I signed up for the course and wasn’t really looking forward to it. I’ve fought the “7 Habits Of Successful People” by Steven Covey for years. Showing up yesterday I thought we’ll get stories, instruction and the dreaded group work and presentations.

Upon arrival I grabbed a coffee and settled in for three days of pretending to pay attention. Something happened, our instructor is really nice, very engaging. The other people from the office were really nice. The course is really useful and I can see implementing many of the habits into my life. Not just work but every day life. Actually probably more my personal life, I care more about my personal life.

Much of it is common sense but sometimes we need a reminder of what’s important, priorities and also how to treat people. All of this is in the course. Focus and figuring out what is important, coming up with a plan and staying on track. All good lessons. Perhaps the best lesson is that I work with people. Sometimes you forget and just show up to your job, get it done and go home. I realized over the past two days how little I engage with the people I work with. Many in the course are outside of my group, people I don’t get to talk to and it was nice to see some familiar faces I haven’t seen in awhile and also meet some new ones.

Have one day to go with the course and I’m looking forward to it. I’m now glad I took it not just for the instruction on the 7 Habits but also for reconnecting with people in the office. Sometimes just stepping away from work and getting a more personal conversation going can make a huge difference, also looking forward to going back to the office and keeping up some of the friendships I’ve started to form.