The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has sold more than 40 million copies.

Don't have time to read it?
—No worries.

Here are the 7 key lessons you should apply:

Habit #1 — BE PROACTIVE

It all starts with action.

Rather than being "reactive" (externally influenced).
Focus on being "proactive" (initiative-taking).

This puts you in firm control of your life.
Habit #2 — BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

"No wind is favorable if one does not know to which port one is sailing."

I use this goal-setting system to stay on track myself:

Who do I want to be --> Monthly goal to achieve it? --> Daily action to reach that goal?

I update weekly.
Habit #3 — FIRST THINGS FIRST

Knowing the work that moves the needle is half the battle.

The Eisenhower Matrix can come in handy here:

Urgent + Important - Do it
Important + Not urgent - Schedule it
Urgent + Not important - Delegate it
Not urgent + Not important - Delete it
Habit #4 — THINK WIN-WIN

Always strive to find a mutually beneficial solution.

How to:
- Be as objective as possible
- Try to see from their perspective
- Determine what a "win" truly means for both parties
- Work to find the best solution for both parties
Habit #5 — SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD

Most underrated skill: Listening

Everyone loves a great listener.

I suggest reading the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" or read my thread on it:
Habit #6 — SYNERGIZE

Leverage.

One of the fastest ways to get it is by combining forces with someone who compliments your skill set.

This can also be done by tapping into your own unique combination of skills and experience that can't be replicated by anyone else.
Habit #7 — SHARPEN THE SAW

Stay sharp.

- Physically
- Mentally
- Spiritually
- Socially

The most successful people in the world are playing the long game.

Keep your body and mind in peak shape if you want to compete.
Want more?

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That's a wrap!

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More from Colby Kultgen

The 7 TED Talks everyone should watch:

1. The first 20 hours -- how to learn anything | Josh Kaufman

https://t.co/lZyHhhQYrb

Watch this to learn:
- The misconception about the "10,000 Rule"
- How quickly you can really learn something
- 4 key steps to skill acquisition

2. How to speak so that people want to listen | Julian Treasure

https://t.co/kt1Q1P5Y4d

Watch this to learn:
- The 7 deadly sins of speaking
- The 4 foundations of good speech
- How to build your speech toolkit

3. After watching this, your brain will not be the same | Lara Boyd

https://t.co/gafwheq8cJ

Watch this to learn:
- Common misconceptions about the brain
- How to make positive changes to your brain
- There is no age limit to neuroplasticity

4. 5 Hindrances to self-mastery | Shi Heng YI

https://t.co/grGJAMBN77

Watch this to learn about:
- Why experience is so valuable
- The principles of living a good life
- 5 hindrances you will face on your journey
7 habits that are damn hard to do, but pay off forever:

1. Delaying gratification

Your ability to delay gratification will largely determine where you end up in life.

It sounds extreme, but it's true.

You wouldn't plant a seed, and dig it up every 2 days to check on it.

True growth requires patience and discipline.


2. Fixing your sleep

I used to think it was normal that I felt fatigued by 4PM every day.

It wasn't until after I fixed my sleep, I realized I had been deprived of it for years.

Low quality/quantity sleep will kick your ass.

Here's what I did:


3. Seeking feedback

Humans are sensitive creatures.

Few are good at accepting criticism.
Even fewer are good at applying it.

Master the art of seeking feedback and implementing it.

Your growth will skyrocket.


4. Breaking the procrastination cycle

Procrastination plagues us all.

Overthinking.
Overplanning.
Overanalyzing.

Whenever you're able to shorten the time between idea and execution — you level up.

Here are steps to become an action taker:

More from All

The best morning routine?

Starts the night before.

9 evening habits that make all the difference:

1. Write down tomorrow's 3:3:3 plan

• 3 hours on your most important project
• 3 shorter tasks
• 3 maintenance activities

Defining a "productive day" is crucial.

Or else you'll never be at peace (even with excellent output).

Learn more


2. End the workday with a shutdown ritual

Create a short shutdown ritual (hat-tip to Cal Newport). Close your laptop, plug in the charger, spend 2 minutes tidying your desk. Then say, "shutdown."

Separating your life and work is key.

3. Journal 1 beautiful life moment

Delicious tacos, presentation you crushed, a moment of inner peace. Write it down.

Gratitude programs a mindset of abundance.

4. Lay out clothes

Get exercise clothes ready for tomorrow. Upon waking up, jump rope for 2 mins. It will activate your mind + body.

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