The Power of Proactivity
This is the concept where individuals take responsibility for their actions rather than blaming external circumstances.
What is being proactive
This is the principle that suggests we should define what is most important to us in life and make decisions based on those values.
What is beginning with the end in mind?
Covey’s time management matrix divides tasks into four quadrants, with this quadrant representing urgent and important tasks.
What is Quadrant I: Urgent and Important?
This is what Covey calls the metaphorical "account" we maintain with others based on our actions and interactions with them.
What is the Emotional Bank Account?
This is the overarching principle of Covey’s book, emphasizing that true effectiveness comes from focusing on both personal and interpersonal growth.
What is principle-centered living?
In this paradigm, people believe their behavior is shaped by circumstances, conditions, or environment, rather than by their own choices.
What is the reactive mindset?
This is the tool Covey recommends using to clarify your values, priorities, and vision in both personal and professional areas of your life.
What is a personal mission statement?
This is the term Covey uses to describe activities that are important but not urgent, which contribute to long-term goals and personal growth.
What is Quadrant II: Not Urgent but Important?
These are actions or behaviors, like showing kindness or keeping promises, that build trust and strengthen relationships, thus "depositing" into the Emotional Bank Account.
What are deposits?
Covey’s framework is based on the idea that personal effectiveness begins with mastering this, which involves taking responsibility for your actions and choices.
What is personal responsibility?
Covey suggests that this is the circle that represents the things we can control, such as our thoughts, actions, and responses.
What is the Circle of Influence?
Covey suggests that this is the first thing to do when considering a goal, to ensure it aligns with your values and long-term vision.
What is visualizing the end result?
According to Covey, this is the most effective way to manage time and priorities—by focusing on what is truly important rather than just what is urgent.
What is putting first things first?
Actions that undermine trust or harm relationships, like being dishonest or failing to follow through, are known as these in the context of the Emotional Bank Account.
What are withdrawals?
Covey organizes his seven habits into these two categories, each representing a success.
What are private victories and public victories?
Covey emphasizes that proactive people focus on this type of behavior, which focuses on things they can affect.
What is focusing on the things you can control?
This type of goal, according to Covey, should be based on principles and values rather than short-term desires or circumstances.
What is a principle-centered goal?
Covey suggests that focusing on this type of task, which is not urgent but important, leads to more effective living and personal leadership.
What is planning and prioritizing?
This action is described by Covey as one of the most powerful deposits you can make, often helping to restore trust and goodwill in a relationship.
What is apologizing sincerely?
This foundational habit encourages individuals to focus on what they can control, shifting their mindset away from external factors that limit their influence.
What is being proactive?
According to Covey, this type of language is often used by proactive individuals, as opposed to "I can't" or "I have to."
What is proactive language?
This somber event is used by Covey to help you visualize how you would like to be remembered and how you wish for others to speak of you.
What is your funeral?
Covey recommends creating this tool to organize your time and activities according to what is most important and aligned with your values.
What is a weekly planner or time management system?
Covey suggests that this type of behavior, such as taking the time to listen or express appreciation, can act as a powerful deposit in someone’s Emotional Bank Account.
What is showing appreciation or listening empathetically?
Covey’s seven habits aim to help individuals develop these two key traits, which are necessary for sustained effectiveness in all areas of life.
What are character and competence?