Would you do something for me? Take a wee minute and have a good scout around inside your soul. Poke into the dark and dusty corners into which you would prefer others not to venture. Ask yourself this question, and be really honest with yourself about your motives: How often do I go into a…
How you made them feel – growing the character of the Habits.
Think back over this past week with me for a minute. What encounters have you had with people? Think about one really positive encounter, and one really difficult one. What stands out as you remember those exchanges? It may well be that there are specific words or phrases that stick in your mind. Perhaps words…
The tyranny of the urgent over the important (Or, Habit number 3).
The tyranny of the urgent over the important – It was Charles E Hummel who first used this phrase in referring to our constantly pressured lives, with endless unfinished tasks and little fulfillment. And he said this in 1967! Seems like in some ways our oft gerbil-wheel-running lifestyle is nothing new. I have spoken here before…
Habit Number 2: Begin with the end in mind
The other week I was talking about stories, and that lovely opener, Once upon a time….. It entices you in, opens the door to a parallel world of who-knows-what and whisks you away from the here and now into the not-quite-possible and the make-believe. And contrary to Julie Andrews, starting at the beginning is not…
Habit Number 1: Be proactive
As we start a series looking at the seven habits towards effectiveness, the first and foundational habit is to be proactive. This is primarily about taking responsibility for your life. This has been a central tenet of mine for decades, from my previous work as a physiotherapist. You come to me with a terrible hand…
What would you think is one of the most important books of our time?
Once upon a time, not so long ago….and so begins many a good story. What makes a good story? We will all have different views on this of course. Themes that might emerge include strong characters which develop, grow and mature as the story progresses, continuity of plot with integrity in how the characters behave,…