Habits of highly effective people

1- Be proactive

In recent times, writers have written books that focus on character. Honesty, truth, discipline, etc are included in good character. In building a good character, there comes an inner-to-outer approach. The inner approach means the lens, of how you are seeing things.

There are two types of circles :

1. Circle of concern which includes those things which are not in your control like what people think about you, economics, and the political situation of the country.
2. Circle of influence includes those things which are in your control like your decisions, your hobbies, etc.

Accordingly, there are two types of people:

1. Proactive, who focuses on a circle of influence.
2. Reactive, who focuses on the circle of concern.
So be proactive.

2- Begin with the end in mind

There is a famous Urdu saying

“anjaam ko zehan mein rakh kr ibtda kryn”

You should have a clear idea of where you have to go. If you don’t have a clear idea, you should think after your death about what you want to hear from people about you or what value you want to add to the world. This helps you to set a destination for your life. Without the goal, you are just like that man who is walking on the road but doesn’t know where he has to reach.

3- Put first things first

You should make a clear idea of your preferences. make a list of things you have to do in a day. Then notice which works will add value to your life. Do those works first. Another important thing is that you prefer small tasks to do first to avoid the mess in form of several tasks.

4- Think win-win

Most people try to win, but it causes the loss of other people which is named a failure. This is called a win-loss relationship. Instead of a win-loss relationship if we work on a win-win relationship it will be better. The win-win relationship is that in which we try to give an advantage to others in addition to ourselves.

5- Seek first to understand, then to be understood

Be a good listener, we know it’s a good thing for healthy relationships but we don’t follow it. We listen to others but we do not pay attention to why they are saying this, we don’t search for the real reason behind that saying. Everyone has his/her own life experiences we do not try to understand their experiences, and we don’t try to see the world with that lens, the others are using it to see the world. Understanding and just listening to others are two different things. Try to be an emphatic listener who also understands others.

6- Sharpening the saw

Sharpening the saw means you have to work to keep yourself fresh and motivated. You should be good physically, spiritually, and mentally. Success depends on mental health to a great extent. Mentally active people do work more effectively. Sound bodies have sound minds. Do physical exercise, meditation, prayers, and outdoor games to keep yourself physically and mentally fit.

So adopt these habits, and become a role model for youth. Youth is an asset to this country. I will conclude with Iqbal saying:

“Kabhi Ae Naujawan Muslim, Tadabbur Bhi Kiya Tu Ne
Woh Kya Gardoon Tha Tu Jis Ka Hai Ek Toota Huwa Tara“