A couple weeks ago I went to a training seminar on time management, personal productivity, and project prioritization in a semi-swanky hotel in midtown NYC. Aside from walking out of the training with countless tools to better prioritize people, projects, and time, I came out with a book suggestion that’s already pushing me to think about my life and how I operate.
I’d heard of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, but I never felt compelled to pick it up until the instructor walked the class through the 7 gems. Oh yeah, people always ask me what type of books I like to read. I love self-help and personal improvement books. Not because I think I’m a pathetic loser destined for 40 years of bunlessness and dinner by myself, but because I’m always trying to figure out how to be better. With heavy introspection comes the knowledge of all of one’s weaknesses. It’s a gift and a curse.
If you’ve been following my writing or my twitter, you probably know that I like to analyze and beat myself up over things I have no control over. And sometimes I’ll focus more energy on weaknesses than what I do well. I’m my biggest critic and the arch-nemesis in the story of my life. This book basically calls me out for all the wayward thinking, blaming, and ill-advised analysis of why things aren’t working out the way I’d like them to …and I haven’t even gotten to the third habit yet. It’s challenging, uncomfortable, and amazing. Put more simply, it’s like reading a controversial blog post that’s only controversial because it’s 100% accurate. People don’t like it when someone holds a mirror that reflects their internal image.
Over the next few weeks, my posts will be focusing on lessons learned and tidbits I’ve picked up while reading the book. If you’ve already read it, then feel free to follow along or leave your thoughts in the comments as I go down the road of personal development. I meant to introduce a topic from the book in this post, but just realized I’d want to do a completely different intro so I’m gonna save it for next time.
This is yet another reminder why I love personal blogging. Where else could I do this?! **waves hands frantically and enthusiastically**
P.S. I’ll be sprinkling in unrelated posts as they come to mind. I have 1 in the works on why elephants smell better than pigs, but I’m gonna save that for when I’m actually being serious.
Cant wait to read as you take this path!
That sounds like a very enlightening book. I’ve heard about it a few times, but I never thought to pick it up. Hearing you speak about being your own biggest critic hit home. It seems like that book may worth me reading. I’ll have to add it to my reading list. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to your upcoming posts.
I’ve read your tweets about this book. I have plans on picking it up when I’m done with school. Look forward to the posts you will put up.
I am looking forward to the blogs you will be putting up in regards to this book. It has been on my “to read” list for some time now, and I think your post has really bumped it up on the list. *logs into Amazon to order*
It’s really an interesting book… Especially for over-thinkers and analyzers like myself. I received the book at my first consulting gig a number of years ago… While I’m not really a fan of self-help books (too little creativity), this book actually hit home. And was very helpful. Can’t wait to read your take on it.
p.s: Stumbled upon your personal page last week, been doing some retro-active reading ever since… To be honest, I really
preferlike your voice here… While you were cool over at SBM, I believe this personal page paints a better (more complete) picture of you. Keep up the good work!Thanks for dropping by and the feedback about TRSJ is much appreciated!
Usually I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very clplemoed me to check out and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, very great article.
I received that book as a gift several years ago…let me grab it off my self.
I read “7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens” in High School. I remember thinking “yeah, this does sound like a great kid” but then I only implemented .75 of the habits. Its all about execution. I’m going to read this again, and this time actually do what he recommends.
Sounds like a book I probably need in my life. I’ll be staying tuned to see what I can mooch off you in the meantime.
Guess I need to pick that book back up again. I feel like I am very ineffective lately.
Glad to be back round these parts.
Hey!
This guy who came to speak to us at work today made me promise to buy this book. Idk why he singled me out as needing the most guidance lol, but I’ll try to remember to pick it up this weekend. I can’t do the kindle thing.
…now that I think about it, it may have been the same guy who spoke at your training.