I was stunned to hear about the passing of Stephen R. Covey. He has given so much to the world. I loved reading his books and yearned to read future books from him.
Stephen Covey taught that control of our future is largely internal. Social Psychologists call this an internal locus of control. We choose responses, activities and attitudes and ultimately our entire destiny.
A sure way to fail financially is to adopt an external locus of control, to believe that life is a matter of predestination.
We act or we are acted upon, there is no neutral.
Covey also taught many other lessons like this one about children and leadership.
I can't imagine a library without his life-changing books: First Things First, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and Principle Centered Leadership. His books focus on character-based solutions instead of personality-based remedies.
Often we try to solve problems with quick behavior fixes. Stephen R. Covey reminded us that applying correct principles is the only way to find effective, lasting solutions.
The Harvard Business Review has a nice article on Covey which reminded me of the importance of being a light instead of a critic. Make sure you read the part about President Bill Clinton--it is powerful.
Like the principles he taught, Covey's legacy will endure.
(Photo courtesy Wikipedia)
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