Circles of Control

In 1989, Stephen Covey released a very exciting business book: “The 7 habits of highly effective people". The book has been very influential for people who have read it and opened people's eyes that their own behaviour either makes them effective or ineffective in their work. Covey states that it is important to index your environment in 3 categories: concern, influence, control. If you have done that, it becomes a whole lot more easy to focus on the right things. If you focus on the things in your control first, and somewhat on those you can influence, you grow your impact. Focussing on your concerns will limit your impact. Understanding how the circles work is fundamental. Once you understand this, you can focus on 7 habits to create that impact:

1. Be Proactive
   It means understanding the reality of a situation and taking ownership of it

2. Begin with the end in mind
   Starting with the end in mind means approaching any role you have in life with clear values and directions. 

3. Put first things first
   Time management is key to putting first things first. So, lay out a schedule for the week in advance while also maintaining flexibility for each day. Our priorities should be rooted in your values.

4. Think win win
   In most difficult situations, the problem is the system rather than the people. Many complicated problems can be resolved if you ask yourself how you can improve the system. Win-Win decisions are based on: integrity, maturity and abundance mentality. 

5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood
   If you want to interact effectively with people and influence them, you must first understand them. This is about listening first

6. Synergize
   Synergy happens when a group of people enters a simultaneous and cooperative state of flow: peak experience of group interaction. 

7. Sharpen the saw
   Taking time to improve yourself will save you time in the long term.

The first 3 habits are habits of self-mastery.
Habit 4 to 6 are habits built on interdependence.
The 7th habit is related to continuous improvement.