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May 04, 2006
How many habits do you have?
As I filed in to the office conference room for the first of four four-hour sessions, I was both skeptical and hopeful. I've always struggled with time management and organization, and lately I've been feeling unmotivated, too. But jargon is the natural enemy of any journalist. It makes me cringe.
That's right, I signed up for a course on "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." It's mandatory for managers at my new job, optional, free and available for the rest of us. I'm skeptical of self-help programs, but this is one of two or three that a pretty wide range of smart people I've met have actually benefitted from. Another good one is supposed to be "Getting Things Done." I bought the book, but couldn't bring myself to finish it.
In our first session, we talked about the first habit: "Be Proactive." Not sure if I've mentioned this before, but "proactive" is my least favorite word of all time. The underlying concept, however, is one I agree with: "Take responsibility for the aspects of your life you have control over, and don't waste your time worrying about things you can't change." Sounds reasonable.
I wonder if the other habits, which include such awful labels as "Synergize" and "Sharpen the saw" are equally reasonable. I hope so. I feel so optimistic.
Posted by Courtney_Sherwood at May 4, 2006 06:04 AM
Comments
You said "I bought the book, but couldn't bring myself to finish it.". That made me laugh! I think that considering the set of genes you inherited, you have quite a challenge ahead of you!
Love you, Mom
Posted by: Anonymous at May 4, 2006 11:17 AM
Yeah, I'm kind of pathetic. Sitting around all evening and doing nothing is enough to wear me out.
Posted by: Courtney at May 4, 2006 06:24 PM