EVERYDAY GREATNESS

Quote from the Book

“All men should strive to learn before they die, what they are running for, and to, and why” (p.3)

The Authors

Stephen Richards Coveywas an American educator, author, businessman, and keynote speaker. His most popular book was The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. His other books include First Things First, Principle-Centered Leadership, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, The 8th Habit, and The Leader In Me — How Schools and Parents Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time. He was a professor at the JonM. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University at the time of his death. He died on July 16, 2012.David K. Hatch is a recognized consultant specialized in leadership and organizational effectiveness. His career has taken him to over thirty countries, where his assessment tools have benefited numerous Fortune 500 companies and over a half million leaders.

Insights from the Book

Since 1922, Reader’s Digest has offered its readers uplifting stories and wise insights spiced with gentle humor. In this anthology, David K. Hatch has collected some of the best of these stories and quotations, with added commentary from inspirational writer Stephen R. Covey. Their book provides numerous examples of ordinary people living principled lives. Without fanfare, quietly and nobly, these unrecognized heroes make the world a better place. They demonstrate what conviction, charity, and goodness really mean.

In this book, you will learn: What “everyday greatness” really means; How to make a positive contribution to the world through how you live every day; which internal qualities you need to become a “transformer,” someone who resists negativity.

Even though the book has Covey’s name on it, the material isn’t written by him. The bulk of the material consists of compiled stories and quotes from existing sources and historical figures. Covey adds commentary to each section and chapter in order to tie them all together into a cohesive theme. Each chapter has around three stories that illustrate the particular trait being covered. There is then a Wrap Up and Reflections section that summarizes the stories and theme, as well as questions to ask yourself in order to more deeply examine how that trait would manifest in your life. Finally, the chapter concludes with a number of quotes that stick with the theme but show slightly different facets of it. All in all, there’s a lot of inspiration to be had here.