Stephen Covey Quotes

Nevertheless, the only way we can move from where we are now to where we would like to be is to accept where we are now.

The leader is the one who climbs the tallest tree, surveys the entire situation, and yells, 'Wrong jungle!' ... Busy, efficient producers and managers often respond ... 'Shut up! We're making progress!'

Independent thinking alone is not suited to interdependent reality.

I believe that a life of integrity I the most fundamental source of personal worth. I do not agree with the popular success literature that says that self-esteem is primarily a matter of mind set, of attitude-that you can psych yourself into peace of mind. Peace of mind comes when your life is in harmony with true principles and values and in no other way.

The more involved you are, the more significant your learning will be.

Effective communication is built on the cement of trust. And trust is based on trustworthiness, not politics.

The exercise of true leadership is inversely proportional to the exercise of power.

'Efficient' scheduling and control of time are often counterproductive. The efficiency focus creates expectations that clash with the opportunities to develop rich relationships, to meet human needs, and to enjoy spontaneous moments on a daily basis.

Principles are deep fundamental truths... lightly interwoven threads running with exactness, consistency, beauty and strength through the fabric of life.

People behave more on the basis of how they feel than how they think; unless there are good feelings between people, it is almost impossible to reason intelligently.

One of the most important ways to manifest integrity is to be loyal to those who are not present. In doing so, we build the trust of those who are present.

My temptation is emotional, and resisting will further my needed weight loss and strengthen my character. Furthermore, nothing tastes as good as thin feels.

In the long run, you can never accomplish a worthy end with an unworthy means.

Organize and execute around priorities.

Conscience connects us with the wisdom of the ages and the wisdom of the heart.

But borrowing strength builds weakness.

Free your heart from hatred - forgive. Free your mind from worries - most never happen. Live simply and appreciate what you have. Give more. Expect less.

Success comes from the ability to view each arising problem as an opportunity for self improvement.

Your most important work is always ahead of you, never behind you.

We're often so busy cutting through the undergrowth we don't even realise we're in the wrong jungle.

Creating and integrating an empowering personal mission statement is one of the most important investments we can make.

Make time for planning: Wars are won in the general's tent.

You can't be successful with other people if you haven't paid the price of success with yourself.

If I really want to improve my situation, I can work on the one thing over which I have control - myself.

People with a scarcity mentality tend to see everything in terms of win-lose. There is only so much; and if someone else has it, that means there will be less for me. The more principle-centered we become, the more we develop an abundance mentality, the more we are genuinely happy for the successes, well-being, achievements, recognition, and good fortune of other people. We believe their success adds to...rather than detracts from...our lives.

All things are created twice; first mentally; then physically. The key to creativity is to begin with the end in mind, with a vision and a blue print of the desired result.

How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most.

Remember that our reactions are a product of our perceptions, and our perceptions are a result of what is at the center of our life.

The worldly fountain does not breed spiritual depth.

Our lives are the results of our choices. To blame and accuse other people, the environment, or other extrinsic factors is to choose to empower those things to control us.

Despite all our gains in technology, product innovation and world markets, most people are not thriving in the organizations they work for.

I see myself living by correct principles and accomplishing worthy purposes. One of my favorite quotes is, "The greatest battles of life are fought out every day in the silent chambers of one's own soul." (David O. McKay).

Life is not accumulation, it is about contribution.

To be successful we must live from our imaginations, not from our memories.