, whether it be in business, family or relationships.
The problem was that with this book was a list of 50 other “must read” books on various subjects. Something had to give! So I ended up not reading this book until recently.
I thought this book would just repeat the many great things I was learning at the time. I saw “7 habits” and thought it had something to do with every one of those top 10 lists like top 10 ways to making a million bucks this year or the top 5 ways to get everything you want out of life “Guaranteed.”
I was tired of all the overnight success nonsense I was being forced-fed through emails and other media. I was the type of person that was looking for long-lasting success. I was willing to pay the price for my success. I was not looking for any shortcuts, I was not looking for the next list of things that were going to save my life, career or wallet.
What a mistake I have made!
This book is the absolute opposite of what I thought it was. This book contains lessons on how to establish DEEP and LONG LASTING habits to achieve success. Not the overnight success malarkey I was running into at the time.
I have not even finished the book and I can tell you that it has made a MAJOR impact on my life. I have been looking for this book for years.
How Ironic, huh?
Something I shrugged off as success in a can, actually contains everything I believe to be true to achieve success in life. Even as I write this I want to kick myself for not reading this book so may years ago.
Anyway, that was my official apology to Mr. Covey for lumping his book in with all the junk that was out there at the time and my thanks for him having written this book so I could finally share a philosophy I have believed in my whole life.
Long lasting change and success come from within. There is no magic pill, no panacea and no shortcuts. There is only habits and habits are what propel you to succeed or fail.
Like my old friend Aristotle said many years ago: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
If you have not read the book yet, you can get it here: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
If you would like to know more about Stephen R. Covey you can find him here: https://www.stephencovey.com/
I hope you enjoyed this post. If you did, feel free to forward it to your friends on twitter, facebook or any other social media site you belong to. I would really appreciate it!
To Your Success!
25. January 2010 at 10:30 PM
This is a fantastic post with a wicked good title! 7 Habits of Highly Effective People are probably one of the best books in the business field. When I worked for a financial advisor this was on his top 5 books for all employees to read!
So many books today are full of nothing but fluff but this one hits home with solid techniques and little fluff. It’s no wonder that so many people adore this book!
Thanks Jose!
Kimberly Castleberry´s last blog ..The FTC Changes & You: Protecting Your Business (Part 1)
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25. January 2010 at 10:48 PM
Jose,
This book has obviously had an impact on you and I look forward to reading it too. It sounds like a goody, I hope Stephen R Covey sees your post, wouldn’t it be great, if you not reading the book, way back then, happened for a reason! ( That makes sense in my head )
I look forward to your next book review
Go Tribe Bro!
Beth Hewitt
Beth Hewitt´s last blog ..Keeping your blog content fresh!
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25. January 2010 at 11:04 PM
I have done the exact same thing.. I have read quite a few of the chapters but have never finished the book. So… based on your post, I am going to join you in finishing this amazing book. Let`s be book buddies!
Live Full Out & On Purpose,
Susan
Susan Davis´s last blog ..Social Media Etiquette 101
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25. January 2010 at 11:06 PM
I guess the right teachers appear at the right time(!) And, as Covey so aptly points out, it’s consistency over the long haul that gets results – commitment and sticking to your values really has meaning. GO get ‘em!
Amy Posner´s last blog ..Living in the Moment OR The Shocking Start to My New Year
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25. January 2010 at 11:12 PM
Oh I can so relate to this! If you counted all the books I’ve started and not finished I think I could start a library! I made a commitment to myself last year that I would finish my books, and I can tell you, completing the story is SO important! It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new book that crosses your path, but if the book you’re reading starts good, it’s likely to end good.
And yes, there are no magic pills….no shortcuts. I could say a lot more, but knowing that you have more to read in the book, I’ll just say congratulations, and enjoy, because this is a powerful book that will greatly improve your life!
Beth Allen´s last blog ..Day 25 ~ 5 Tips for Creating the Results You Truly Desire!
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26. January 2010 at 10:21 PM
The first Covey presentation I went to changed my relationship with my son. A rep from Covey’s group gave the talk on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and based on his listening techniques I realized I hadn’t been listening to my teenagers. So I took my oldest son to lunch one day and sat with my finger over my mouth to simply listen to him talk. When we got up he asked, “Mom, that’s the first time you’ve actually listened to me without interjecting. Did you learn that at that workshop?”
The next time the presentation was given my entire family attended. So I completely understand how you feel about waiting so long to read it. Great Stuff!
Kellie Frazier´s last blog ..Have You Wondered What Your Government Is Doing To Help Haiti?
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26. January 2010 at 10:36 PM
I’m sure Mr. Covey will appreciate your sincere apology. There are always so many “books” out there are the best thing to read. The great thing is that there are a ton of great quality books out there to be read and I know I can’t read them all at once. I’m reminded of a quote…”the teacher appears when the student is ready”. Even though it took you awhile to get to it when you did you were ready.
Thanks for sharing this.
Don Enck´s last blog ..The Truth About Tribal Syndication Explained
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26. January 2010 at 10:47 PM
Jose, Great article and video! Hey don’t judge a book by it’s cover!!! HA!
Michael Feil´s last blog ..Don’t Let This Phrase Destroy Your Business!
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26. January 2010 at 11:55 PM
It sure sounds life-changing..I will have to check out this book. I’ve heard of it, but never read! I think Stephen forgives you! Thanks Jose for sharing the info and I will definitely add it to my list.
Jennifer Hart´s last blog ..Tribe Mastery & Syndication
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9. February 2010 at 4:52 PM
Jose
Wonderful post on a wonderful book. Don’t wait that long to read the 8th Habit!
Jodi Lee´s last blog ..Pollyanna or Scrooge?
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Caraballo & Associates Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 11:24 PM
Hey Jodi, I can’t wait would you mind giving me a hint on what the 8th habit is?
Thanks
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