Greg Branecky

The 8th habit of highly effective people: They don’t spend all their time reading about the 7 habits of highly effective people. Extended reflection without action is a form of procrastination. Doing is a catalyst for thinking and learning.

Happiness isn’t selfish. Feeling good is fuel for doing good. Misery is exhausting. It fosters a sense of scarcity: generosity seems like a sacrifice. Joy is invigorating. It promotes an attitude of abundance: giving feels gratifying. Vitality is kinder than melancholy.

Narcissistic leaders are sore losers. They deny their failures and blame others for their foibles. Humble leaders are good sports. They accept defeat graciously and admit their mistakes. Great leaders are great learners. They strive to turn their shortcomings into strengths.

The antidote to overthinking isn't thinking less. It's rethinking more. Overthinking is ruminating on old ideas without a new lens. It narrows your focus and wears you out. Rethinking is revisiting the same issue from a different perspective. It broadens and sharpens your view.

Be careful when reading between the lines. Most of the time, you’re just guessing. We rarely know others' motives. You don’t have to presume the best, but it's wise to stay open to multiple interpretations. A key to good relationships is refusing to treat assumptions as facts.

Insecure leaders ridicule others. Secure leaders laugh at themselves. The ability to make fun of yourself opens the door to candor. It’s a mark of humility and a catalyst for learning. Great leaders take their work seriously, but they don't take themselves too seriously.