The ultimate personal development book, hailed as one of the most impactful self-
improvement books of all time and marks the beginning of the mass movement towards this
genre of books in the workplace and beyond, today we are reviewing “The 7 Habits of Highly
Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey.
First published in 1989, the 7 guiding principles Covey writes about have not changed. They
have slightly morphed and improved over the decades but the timeless lessons remain the
same.
1. Be Proactive
Covey kicks things off with the reminder that we are the captains of our lives, not passive
passengers. Imagine steering your ship instead of just floating along—now that’s a vibe! In
our yoga classes, we channel this energy by setting intentions that put you in the driver’s
seat. Trust me; your mat will feel a lot more empowering when you’re in charge!
2. Begin with the End in Mind
Ever find yourself in a grocery store aisle, lost and confused about what to buy because you
forgot your shopping list? Yeah, not ideal. Covey suggests having a clear vision, and we
couldn’t agree more! At Harvest Life, we help you visualise your goals—think of it as your
map to wellness. Whether it’s finding the ultimate peace during meditation or your dream
job as president, clarity is key!
3. Put First Things First
Imagine juggling a dozen eggs while trying to balance on a yoga ball—sounds hard, right?
Covey reminds us to prioritize what truly matters. For us, that means making time for yoga,
self-care, and a little “me time.” Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
4. Think Win-Win
Who doesn’t love a good collaboration? At Harvest Life, we believe in uplifting each
other—after all, life is better when we root for one another! Covey’s “win-win” habit
reminds us that sharing the spotlight just makes the glow a bit brighter. So whether it’s
partnering up for a yoga session or teaming up in group therapy, being in this together is the
way to go.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Can we just take a moment to appreciate how hard it is to listen sometimes? Covey’s fifth
habit is all about empathy, and at our retreats, we practice this like our life depends on it.
Life coaches and therapists are specially trained to listen and create a safe space for
everyone to express their feelings; the good, the bad and the ugly ones.
6. Synergize
Let’s be honest—sometimes the real magic happens when we share our energies! Covey’s
idea of synergy resonates with our community-building approach at Harvest Life. Whether
it’s bonding over essential oils or a retreat that feels more like a group hug, together we find
like-minded souls and create spaces that spark growth and healing.
7. Sharpen the Saw
You wouldn’t try to cut a steak with a dull knife, right? Covey’s final habit encourages self-
renewal across all aspects of life. At Harvest Life, we help you fine-tune your “saw” through
a mix of coaching, therapy, yoga, meditation, and so much more. Have you been looking for
“your people”? Well, you found them. Taking care of yourself isn’t just recommended; it’s
required!
In a nutshell, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is like a personal growth buffet, and
the best part? You get to pick how much of each habit you want to digest! As you plunge
into these empowering principles, you will find they align beautifully with our mission here at
Harvest Life. We’re all about nurturing your journey to wellness, and this book is a fantastic
companion to have along for the ride. So grab a copy, pour yourself a cup of tea, and let’s
grow together—one habit at a time!
