The only way we can handle change around us is to know what is changeless about ourselves.
Humility is the mother of all virtues. Humility says we are not in control, principles are in control, therefore we submit ourselves to principles. Pride says that we are in control, and since our values govern our behavior, we can simply do life our way.
When we pick up one end of the stick, we pick up the other.
What one thing could you do in your personal and professional life that, if you did on a regular basis, would make a tremendous positive difference in your life? Quadrant II activities have that kind of impact. Our effectiveness takes quantum leaps when we do them.
Be governed by your internal compass, not by some clock on the wall.
When it comes to developing character strength, inner security and unique personal and interpersonal talents and skills in a child, no institution can or ever will compare with, or effectively substitute for, the home’s potential for positive influence.
Creating and integrating an empowering personal mission statement is one of the most important investments we can make.
Actually I did not invent the seven habits, they are universal principles and most of what I wrote about is just common sense. I am embarrassed when people talk about the Covey Habits, and dislike the idea of being some sort of guru.
There are principles that govern human effectiveness – natural laws in the human dimension that are just as real, just as unchanging and unarguably there as laws such as gravity are in the physical dimension.
In the long run, you can never accomplish a worthy end with an unworthy means.
A personal mission statement becomes the DNA for every other decision we make.
What you see often depends on what you are looking for.
Highly effective people tend to be proactive. They decide to find a better job or to have better health, rather than responding to whatever curves life throws at them.
If you don’t let a teacher know what level you are – by asking a question, or revealing your ignorance – you will not learn or grow.
The only person I know, is the person I want to be.
The more people rationalize cheating, the more it becomes a culture of dishonesty. And that can become a vicious, downward cycle. Because suddenly, if everyone else is cheating, you feel a need to cheat, too.
The need to leave a legacy is our spiritual need to have a sense of meaning, purpose, personal congruence, and contribution.
What is important to another person must be as important to you as the other person is to you.
You can buy a person’s hands but you can’t buy his heart. His heart is where his enthusiasm, his loyalty is.
As you begin to think more in terms of importance, you begin to see time differently.