Summary of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey is a self-help classic that has sold over 25 million copies since first being published in 1989. This book examines how to improve productivity, effectiveness, and personal satisfaction. It encourages readers to look at life from a broad, proactive perspective and to take responsibility for their own lives and decisions. It lays out seven habits for success: be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand, then to be understood, synergize, and sharpen the saw. It highlights the importance of understanding values and goals, and developing the self-discipline needed to develop new habits and stay focused. It also promotes working with others to reach goals that build on everyone’s strengths.