Anyone read and applied the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People?

Question

So, I'm reading this book as well as the Bible. I'm going through a life-changing transformation as we speak. I'm 23 turning 24 around the corner and have realized I've wasted sooo much time being depressed about my past life. My father molested me as a kid and it affected me. But, as I got older I didn't take responsibility for my own life and let what happened to me dictate my life. I've made a lot of friendships along the course of my life and it all ended in us going separate ways due to my insecurity and the choices of my friends were altogether based on dependency. I'm ready to make a change and be proactive. I want to meet people again not to fill my void but because I want to socialize healthily, be proactive, feel beautiful again, and take control of my life. Has anyone gone through something like this...where you just fell into deep depression and loneliness? What I want to know is of success stories and of how much you've changed so that I may be inspired.

All throughout my life, I've been someone that others perceived me to be, what they thought of me, and what they assumed what I was. I never really got to know my dislikes and my likes...I let others control me. I'm ready to find out my identity.

Answer 1

I went through a tough life, but I was never molested. I lost my parents at a young age, lived with abusive relatives and as a neglected latch key kid. I pretty ,much fended for myself. After high school, I was on my own, working full time and going to college full time.

Many times stuff was really hard for me, I wanted to quit, but had no option but to succeed. For me, graduating and succeeding in college was equal to my survival, otherwise, I'd be another bum on the streets.

Some of the self-help books that kept me on my toes and inspired were 7 habits of Highly effective people. I also read a lot of Anthony Robbins and Zig Ziglar books and audiobooks.

After graduating, I got a nice paying job. Afterwards I started a business which I now successfully run. We cannot choose our families, but we can choose the life we want. We should not let our past dictate how we live our lives. Rather, we should focus on making our life better. I wish you all the best in your effort to create a better life for you. Keep at it, things will eventually get better. Live with passion....

Answer 2

I haven't read the book, but it sounds like an opinionated read. Based on the word "effective" would mean motivate to me. To effect some one or an event, takes knowledge of the topic well enough to move you in an emotional, or physical way. I suppose you can categorize certain "effect's". Like verbal inspiration, could make someone make-it or break-it. Example: You are a pianist and you are known world wide, and you tell a person that they have great potential. So they pursue their dream of being a great pianist. On the other hand... you tell that same person, that they should try something else, because they just don't have what it takes to be great. So they give up on their dream. The effective person I surmise would have habits of speaking with 1.) Confidence, 2.)Looking & Speaking like a person with the 3.)Authority in Social enviorments, in addition having a 4.)Vocabulary that has no boundry and uses it. And 5.)Great Speaking Skills. 6.) &7.) well I suppose I'd have to read the book. But Body language comes to mind, a long with being able to speak in several different languages would be a great asset, There seems to be a social pattern here. But, I lived and have traveled a lot. And I know from experience you can effect someone sometimes with out even realizing it.

Answer 3

Dear sweetheart, I am so sorry to hear about your pain. I am a rape survivor, but when it happened I was 20yo. I have a first hand knowledge about the anger, shame and numbness you have probably had to experience by now. I also know about nightmares, depression and mistrust of opposite sex... In my case, it took professional help, a very supportive family and friends and all the strength that I could master to get over it. It also took years. But now I am free and happy in my life. I married a great man, who loves and keeps me safe. I transferred my anger into something very productive: I fought against staying a victim. I studied with all the passion I possessed, and have a couple of degrees to show for it. I made sure, I've enjoyed my job, my life and my family every day of my life. It is somehow important to me. Keep your spirit up, sweetheart: you will be fine. But for now I will keep you in my prayers, sweetheart.

Answer 4

Yep, I read that book years ago. I can say it's a good self-help book. It helped me become more proactive in different situations.

You can also read the book "The Secret". I like this book a lot more than the usual self-help books i've read before.

Answer 5

Well, you sound pretty healthy to me. I don't know if you attained that wisdom from those books or from other sources as well, but stay on your current track. After reading how far you've come since childhood, it is me who is inspired by you.

The only criticism I have is that it is impossible to live in response to other people's perception of you. You may have wanted to please others (that's your perception of what it takes to please them, and not a reality), but you can't imagine what others really think of you or how they think you should be living your life. What you have is a perceived self image, but not a universally perceived projected image (its not possible).
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Answer 6

Good for you, I'm so sorry you had such a crappy childhood. I'm glad you have found a way out of the self pity that so many suffer from. It sounds like your on your way to true success and happiness. I pray for only good things to happen to you from here on. Keep the faith and stay strong.

Answer 7

It's a good book.