While reading Stephen Covey’s, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, I found that even in the first 50 pages of the book, it starts to make you think about your situation and family. It also points out the fact if this is a family issue you want solved, you may have to include the rest of the family right away. Stephen Covey suggests that the family should read the book together and determine their goals together. Though Covey understands that the reader may want to read it themselves and test if it is the right thing to share with their family. He stated many times already that everyone’s situation is different and you should do what is best for your situation. Covey gives you the main purposes laid out at the very beginning. The goals are to create a destination, determine a flight plan, and discover your compass.
Destination
When thinking about this step while reading, there may be many destinations you want to reach at first. When determining what they are, you could find they relate back to one single goal you want with your family. The greatest aspect about the book is that it isn’t confined to only one problem or situation. When you have finally figured out what your destination is, whether it is you want to create a better relationship with your kids or you want to have more financial stability, it is time to think about the flight plan.
Flight Plan
You have a clear vision of what your destination is going to be. Now you just need a plan of how you’re going to get there. The flight plan is going to determine how you will reach your destination. Maybe creating a family budget for a trip to get closer. Flight plans are bound to bumps and sometimes your family is going to get off track but that is the purpose of the flight plan. It will bring your family back on track to reaching your destination. If a financial goal is your destination and there is a bump that results in a loss of money, you may be derailed from your plan.
Compass
Your family will need to find a way to get back on that flight plan if those bumps do occur. It could be that one of the parents gets a part-time job or you may have to cancellation a vacation over the summer. Finding the best solution for you and your family should be your priority to get back on your flight plan. Throughout the book, Covey states that you will develop unique gifts that will help you create a change in your family. He calls these gifts your compass. The are meant to act as an inner guidance system that will help your family stay on the flight plan.
Families go through different struggles. Even if it is the same situation, it is different for each family. Finding an effective way to find a solution that works best for you and your family is why this book was created. I can’t wait to continue reading about the different scenarios and solutions found by using a destination, a flight plan, and a compass!