7 Proven Habits That Oprah and Warren Buffet used to be Remarkable

Oprah Winfrey and Warren Buffet started from humble beginnings and became icons of a generation. Oprah, the TV Queen, was told she wasn't suitable for TV. Warren Buffet was born into drought and depression in the 1930s to a working-class family.

Despite these obstacles, both have made significant contributions, and despite working in very different industries, they both use and recommend the classic book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

Oprah, the media mogul, has praised the book for its focus on personal responsibility and self-improvement. And Buffett, the billionaire investor, has recommended The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People to his shareholders and considers it a valuable resource for personal development.

So let's dig into the book and see what this timeless classic offers us. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is a transformative book that has helped millions worldwide become more effective in their personal and professional lives. Each of the seven habits promotes a different aspect of personal development, and when combined, they create a robust framework for success.

The first habit, "Be Proactive," encourages individuals to take control of their lives and be responsible for their own decisions. This habit uses the principle of personal responsibility, which states that individuals are accountable for their choices and actions. By adopting a proactive mindset, individuals can overcome obstacles, take action to achieve their goals, and create the life they desire.

I would say, much like Oprah, this was the most potent habit for me. I had to learn to take full accountability for myself and my situation. I had to stop fearing failure and judging others. I needed to take extreme ownership of myself.

The second habit, "Begin with the End in Mind," focuses on having a clear vision and purpose. This habit involves setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals and aligning one's actions with that vision. By having a clear purpose, individuals can stay focused on their goals and avoid distractions that might lead them astray.

The third habit, "Put First Things First," is about prioritization and time management. This habit involves focusing on the most critical tasks, avoiding distractions, and time-wasting activities. By prioritizing tasks based on their importance and urgency, individuals can be more productive and achieve their goals more efficiently.

Buffett often mentions the habit of "Put First Things First," I love this approach to simplify the day, a project, my entire life.

The fourth habit, "Think Win-Win," is based on mutual benefit. This habit encourages individuals to seek mutually beneficial solutions in their interactions with others rather than a win-lose mentality. By looking for win-win outcomes, individuals can build strong relationships, create a positive work environment, and achieve their goals in a way that benefits everyone involved.

The fifth habit, "Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood," focuses on communication skills. This habit involves listening actively to others before expressing one's views. By seeking to understand the perspectives of others and empathizing with their point of view, individuals can build trust, foster collaboration, and communicate effectively.

The sixth habit, "Synergize," is about collaboration and teamwork. This habit involves working collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals. By combining the strengths of different individuals, teams can create a greater whole and achieve more than they could individually.

The seventh habit, "Sharpen the Saw," is about personal growth and development. This habit involves taking care of oneself and continually improving oneself. By taking time to rest, exercise, learn, and grow, individuals can maintain their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being and be more effective in all areas of their lives.

In conclusion, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is a robust personal and professional development framework. Each habit promotes a different aspect of personal growth, and when combined, they create a holistic approach to success. By adopting these habits, individuals can become more effective, productive, and fulfilled personally and professionally.