Submitted By: Daniel Bas
Profession/Background: Software developer,
Book Title: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Author: Stephen R. Covey
Before Reading the Book:
Before discovering “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People“, my life was running on autopilot. I was busy, but not productive. My daily routine was filled with tasks, yet none of them felt meaningful. I was often frustrated—knowing that I had dreams and potential, but lacking clarity on how to move forward. I wanted to grow, to do more, to become someone who lives with intention and purpose, but I didn’t know where to start.
I used to think success meant doing more, working harder, and reacting quickly to life’s problems. But that mindset left me feeling overwhelmed. My focus was scattered. I had goals, but no solid foundation or clear direction. I didn’t know how to manage my time, energy, or mindset effectively.
Discovering the Book That Changed Everything:
One day, while scrolling through a blog about self-improvement, I saw a quote from Stephen R. Covey’s book: “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” That one line struck me hard. I paused and wrote the title down.
Later that week, I got my hands on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I wasn’t expecting a miracle—just some tips on productivity. But what I got was far beyond that. This book wasn’t just about time management; it was about life management. It was about character, discipline, relationships, and personal vision.
After the Book:
Finishing the book felt like switching on a light in a dark room. The 7 habits weren’t just ideas—they were a system for living a meaningful, effective life. I learned that true success begins inside: by being proactive, defining my values, and aligning my actions with those values.
I began with Habit 1: Be Proactive. Instead of blaming circumstances or waiting for opportunities, I started taking ownership. I realized that even if I couldn’t control everything around me, I could always choose my response. That shift alone gave me power over my own growth.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind challenged me to visualize my long-term goals. I asked myself: What kind of man do I want to become? What legacy do I want to leave? I wrote down a personal mission statement, something I never thought I would do—but it gave my life focus.
Habit 3: Put First Things First changed how I managed my time. I stopped chasing every task and started focusing on what truly mattered: my learning, my health, my relationships, and my dream of building something meaningful.
The habits continued to unfold layer by layer. From communication (Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood) to synergy (Habit 6), each one felt like it was speaking directly to a part of my life that needed healing or growth.
The Transformation:
The biggest transformation was internal. I went from being reactive to proactive, from distracted to focused, from aimless to purpose-driven. I started waking up early with intention, planning my days with clarity, and tracking my weekly progress.
Even in my job as a coffee roaster and barista, I started bringing more discipline and excellence. I began studying how to grow in that field—while also investing time after work in building my knowledge around business, blogging, and digital tools. The confidence I gained wasn’t from outside praise, but from the consistency of applying the habits daily.
Emotionally, I became calmer. Instead of reacting emotionally to difficult people or setbacks, I learned to pause, reflect, and respond wisely. My relationships improved, especially with my family. I learned to listen deeply and express myself more thoughtfully.
One surprising change? I became more hopeful. I stopped saying “I can’t,” and started saying, “How can I?” It’s a small shift, but it changed everything.
My Favorite Line & How It Helps Me Every Day:
My favorite line is: “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.”
Every day, this reminds me that change doesn’t happen overnight—but every single choice I make is shaping the future. So even if I improve by just 1% today, I know I’m on the right path.
To Anyone Considering This Book:
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or stuck in life, this book is a roadmap. But don’t read it like a normal book—read it like a manual. Apply each habit, one at a time. Reflect deeply, be honest with yourself, and allow the book to guide your thinking and actions.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is not a book you finish and forget. It’s a book you live with. It will help you build a strong foundation—from the inside out—and help you become the best version of yourself.
Whether you’re a student, a worker, a leader, or someone just trying to grow—this book can help you create a life of impact, peace, and purpose.