When it comes to books recommended for entrepreneurs and business people, there is one that lands on almost every list and has been doing so since 1989 (that’s 29 years!) The 7 Habits of Highly effective people by Stephen R Covey, is a powerful and honest piece, that lays out the path of self-improvement through concrete take away lessons.For anyone who hasn’t read it, you might be thinking… how does a “self-help” book stay relevant for over 28 years? Well Professor Covey shows us that there is something that with time, always stays relevant for living a fulfilling and “effective” life.

Character and Ethics are the main concepts behind all of the habits. He makes sure that the reader understands that in order to lead the life they desire they must establish their beliefs starting with the end goal, and managing their daily lives, including personal, family and work life around these core goals and beliefs. The other main key is the willingness to actually take a step back, objectively look at yourself and be open to shifting your mindset, and habits to fit these core values.

Only once you have fully pinpointed your own core values, or what he refers to as a personal mission statement, can you start shifting your habits, and lifestyle to reflect. One of the most praised idea highlighted in the book is time management through what Dr.Covey calls the “time management matrix”. It is an easy-to-use tool to help us visualize the way we compartmentalize our time into. He helps us understand that we should attend to the things that are urgent and important, but that things that are not urgent but are still important are the things we typically push to the side. He shows us that this is the cause of why a lot of people feel ineffective in their lives, and that if we schedule time to do things that are important, but not necessarily time sensitive we can over time achieve our long term goals.

Why the 7 Habits has stayed highly influential over the years? Probably because the ideals listed as habits are core to our human nature. They do not change with time and society norms, they are connected to our instinct and finding a balance that works for any. Everyone, regardless of their activity or lifestyle can apply it to their own needs and ideals.

Surely a book to be added to your reading list!