My Resource

I absolutely love books. I have been a reader since I was young. I have found that there are a lot of fantastic self help books that are out there. I have been reading as many as my brain can handle, and it has been life changing. I haven't always loved self help books. When I was about 15 I skimmed through "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" By John Grey, but I recall thinking how irrelevant it was to my life. I was given a copy of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" By Stephen Covey by a sister, but never read it. I am dissapointed I didn't read those books and apply thme more effectively to my life. However I am so glad I am doing it now.

Since I really missed out with the "Habits" book, that is the first book I will discuss. However now that I am an adult I am reading "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey. This is the first of many posts that will discuss ideas from his amazing book that I am attempting to establish as my own habits. 

The first habit in the book is "Be Proactive". 

Being a proactive person wasn't in my nature, but i am changing this habit. I used to be a reactive person, and my language showed this immensly. I said things like "I can't" or often placed blame on others "It was their fault". These are not proactive. I need to change my language and take more personal responsibility. "I can control my own feeling" "I choose" "I prefer". The best way for this to be planted firmly in my memory, is to place reminders all around me. I write it on my white board, and sticky notes on my mirrors, and fridge. 

Another important aspect of being a proactive person is to let go of things you can't control. Stephen calls this our circle of concern and the things which we have control over is our circle of influence. When we become more proactive these circles interlace and become almost as one, and our concerns become our influence. The things we cannot control can consume our life and stress us out. I was one that allowed my circles to have to large a discrepancy between them, and this caused me undue anxiety. I honestly have been amazed at how relaxed I feel about everything, now that my circles aren't so far apart!

If you haven't read "The Seven Habits if Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey you should consider adding it to your list of books to read, because it is well worth it!