7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

Section 1: What is a habit?

Definition

A habit is something that you do often or regularly, most times without even thinking
about it.

Examples

Good habits Bad habits

Examples:
- spending 60 minutes a day - smoking
exercising - overspending
- obeying safety rules - procrastination
- eating healthy (for the most - spending too much time
part) playing video games
- practicing good hygiene - biting your nails
skills - skipping breakfast
- being organized - eating too much fast food
What are a few of your good habits?

1.

2.

3.

What are a few of your bad habits?

1.

2.

3.

Section 2: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

1. Be Proactive
I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame
others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

Activity: Develop a business idea for a fictional company that would satisfy an unmet need of your age
group. Compare plans and discuss which businesses are most likely to be successful and why.

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 2. Begin with the end in mind
I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of
my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Activity: What is one of your long-term goals? What can you be doing right now to help you achieve
this goal later in life?

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3. Put first things first

I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I
set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.

Activity: Make a list of all of the things that you have to do this week. Categorize each one as “Do”,
“Plan”, “Delegate”, “Eliminate” from the Eisenhower Matrix.

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 4. Think win-win
I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. When conflicts arise, I
look for a win-win solution.

Activity: There are two siblings in a family that want a cell phone and would like it to be paid for. The
parent says that they will pay for one cell phone bill per month. How do you make this situation a win-
win for both siblings?

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5. Seek first to understand, then to

be understood
I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoint (paradigm). I listen to
others without interrupting. I listen with my ears, my eyes, and my heart. I am confident in voicing my
ideas.

Activity: Symbol drawing with a partner. One partner describes the image (see teacher for details)
while the other faces away from the board and draws the image in the space below. Switch roles.
 6. Synergize
I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are
different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas because I know that by teaming
with others, we can create better solutions than what any one of us could alone. I look for Third
Alternatives.

Activity: Organize the supplies. Work as a team to design a strategy that will allow you to be most
successful!

7. Sharpen the saw

I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep (body). I learn in lots of ways
and lots of places, not just at school (brain). I spend time with family and friends (heart). I take time to find
meaningful ways to help people (soul). I balance all four parts of myself.

Activity: What is one thing that you can do to balance each part of your body (body, brain, heart,
soul)?
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“Small changes can make huge destination

differences.”

― Sean Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens