


They're either speaking or preparing to speak. Instead, most people listen to the reply. We typically seek first to be understood. Seek first to understand involves a deep shift in paradigm. Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood® It's not your way or my way it's a better way, a higher way. This frame of mind and heart constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. Win/Win is not a technique it's a total philosophy. It's the exercise of independent will toward becoming principle-centered. Habit 3 is the second creation, the physical creation. You are in charge." Habit 2 is the first mental creation, based on imagination, the ability to envision what you can become. Habit 3 is the practical fulfillment of Habits 1 and 2. You need to know where you are going in order to better understand where you are now so that the steps you take are always in the right direction. To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. Our behavior is a function of our decisions, not our conditions. It means we are responsible for our own lives.

Covey Habit 1: Be Proactive®īeing proactive means more than taking initiative.

But if you want big and primary changes, work on your paradigm. If you want small changes in your life, work on your attitude. Paradigms are powerful because they create the lens through which we see the world. By working on knowledge, skills, and desire, we can break through to new levels of personal and interpersonal effectiveness as we break from old paradigms. Creating a habit requires work in all three dimensions. Unless you want to listen, it won't become a habit. Knowing you need to listen and knowing how to listen are not enough.
