Moving in the fast lane means performing at a higher level. Just as an automobile performs better on higher octane fuel, so do individuals perform at higher levels with the right fuel. We cannot expect to close the gaps between our current condition without performing at higher levels. The fuel that enables higher performance for individuals is a guiding set of values. There are endless stories of ruin that accompany those looking for shortcuts -- in business, sports, entertainment, or personal achievement -- those who abandon solid values for quick success.

Many times when speaking about performing at higher levels, some think that high performance is limited to the elitists among us -- those who are blessed with an abundance of resources, who seem to have advantages over the rest of us. That is not the case.

A few years ago, Steven Covey wrote a book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." This book spawned a growing industry of followers who "got it." Success is based on some very fundamental habits that we all can adopt.

Here is a review for those who want to accelerate their performance in the fast lane:

1. Be Proactive. Proactive people are driven by values that are independent of the weather or how people treat them.
   
2. Begin with the End In Mind. Develop a principle-centered personal mission statement.
   
3. Put First Things First. Identify the key roles that you take on in life, and make time for each of them.
   
4. Think Win/Win. Seek agreements and relationships that are mutually beneficial.
   
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood. First seek to understand the other person, and only then try to be understood.
   
6. Synergize. Through trustful communication, find ways to create a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts.
   
7. Sharpen the saw. Take time out from production to build production capacity through personal renewal of the physical, mental, social/emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

I have practiced these habits for many years, and find that they have enabled me to perform at a very effective level in a variety of situations -- family, work, organizations, business -- to name a few.

I would like to hear from you. What habits have helped you to raise your level of performance in the fast lane? Are you accelerating past the obstacles in the way of your full potential? Is something holding you back?

I'm looking forward to hearing from you. BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS