By: Jazz Keyes

After reading Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, I began to wonder what results we would find if we applied his “inside-out” approach to effectiveness to love and relationships? The book is centered on the principles of self-help and business, but let’s investigate how these same seven habits can relate to relationships.

Habit #1: Be proactive. 

The first habit of highly effective people is the proactive approach they take in life. Proactive people understand that change requires self-awareness and you cannot wait on anyone else to alter the state of your life. Additionally, proactive people take ownership of their emotions. Instead of being ruled by outside forces, they view challenging circumstances as an opportunity to build character. Proactive people take charge of every element of their lives.

When it comes to relationships, we have to undo the thinking that convinces us that our emotions and actions are out of our control. The emotional peace we receive from our relationships is 100% within our control. Instead of moving through time wrapped up in a relationship that is not satisfying, be proactive. You have two choices: to either make the decision to make your relationship work and begin improving on the ways in which you behave within that relationship, or to remove yourself from the relationship if it does not serve you in the capacity that you believe it should. Proactiveness is centered on taking control of your life! Act now!

Habit  #2: Begin with the end in mind.

This principle forces the reader to think about the end goal and to ensure that every single day is spent moving towards that goal. One way to do this, according to Stephen, is to draft a personal mission statement. Does your relationship have a written mission statement? This is a written commitment to one another that outlines the principles that you hope to build your relationship on. To some, this may sound corny, but the reality is ALL businesses have a mission statement that governs their actions and behaviors.

There is an abundance of power that lies in unity. If you and your partner come together to highlight the goals, achievements, and characteristics you want your relationship to reflect, you will collectively agree to act only in a manner that is aligned with this mission.

Read more on JetMag.com.