Just trendy tips or fleeting life hacks? There's more to this author's 7 habits…

Miles Everson • January 31, 2025

From the desk of Miles Everson:

Welcome to today’s edition of  “Mindfulness by Miles!”

I hope you’re having a good Friday.

In these articles, I talk about health, wealth, well-being, happiness, future of work, book reviews, marketing, tips, etc. My goal is to empower you and help you thrive in both your career and personal life.

For today, let’s focus on the amazing insights you can take away from a particular book.

Continue reading below to know more.




Just trendy tips or fleeting life hacks? There's more to this author's 7 Habits…

Do you ever feel like life is a juggling act where you’re trying to balance work, relationships, self-care, and endless to-do lists, all while trying not to drop a single ball?

Some days, it feels like you’re crushing it, while others—well, not so much.

… but what if there was a way to navigate all this chaos with more ease and confidence?

What if there were guiding principles that help you focus on what truly matters, cut through the noise, and achieve the things you’ve always wanted?

What if there was a better way to do all that while fostering better relationships and personal growth?

Enter a set of habits that could fundamentally shift how you approach life—both at work and at home.

These habits aren’t just trendy tips or fleeting life hacks. They’re timeless principles designed to help you achieve sustained success and personal fulfillment…

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Stephen R. Covey’s  “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”  book is a game-changer for anyone looking to take charge of their life.

… but what’s so special about these habits?

According to Covey, what makes them special is that they focus on  internal change first , which then radiates outward, positively impacting how you interact with the world around you.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into what each habit offers and why they’re so effective…

  • Be Proactive

    This isn’t about being busy all the time—it’s about realizing that  you are in control  of your life.

    Instead of reacting to circumstances or letting external events dictate your mood, you choose how to respond. This habit is empowering because it puts the responsibility for your happiness and success firmly in your hands.

  • Begin with the End in Mind

    Imagine driving without a destination. Sure, you’re moving, but are you going where you want?

    This habit is all about having a  clear vision  for your life—knowing your end goal and making decisions that align with it. This encourages you to define your life’s purpose and focus on what really matters, avoiding distractions and wasted time.

  • Put First Things First

    Do you ever feel like your day gets eaten up by little tasks that don’t get you closer to your goals?

    This habit is all about  prioritization. It helps you focus on the important, not just the urgent, so that you spend time on what truly matters to your long-term success and well-being.

  • Think Win-Win

    Collaboration over competition—this habit is about  finding solutions  that benefit everyone involved. It’s a mindset that fosters trust and builds strong relationships, both personally and professionally.

    When you approach situations looking for mutual benefit, you create an environment where everyone can thrive.

  • Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

    In a world full of noise,  truly listening  is a superpower. This habit reminds us that effective communication starts with empathy!

    After all, understanding others’ perspectives before offering your own creates deeper connections and resolves conflicts in a way that leaves everyone feeling heard and valued.

  • Synergize

    This habit is all about  teamwork —working with others to create outcomes greater than what you could achieve alone.

    Basically, synergy celebrates diversity, combining strengths to create something bigger and better. It’s a powerful reminder that collaboration can lead to innovation!

  • Sharpen the Saw

    Last but not least, this habit focuses on  self-renewal. Think of it as maintaining the engine that powers your life.

    Whether it’s through exercise, learning, meditation, or hobbies, “sharpening the saw” ensures you continue to grow, stay balanced, and avoid burnout.

So… why do these habits  matter ?

The beauty of these seven habits is that they work in  harmony. They encourage you to take control of your life, improve your relationships, and achieve success not just by working harder, but by working smarter and with purpose.

Whether you’re looking to improve your career, strengthen personal relationships, or achieve personal goals, these habits provide a road map for getting there.

What’s more?

They remind you that personal change precedes success—that when you grow from within, everything else starts falling into place!

… and by applying these habits, you can become more effective, not only in your work but in your personal life, building stronger connections, managing time wisely, and ultimately, leading a more fulfilled and purposeful life.

The bottom line?

Whether you’re trying to better manage your time, improve relationships, or simply navigate life’s complexities with more clarity, Covey’s  “7 Habits”  offer more than just lessons; they also offer a new way to approach life that empowers you to thrive in every area.

I hope you find today’s topic and book feature insightful and helpful!

Stay tuned again next week for another topic related to achieving mindfulness and well-being in your life!

EXCITING NEWS AHEAD

The world of work has shifted, and there’s no going back. The barriers to entry have never been lower for talented professionals to work independently, and today’s massive external workforce is hardly a pandemic-produced fad. Business owners can only survive in the new work landscape by partnering with this deep talent pool.

With decades of experience in both small-business entrepreneurship and executive management at PwC, I truly believe that the future of work is independent.

With that, I’m happy to share with you that my book, co-authored with Walter Scott Lamb, is now available for pre-order on Amazon!

Free Birds Revolution: The Future of Work & The Independent Mind

This is an essential read for both independent professionals and corporate executives. Here, we provide educational and practical guides to unpack the ever-growing workforce and offer you crucial ways to become a client of choice.

Click on the link above to pre-order your copy. Let this book help you future-proof your career and organization in the new world of work.




For a daily version of this newsletter, please subscribe  here.

Miles Everson

CEO of MBO Partners and former Global Advisory and Consulting CEO at PwC, Everson has worked with many of the world's largest and most prominent organizations, specializing in executive management. He helps companies balance growth, reduce risk, maximize return, and excel in strategic business priorities.


He is a sought-after public speaker and contributor and has been a case study for success from Harvard Business School.


Everson is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.S. in Accounting.

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER

The Business Builder Daily

Newsletter Signup

Share by: