You, my friend, are a remarkable creation. Think about it; you were not only made in the image of our Creator, but you also possess innate abilities that haven’t yet been duplicated. Your mind can react to intangibles, like a feeling or a hunch; and the heart, well, science will never be able to create a soul. So, with all the star power of an intricately designed machine, why do we leave so much in our lives to chance? Often we seem to do what many others do; prepare less and simply react more. We’ll spend ridiculous amounts of money on nutrition, fitness, entertainment and the latest trends but what about the things that challenge us every single day; at work, at school, at church, and even our personal relationships are pretty much left to instinctive reaction. We spend a lifetime cultivating our personality; maybe it doesn’t even cross our minds that there’s a more effective you lurking behind those road-weary eyes.
As a believer, it’s important to say that only the Bible, the living word of God, provides guidelines, nurtures faith, gives hope to humanity and is as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago. So, when I came across a book in the early nineties about healthy characteristics of people outside of a scriptural reference I was intrigued. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey points out the qualities used to successfully talk the talk and walk the walk. For those who are committed to living out a Christian worldview as I am, you understand how important interpersonal relationships and interactions are to effective communicating. And, carrying that effectiveness to other areas of your life creates a tremendous impact and influence on others. For those who aren’t familiar with it, I give you a Reader’s Digest version.
Be proactive. More than just taking initiative, it means we are responsible for our own lives. Make your behavior a result of your decisions, not your conditions. Don’t blame the circumstances. Take responsibility.
Begin with the end in mind. If you have an understanding of your destination, then you’ll have a better feel of where you’re at now and can take steps to take you in the right direction. Don’t get caught up in just being busy and working harder, only to find hollow success at the expense of what truly matters to you.
Put first things first. Follow your own deep values and principles and then have the discipline, the will and the integrity to steer toward those goals. There will be times that feelings and wants will get pushed to the side. It’s exercising your independent will in everyday life that lets you keep those commitments you made to yourself.
Think win/win. Not a win at all costs and not your way or my way. This is a frame of mind and heart that constantly looks for the mutual benefit in all human interactions. Filter your effort through a lens that strives for agreements and solutions that are mutually satisfying; emphasizing principle over power and position.
Seek first to understand, then be understood. Don’t rush in to fix things or assume a point of view without first understanding the issue first. The willingness to really listen is the most important element to effective communication.
Synergy. Seek to bring all these personal traits together. This is where the whole is greater than the separate parts; the end result is personal empowerment.
Sharpen the saw. Exercise the four dimensions of our human nature (Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Mental) regularly in wise and balanced ways. Do it for your circle of influence; do it for yourself.
We are each divinely created with enormous potential and provided a conscience and will. What we choose to do with that, whether or not we find inspiration or fulfillment, has a lot to do with how prepared we are. Think having an influential and effective life is only for public speakers? Think again. Don’t look back and wish that you had done more to be a positive influence rather than leaving things to chance. It’s your life; pray big. Let your Christian worldview impact lives.
(The seven habits above are paraphrased from the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey; Simon & Schuster, 1989)
Comments