Continuing through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, in pages 35-45 Covey discusses the concept of “A New Level of Thinking”. These pages challenge us to rethink how we approach personal and interpersonal effectiveness, urging us to adopt a principle-centered, character-based method he describes as the “inside-out” approach.
Covey begins by addressing a common pitfall in our development process—the temptation to seek shortcuts. He asserts, “It is simply impossible to violate, ignore, or shortcut this development process. It is contrary to nature, and attempting to seek such a shortcut only results in disappointment and frustration.” In more visible areas like tennis or piano playing, our level of development is evident—we cannot pretend to be more skilled than we are. However, Covey points out that it’s not as obvious when it comes to character and emotional development. This is where the inside-out approach becomes crucial. True progress, whether in skill development or character building, requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace the journey rather than just the destination.
Borrowing Strength Builds Weakness
One of the more striking observations Covey makes is the concept that “borrowing strength builds weakness.” He explains that relying on external factors or using force to get things done ultimately weakens us. It fosters dependence and stunts the development of independent reasoning, growth, and internal discipline. When we pressure others to conform or cooperate out of fear rather than mutual understanding, we create an environment where relationships deteriorate, and both parties become defensive and less effective.
Covey’s insight here is particularly relevant in our fast-paced world, where efficiency is often valued above all else. He poses a thought-provoking question: “Is there a chance that efficiency is not the answer? Is getting more things done in less time going to make a difference–or will it just increase the pace at which I react to the people and circumstances that seem to control life?” This challenges the prevailing mindset that productivity equals success, urging us instead to consider whether our approach to time and tasks reflects deeper principles and priorities.
The Need for a New Level of Thinking
Albert Einstein’s famous quote, “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them,” serves as a cornerstone for Covey’s argument. He contends that to solve the chronic, underlying problems many of us face, we must adopt a new level of thinking. This new level is what Covey’s 7 Habits aim to instill—a principle-centered, character-based approach that begins from the inside out.
Covey explains that this inside-out approach means starting with oneself, particularly with our paradigms, character, and motives. It’s a process of continuous renewal, guided by natural laws that govern human growth and progress. Covey describes this journey as an “upward spiral of growth that leads to progressively higher forms of responsible independence and effective interdependence.” By focusing on internal change first, we can achieve long-term success and fulfillment, rather than chasing after the fleeting benefits of the Personality Ethic.
Rediscovering What’s Already Inside Us
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Covey’s message when he writes, “…many of the principles embodied in the 7 Habits are already deep within us, in our conscience and our common sense.” This suggests that personal and interpersonal effectiveness isn’t about acquiring something new, but rather about rediscovering and nurturing what’s already there.
The key to overcoming the challenges we face lies in embracing this new level of thinking—one that is grounded in principles, driven by character, and focused on inside-out growth. Keep this idea in mind as we continue through this book, and remember to join us on September 30th as we discuss pages 46-53, reading until the header “Effectiveness Defined”.
What new insights did you gain from these pages? How are you feeling about the pace of our reading schedule? What would you like to see included in these posts? Let us know in the comments below!
