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Virginia's Reviews > The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
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Ever since I worked at the bookstore at Virginia Tech, I would watch the douchebag* business major undergrads buy this book for their classes and look down upon them, and the book by association, as, well, douchebags.
*This is not to say that all undergrad business majors are douchebags. I've met one really really awesome one. Additionally, after working at a major university bookstore, a majority of all undergrad students can be fairly classified as douchebags. Jebus.
Consequently, I never picked up this book. I hated the people who were reading it for class. I hated the people who were assigning it for their classes. I hated my job and I hated the area that I was living in. (I was, yes indeedy, a hater)
Obviously it wasn't the right time for me to read it.
My current boss (who is only occasionally a douchebag) is doing this huge self-help/life plan program, and from it, there is a major reading list. As I am a wee bit addicted to books, I immediately agreed, and when I started searching on Amazon for the reading list, "7 Habits" appeared on pretty much every single page. So I picked that one up too.
Excellent decision. I chose to read it first. It has taken me, probably three weeks to read it. I have ordered (with my boss' blessing) "The 8th Habit" and will read that shortly.
Every single page I found something that made me put the book down for a couple of minutes and think about it. I already know that I'm going to have to re-read this at some point in the near future. I would say this is required reading for humanity, but my father would have been the exception to that rule.
Basically, this book will teach you about effective ways to be a compassionate, kind, enjoyable human being. It will teach you about personal responsibility (personal as in to your self, and to others). It will teach you how to be a better parent, employee, spouse, daughter, or boss.
I can't give it enough praise. It is a truly outstanding book.
*This is not to say that all undergrad business majors are douchebags. I've met one really really awesome one. Additionally, after working at a major university bookstore, a majority of all undergrad students can be fairly classified as douchebags. Jebus.
Consequently, I never picked up this book. I hated the people who were reading it for class. I hated the people who were assigning it for their classes. I hated my job and I hated the area that I was living in. (I was, yes indeedy, a hater)
Obviously it wasn't the right time for me to read it.
My current boss (who is only occasionally a douchebag) is doing this huge self-help/life plan program, and from it, there is a major reading list. As I am a wee bit addicted to books, I immediately agreed, and when I started searching on Amazon for the reading list, "7 Habits" appeared on pretty much every single page. So I picked that one up too.
Excellent decision. I chose to read it first. It has taken me, probably three weeks to read it. I have ordered (with my boss' blessing) "The 8th Habit" and will read that shortly.
Every single page I found something that made me put the book down for a couple of minutes and think about it. I already know that I'm going to have to re-read this at some point in the near future. I would say this is required reading for humanity, but my father would have been the exception to that rule.
Basically, this book will teach you about effective ways to be a compassionate, kind, enjoyable human being. It will teach you about personal responsibility (personal as in to your self, and to others). It will teach you how to be a better parent, employee, spouse, daughter, or boss.
I can't give it enough praise. It is a truly outstanding book.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
September 1, 2007
–
Finished Reading
September 19, 2007
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Comments Showing 1-29 of 29 (29 new)
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Exrex
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Jul 07, 2008 05:29PM
I am not sure I like the comment about "douchebag" business majors.
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Aww, she's just never met you, Ex. I'm pretty sure you're not a d-b.
Lol! Loved this review! I have been in the financial industry for many years (working with your former undergrads) and can perfectly understand where the "douchebag" label comes from... Having said that, it's interesting how our preconceptions drive us to make quick assumptions and develop strong feelings -going as far as hatred- for something we haven't quite explored. Like you, I am also finding loads of useful material in this surprisingly amazing book! Cheers... :)
Ha! I had never picked up this book because it felt like the domain of "corporate wan*ers" (otherwise known as douchebags) but I totally agree with your changed point of view.I have highlighted so much of this book the whole thing is just one giant underline!
Definitely one to re-read every couple of years.
Great book indeed. Some genius should make a serum out of it and inject it in all d-b around the world.
Enjoyed reading your review! I'm only half way through and I know I'll be reading it again.
I am totally agree with you. This book has guided me to be a better person.
I just read your review. I hate just about everything too! And working retail certainly does not lighten that mood for me!! Based on your review - I'm buying it today and starting it today. I am my own worst enemy, everyday, all day! Thanks for your review!!
The emotional bank account and big rocks really resonated with me.
Which reminds me, Its time i Re-read The Celestine Prophecy
Thanks for your great review
Amazing review! I love reading one chapter, then spend a few minutes thinking! Thank you xo
great review. I'm a business major as well and I find your review is hilarious haha
It's increasing self confident
It's increasing self confident
Do you have it in soft form? If yes plz whatsapp on 03475042132. Thanks
Do you still have the reading list? I’d love to see it.
I’ve honestly had the same prejudice against the book until I picked it up. I haven’t even gotten to the first habit yet and I’m already blown away.
Virginia, you could've said what you mean without being mean. Instead, you chose to be mean.I read a wurst-long comment just to see that it was written by a person who doesn't like to be wrong by default. Except this time she was. And she admitted through her teeth. In one sentence. At the very end of the wurst.
My only regret is I didn’t read this sooner. I think my bias got in the way.... how very foolish of me.
I also had negative preconceived notions about this book. The title felt too gimmicky and infomercial like. It was a superficial and foolish notion. I just finished it and wow... what a terrific book. I too will be rereading at some point.
I have this book on my shelf since two years, and never did I read it. After reading this review, I will reconsider my position! ;) thank you!
It appears that you assume mostly everyone who read the book was a douchbag.
What a bitter, jealous and resentful person!
