68 pages • 2 hours read
Stephen R. CoveyThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1989A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Index of Terms
Character Ethic
The character ethic espouses the notion that all real change comes from within. It argues that people must radically change their underlying attitudes and beliefs if they hope to solve the external problems that confront them. Covey believes the founding fathers of this country embraced the character ethic before it was supplanted by the personality ethic of later generations. In writing his book, the author hopes to shift the reader’s perspective away from the personality ethic and back to the character ethic.
Circle of Concern
The circle of concern consists of subjects that predominantly occupy our minds. We worry about these subjects constantly without necessarily having any ability to affect their outcome. For example, worrying about whether it’s going to rain or not is pointless. The weather is under no one’s control. Therefore, it is a waste of energy to spend much time in this sphere.
Circle of Influence
In contrast to the circle of concern, the circle of influence includes those conditions over which a person has some control. The author recommends that the reader should focus the majority of their attention in this sphere and actively find ways to expand the circle of influence. This is the area in which a person can effect positive change in their life.
