Introduction 1.1
Are you tired of feeling like life is a never-ending rollercoaster of stress and chaos? Do you ever find yourself wondering how some people seem to have it all together while you struggle to keep up? Well, I’ve got some good news for you, my friend: you’re not alone, and there is a way to take control of your life and start living it on your terms. Welcome to “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens,” the ultimate guide to unlocking your full potential and becoming the best version of yourself. So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of a lifetime, because this book is about to change your life.
Sean Covey is the mastermind behind “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens,” a book that’s sold over 4 million copies worldwide! Yep, you read that right, million! Sean is an author, speaker, and executive vice president of innovation for a global company that helps people improve their performance. But what makes him so special? Well, his books are all about helping young people like you take control of your life, develop leadership skills, and make important decisions. Plus, he’s the son of Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” so success runs in the family! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into one of Sean Covey’s books and start our journey to becoming a highly effective teen!
Covey sets the stage by introducing us to the idea of habits. Habits are things we do over and over again without really thinking about them. Some habits are good, like brushing your teeth every day, while others are bad, like biting your nails. Good habits can help us achieve our goals and be successful, while bad habits can hold us back. But here’s the cool part - we can actually train ourselves to have good habits! Following the 7 habits, outlined in the book, you can become more effective in all areas of your life, including school, relationships, and personal growth.
Within the scope of this book, our author defines the term “paradigm” as a way of viewing the world or facing the world. The word “paradigm” is derived from the Greek word “paradigma” meaning model, pattern, or representation of something. He explains that our paradigms are like glasses through which we see everything around us. These paradigms are formed by our experience, beliefs, values, and culture. They act like lenses through which we perceive reality, and they influence our thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes. These paradigms give meaning, whether true or false, to everything and everyone around us. Our paradigms are incredibly powerful tools in shaping our interactions with others. Therefore, it is crucial for us to reflect on why we view others the way we do, and correct any misperceptions or outdated beliefs. Our paradigms can either help or hinder us in achieving our goals. If our paradigms are limiting, we may not see the full range of possibilities available to us. On the other hand, if we have a more expansive and growth-oriented paradigm, we may be better equipped to face challenges and pursue opportunities. To illustrate this point, the author shares a story of a father and his two sons who were asked to sell shoes in a remote village. The father reported back that there was no market for shoes in that village because no one wore shoes. However, one of the sons saw this as an opportunity to sell shoes to the people in the village who had never worn shoes before. While the father’s paradigm prevented him from noticing the potential opportunity, the son’s paradigm allowed him to see things differently and take advantage of the situation.
