The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Our Core, Guiding Philosophy.
#1 Be Proactive
I am a responsible person. I take initiative.
I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods.
I do not blame others for my wrong doing.
I do the right thing without being asked or told.
- If you have a child that is constantly complaining of being bored, have them brainstorm ways that they could do something nice for someone else, either a neighbor, friend, or family members.
- Circle of Control: Take some sidewalk chalk and go outside and draw two circles within each other big enough to stand in. The middle one is the circle of control.
Give your kids examples of different things they can control such as homework or their school grades and other things they cannot like the weather. - Role play: Proactive vs. Reactive. Demonstrate for your kids how to deal with a situation proactively vs. reactive.
#2 Begin with the End in Mind
I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a impact upon society.
I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision, and look for ways to be a model citizen.
- Have a family discussion about goals and what each child wants to be when they grow up. Discuss the things you could do right now to be working towards those goals. Make an action plan and get started!
- Make a family mission statement.
- Create a family budget. Have kids determine how to spend and save their allowance.
#3 Put First Things First
I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do.
I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan.
I am disciplined and organized.
- Make a family calendar or schedule for the week.
- Chore chart for kids. Work before play! Kids should work towards their rewards to motivate them to work.
- Discipline your mind to focus on what matters the most. Especially on the things that will bring about a positive outcome.
#4 Think Win-Win
I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want.
When conflicts arise, I do not look to place blame upon others, as it will create a loser in this situation.
I take the responsibility to look for a solution that will benefit all that is involved.
- Gather old toys that your child may no longer want. Have them donate to local charities. Discuss how this is a win-win for them and another child.
- Community Service: Have your family participate in a community service event (Habitat for Humanity, soup kitchen service, clothes closet, etc) Discuss afterwards how it was a win-win for the family and for the others.
#5 Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints.
I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas.
I look people in the eyes when talking.
- Practice reflective listening. Say something to your kids and then have them repeat back what you said. Do j this until you feel like everyone in the family listen without thinking of a response simultaneously.
- Conflict Resolution: The next time there is a problem within the family have the involved parties sit down and listen to the other person’s point of view. They have to be able to empathize with the other person’s feelings before they can respond to them. (“So what I heard you say was …”)
- Take family take to learn about other cultures.
#6 Sinergize
I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups.
I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than anyone of us alone.
I am humble. I am willing to listen to others in the conversation to work with them.
- Cook a meal together. Assign everyone a job to do.
- Decide on a TV watching schedule, so that everyone wins. Pick a show to watch together.
- Involve everyone with the planning of the next family vacation.
#7 Sharpen the Saw
I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school.
I take time to find meaningful ways to help others.
Learning is a process in life that is always a constant.
- Have a family game night.
- Exercising together. Keep a health journal. Everyone sets a goal for the week.
- Read together! Make your own family book club or set aside a time everyday when everyone in the family reads.
- Even the brain needs exercise, engage in problem solving puzzles with others.