Seven Habits

As I was reading through the summary of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I was struck by how many of these habits are related to gospel teachings.

The seven habits are:

1. Be Proactive.
2. Begin with the end in mind.
3. Put first things first.
4. Think win/win.
5. First seek to understand . . . then to be understood.
6. Synergize.
7. Sharpen the saw.

Being proactive is something that we are commanded to do.  In Mathew 25 we read the parable of the talents.  Three servants are given talents from the Master and are left to care for them.  The two servants that are proactive are return gains are praised while the one servant that simply hides his talent because he does not want to lose it is punished.  This is an example of the expectation that we have to be proactive.

Beginning with the end in mind makes me think of our earthly journey.  I know that I want to be able to return to my Father in heaven.  This helps to be a guiding light for me to follow.  If I apply this idea to each of my activities then I will only choose those that are wholesome and uplifting so that I will be able to have a greater portion of the Spirit with me.

Putting first things first also goes along with gospel teachings.  If we look at each others as brothers and sisters, we will be more willing to give service and help one another to return to heaven.  We will have much more joy in our lives if we are willing to help each other along the way.

Each of the other steps can have a gospel significance placed with them as well, but the one I like the best is sharpening the saw.  It does not matter how good we got at something in the past.  It is how we are enduring to the end.  We need to continually be striving to improve ourselves.  We can do this at work, home life, church service, or in our community.  If we are continually trying to become better, we will be much more effective.