The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

By Stephen R. Covey,

Book cover of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Book description

New York Times bestseller - over 25 million copies sold
The No. 1 Most Influential Business Book of the Twentieth Century

"[Thirty] years after it first appeared, the wisdom of The 7 Habits is more relevant than ever. On an individual level people are burning out, and on a collective…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

15 authors picked The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I've added this one by Stephen Covey to my Favorites because its insights impacted me. Though some of its terms may show their age, the timeless wisdom within resonates powerfully.

Covey's message about personal responsibility and the power of choice seems even more relevant today amidst a landscape of growing self-entitlement. His words ring true: "We are free to choose our actions, but we are not free to choose the consequences." This stark reminder amplifies the book's significance and enduring relevance. I

found it an essential read for my personal growth and character.

From Mark's list on stories that help shape who we are.

I loved this book because it reminded me to be proactive and focus only on things within my control. I focus on making self-discipline a priority in my life because it leads to habits, which lead to results and success.

Building habits based on principles and character, such as integrity, humility, courage, and empathy, leads to fulfillment and true success. It also reminds me to consistently align my actions with my values in order to build meaningful relationships. Words and actions matter because they build trust and respect.

From Rusty's list on building excellence in leadership.

Both of us read this book separately in the early 90s and started applying these habits, which have stayed with us ever since. These habits have given us a solid foundation for anything we have wanted to do in our lives.

You learn how to create your own vision for your life, clarify the most important values to act on, and use basic communication skills to create trust and synergy with the people around you. You also learn the importance of nurturing and managing yourself to be healthy, enjoy your life, and be able to be there for others.

These…

From Pia and Lynn's list on improving performance and growth.

An oldie but goodie!

I love Covey’s book because it has helped me teach personal effectiveness to so many clients over the years. I find his approach to be very adaptable to different styles and preferences, and that helps my clients to manage their time and boundaries more easily, which is a critical skill to help avoid burnout.

From Karen's list on helping you banish burnout forever.

A great book is like a great song: you have to read it over and over again to grasp all its nuances and value.

This book is one of those great books. The author presents us with an original way of looking at life and adopting seven habits to become highly effective in all circumstances. I first read this book over twenty years ago, and I've reread it just as many times since. Each time I read it, I realize how easy it is to forget to put these good habits into action.

After so many readings, all I have…

“Mr Covey has a knack of dressing up spiritual principles in pinstripes,” observed one commentator. This 1990 bestseller reinvigorated the personal development market almost singlehandedly.

It covers several major topics, not limited to but including: being the master of your own destiny, setting goals and priorities, managing your time and separating out the ‘important’ from the ‘urgent’, showing empathy towards others, and thinking ‘win-win’ in relationships.

Nowadays, there are many ‘self-help’ books on topics such as developing habits and time management, but they mainly rehash Covey with far less authority.

From Alex's list on living with purpose.

I first read this inspiring and thoughtful book many years ago. When I finished the book, I immediately purchased a copy of the book for everyone I worked with and asked that we talk about how to integrate the seven habits into our work. 

Covey provides a way of thinking about yourself, your work, and your personal life that can enable you to be more successful in your career and maybe more importantly live a fuller happier life. The 7 Habits contains the wisdom of the ages, every aspiring leader should read the book carefully and apply each of the…

Perhaps millions of people have recommended this book before me.

When your thoughts are chaotic, your actions will be too. Being a proponent of holistic growth, I have recommended books on personal, professional, mental, and financial growth. 

From merely achieving success to staying successful takes quite some work. Once you lay a solid foundation, life will become easier for you.

Following these principles helped me get out of college tuition debt and personal debt quickly and get my entire life in order. I have set and achieved my goals consistently for the last 14 years. I worry less. I am…

Covey was a highly successful businessman, scholar, and educator. As a father of nine and grandfather of fifty-five children, his commitment to family was also inspiring.

This book has had a tremendous impact on my personal and professional life, and I believe it can do the same for anyone who reads it. Covey's writing is clear, insightful, and practical, and he provides numerous examples and exercises that make the concepts easy to understand and apply.

The seven habits he outlines are simple yet profound, and have helped me to become a more effective communicator, leader, and problem-solver.

This book is all about personal productivity.

Covey’s teachings about living a quadrant II life changed the way I approach my professional life. It’s helped me fight fewer fires—because they don’t arise—and be far more productive and effective as I focus on things that are important to me, but not necessarily urgent.

The book has reinforced my belief that being mission driven is the key to happiness and a very productive professional life. 

Want books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Browse books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Book cover of Man’s Search for Meaning
Book cover of Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
Book cover of The Alchemist

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,188

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in success in life, burnout, and personal development?

Success In Life 263 books
Burnout 25 books