Business & Tech

Author of 7 Habits Dies: Did His Philosophy Affect You?

Stephen R. Covey sold more than 15 million books worldwide about how to succeed as an "effective person." Covey, 79, died at an Idaho hospital from injuries he suffered in a bicycle accident in April.

All it takes to be a successful, fulfilled person is the adherence to seven simple rules. That's what author Stephen R. Covey believed, and at least 15 million people worldwide explored his philosophy by picking up a copy of his bestseller book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, first published in 1989.

Covey, 79, died this week at a hospital in Idaho from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident that occurred in April this year.

But his principles live on — through multiple books and recordings of his motivational speeches, as well as the business practices of companies who employed his philosophies and those who were affected by the search for personal effectiveness.

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Covey defined the 7 habits as follows:

  • Be proactive
  • Begin with the end in mind
  • Put first things first
  • Think win-win
  • Seek first to understand, then to be understood
  • Synergize
  • Sharpen the saw

Were you affected by reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People? Share your experience in the comments.

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