7 Habits Printable Worksheets

What are the 7 habits?

The concept of the 7 habits comes from Stephen Covey's book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." Covey identified seven core principles to help individuals achieve personal and professional effectiveness. These habits are:

1. Be proactive
2. Begin with the end in mind
3. Put first things first
4. Think win-win
5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the saw

By developing all these habits , a person can learn to become successful in personal, professional, and social aspects of their life.

Importance of having a proactive mindset

One key takeaway from the Stephen Covey principles is the importance of a proactive mindset. Being proactive means taking responsibility for your actions and attitudes rather than reacting to external circumstances. This mindset shift can significantly improve mental health and overall well-being. Here are the principles that belie that mindset:

• Better problem-solving: Proactive individuals anticipate issues and develop solutions before problems arise.
• Greater control over life: If a person focuses on what they can control, it will reduce stress and increase their sense of empowerment.
• Improved relationships: Taking responsibility for actions fosters trust and respect in personal and professional relationships.

How to apply the 7 habits

The 7 habits help individuals enhance their effectiveness, build stronger relationships, and achieve their goals. However, sucess isn't built in a single day, and forming the habits that lead a person to success can take just as long. Here are tips you can give your client to apply each of the 7 habits in their daily life:

Habit 1: Be proactive

Being proactive means taking the initiative. Avoid being passive, and make the first move for your own improvement. However, this does not necessarily mean jumping in without looking; the first step can be analyzing your options and looking at ways to improve yourself. Accountability is at the core of the proactive mindset—you take responsibility for your own success as well as your own misgivings. As such, this also means that you take the blame for your missteps instead of pointing the finger. A mindset like this not only fosters the resilience but also the willingness to learn and the desire for more experience.

Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind

Set clear career goals and create a roadmap, ensuring every action aligns with your long-term vision. For instance, if you aim to become a manager, identify the key skills you need to develop, such as leadership and project management. Then, seek stretch assignments and training opportunities to help you gain those competencies.

Habit 3: Put first things first

Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Use tools like to-do lists and calendars to manage your time effectively. For example, create a daily to-do list that categorizes tasks as A (high priority), B (medium priority), or C (low priority). Focus on completing your A tasks first, even if they are challenging. Schedule time for important but not urgent tasks like strategic planning or skill development.

Habit 4: Think win-win

Approach conflicts and negotiations collaboratively, seeking solutions that benefit all parties. For instance, if you disagree with a colleague, take time to understand their perspective and find common ground. Propose alternatives that address your needs, such as dividing responsibilities or finding creative ways to meet deadlines.

Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood

Practice active listening by paraphrasing what others say and asking clarifying questions. For example, when receiving feedback from your manager, repeat the key points to ensure you understand correctly. Ask questions to gain more context and avoid making assumptions. Before you make your own point, first listen and understand what other people are trying to say. By practicing active listening and seeking to understand different perspectives, you can build stronger relationships and foster better communication.

Habit 6: Synergize

Collaborate with others to achieve better results than you could alone. If you are working on a project with a cross-functional team, leverage each person's unique strengths and perspectives. Encourage open communication and idea sharing to generate innovative solutions.

Habit 7: Sharpen the saw

Invest in your growth and well-being, whether in the physical dimension, the intellectual one, or in the emotional sphere. You are trying to maintain high performance over the long term. For example, set aside time each week for learning a new skill or mastering one you already have. Block off an hour or two to read books about philosophy or stay up-to-date with current events. You can go to the gym to improve your physical and mental fitness, too. And while you're at it, say hello to some old friends or make new ones.

By applying these habits consistently, you can develop greater self-awareness, build stronger relationships, and achieve your personal and professional goals. Regularly reflect on your progress and adjust your approach as needed.

Benefits of using our worksheet

Our free 7 Habits Printable Worksheet offers unique benefits for clients looking to enhance their outlook and experiences in life. By teaching them the principles of the 7 Habits, you can help them achieve greater things—our worksheet will assist you in doing that. Key benefits for healthcare professionals include:

• Improved patient engagement: The patient can fill out the worksheet at home or when they have free time in the office. Not only does it help remind them about the 7 habits that they're trying to develop, it also helps cement their commitment to self-development.
• Ease of use: With a template, you won't have to create a new worksheet everytime a client comes around looking to improve themselves. By lessening your own administrative burden, you can prioritize client experience and become a case-in-point for Habit 3!
• Digital and customizable: You can customize the template if you open it in the Carepatron app. You can change the prompts, add more fields, or even put your branding on it.
• Not just for client use: While this template was designed for your clients' use, nothing is stopping you from using it yourself to identify areas for growth, such as improving your leadership skills or developing new clinical competencies.

As a mental healthcare professional, you have the unique opportunity to impact patients' lives positively. Incorporating the 7 Habits Printable Worksheets into your professional practice and personal life can enhance your effectiveness, provide better care, and improve patient outcomes.