Stephen Covey Quotes
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As a principle-centered person you try to stand apart from the emotion of the situation and from other factors that would act on you, and evaluate the options. Looking at the balanced whole-the work needs, the family needs, the other needs that may be involved, and the possible implications of the various alternatives - you'll try to come up with the best solution taking all factors into consideration. We are limited but we can push back the borders of our limitations.
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You think effectiveness with people and efficiency with things.
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Affirm people. Affirm your children. Believe in them, not in what you see but in what you don't see - their potential.
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Fundamentally, we are a product of choice, not nature (genes) or nurture (upbringing, environment).
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The way we see the problem is the problem.
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The roots of the problems we face in the world, in our national life, and in our family and personal lives are spiritual.
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Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.
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When we listen with the intent to understand others, rather than with the intent to reply, we begin true communication and relationship building. Opportunities to then speak openly and to be understood come much more naturally and easily.
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Integrity in the Moment of Choice: Quality of life depends on what happens in the space between stimulus and response.
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People are your most valuable asset. Only people can be made to appreciate in value.
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Quality relationships are built on principles, especially the principle of trust.
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The power to distinguish between person and performance and to communicate intrinsic worth flows naturally out of our own sense of intrinsic worth.
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Conscience connects us with the wisdom of the ages and the wisdom of the heart.
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The most effective way I know to begin with the end in mind is to develop a personal mission statement or philosophy or creed. It focused on what you want to be (character) and to do (contributions and achievements) and on the values or principles upon which being and doing are based.
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'Efficient' scheduling and control of time are often counterproductive. The efficiency focus creates expectations that clash with the opportunities to develop rich relationships, to meet human needs, and to enjoy spontaneous moments on a daily basis.
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The best way to develop courage is to set a goal and achieve it, make a promise and keep it.
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I won't take time to repeat all the obvious benefits of physical exercise but will only underscore the well-attested fact that a program of regular exercise increases one's efficiency in every facet of life, including the depth and restfulness of sleep. And the time taken can be minimal; just a few minutes of calisthenics and running in place in one's room or jogging around the yard or block is often sufficient. Exercising doesn't take time. It saves time. Still, few consistently do it.
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Character grows in the soil of experience with the fertilization of example, the moisture of ambition, and the sunshine of satisfaction. Character cannot be purchased, bargained for, inherited, rented or imported from afar. It must be home-grown. Purely intellectual development without commensurate internal character development makes as much sense as putting a high-powered sports car in the hands of a teenager who is high on drugs. Yet all too often in the academic world, that's exactly what we do by not focusing on the character development of young people.
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Live simply and appreciate what you have. Give more. Expect less.
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Most people are basically a victim of the circumstances of their life. They have things like 9/11, they have terrorism threats, they have new war threats, they have economy problems, and they think, 'What can I do? I'm basically a victim.'
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By centering our lives on correct principles and creating a balanced focus between doing and increasing our ability to do, we become empowered to the task of creating effective useful and peaceful lives.
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Leaders are not born or made - they are self made
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The exercise of true leadership is inversely proportional to the exercise of power.
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The amateur salesman sells products; the professional sells solutions to needs and problems.