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Lessons from Ep.730 – “Revisiting The 7 Habits”
Hey everyone, Brad here. If you’re involved in the Zen Parenting Radio community, you might know me as the guy behind the digital curtain. Today, I want to discuss an episode that particularly resonated with me: Episode 730. What makes this one special is not just its standalone value, but how it connects with some age-old principles laid down by Stephen Covey in his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”
Everyday Parenting and The Importance of Time
The episode begins with Cathy talking about a routine task: scheduling a driving test for her daughter. It’s a simple moment that packs a punch, reminding us that parenting is often about navigating daily tasks and decisions. Todd adds another layer by questioning our collective perception of time. This dovetails nicely with Covey’s principle of “Putting First Things First,” emphasizing the need to focus on what truly matters.
Family Mission Statements
Around ten minutes in, Cathy introduces the concept of family mission statements. This is where Covey’s idea of “Begin with the End in Mind” comes into play. Having a clear, collective goal can be a unifying factor for families, offering a sense of direction and purpose.
Reacting vs. Responding: The Power of Choice
Todd discusses the space between stimulus and response, highlighting the power of choice in our reactions. This idea directly correlates with Covey’s habit of “Being Proactive.” Whether you’re dealing with a bug in the TeamZen Circle app or a household disagreement, taking a moment to pause and choose your reaction can make a significant difference.
Control and Choice
The episode further explores the concept of control, or lack thereof, in our daily lives. Here, Todd and Cathy tap into Covey’s habit of “Circle of Influence,” emphasizing that while we can’t control everything, we can certainly control our reactions. This is especially relevant to anyone juggling multiple responsibilities.
Emotional Wisdom: The Interdependence Principle
One of the standout segments is when Cathy talks about interdependence, which aligns with Covey’s habit of “Think Win-Win.” Interdependence isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical component of family dynamics, reminding us that success in any relationship is about mutual benefits and understanding.
The Journey of Self-Improvement
Todd rounds off the discussion by exploring the duality of human nature: we are both flawed and beautiful. This fits well with Covey’s principle of “Sharpen the Saw,” emphasizing the importance of continuous self-improvement.
Closing Thoughts: The Zen Parenting Approach
Before concluding, Cathy gives a brief mention of some pre-conference activities, emphasizing the podcast’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive platform for discussion. This aligns perfectly with Covey’s habit of “Synergize,” highlighting the value of collaborative efforts and community engagement.
If you’re looking to explore these themes further, I’d highly recommend reading “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. You can also check out the full Episode 730 on our website or the TeamZen Circle app for more nuanced discussions on these topics.
Wrap-Up
Episode 730 isn’t just another podcast episode; it’s a resource that offers practical insights into effective parenting, many of which align with Stephen Covey’s timeless principles. If you haven’t listened to it yet, now’s the time.
Further Reading and Resources
If you found Episode 730 as impactful as I did, you might be interested in some additional resources that can expand on the topics Todd and Cathy covered:
Books
- “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey: A foundational text for understanding the balance between control, choice, and effectiveness.
- “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman: For anyone intrigued by Cathy’s talk on emotional wisdom, this is a must-read.
Websites
- Zen Parenting Radio Website: Here you can find all the past episodes, including Episode 730.
- Mindful.org: A valuable resource for those interested in diving deeper into mindfulness and thoughtful response.
Apps
- TeamZen Circle: If you haven’t checked out our app, it’s a great extension of the podcast and includes additional content and community discussions.
- Headspace: An app focused on mindfulness and meditation, which can help you practice the principles of thoughtful response that Todd discussed.
Courses
- Coursera’s “Everyday Parenting” Course: An excellent resource for parents looking for science-backed strategies.
- Udemy’s “Emotional Intelligence at Work”: Offers practical steps to enhance your emotional intelligence, touching upon many points Cathy brought up.
Conferences and Events
- Zen Parenting Conference: Keep an eye on the website for updates on upcoming conferences and pre-conference activities.
Until next time, keep the conversations going!
Warmly,
A Compassionate Listener and Zen Parenting Radio Devotee
Best, Brad
Listen to the full episode here
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