The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

It should be no surprise that Life for a teen is just as difficult as that of an adult and which is why Stephen Covey’s book titled “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” is just as applicable to teens who have to fight their own battles at such a young age.

With that said, here are the 7 habits of highly effective teens:

#1: Be Proactive
This habit is the one that is the first step to the other habits and which involves taking responsibility and control for their own lives and avoiding the pitfall of blaming others. Most of all, they will recognize that they are responsible for their own happiness or unhappiness.

#2: Begin with the End in Mind
This habit prevents children from wandering and listening to the opinion of others but manage his own decision-making process by preparing a mission-statement. They will understand what their values and goals are – and take clear steps to move in that direction.

#3: Put First Things First
This habit teaches the importance of prioritization and to focus on what is important first. Gradually, the habit of dealing with things that matter most first will become second nature.

#4: Think Win-Win
It’s important that teens inculcate the belief that relationships can be of a win-win nature. This habit teaches them to arrive at a mutually beneficial solution while also learning to celebrate the achievements of others instead of feeling threatened by them.

#5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Not being understood causes more problems that one might imagine, and this is because people don’t take the time to listen. This habit focuses on an important communication skill: active listening.

#6: Synergize
Teens have to learn the importance of working together which could be made easier if they value differences and show appreciation. The ‘Your Way’ or ‘My Way’ approach will never work.

#7: Sharpen the Saw
Sharpening the saw means taking the time to take care of body, brain, soul and heart so as to renew oneself and hence, equip oneself to deal with life better.