If you have read or come across the book The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People, then you are no stranger to the name Stephen Covey, a great American writer and motivational speaker. He is well known for his inspirational and motivational writings which induce people to be more productive in their lives. His writings have had an effect on not just individuals, but also on the corporate world. Sadly though, Covey is no more. He died on Monday this week at the age of 79 following complications from a bicycle accidents three months ago.
Life and Education, a snapshot!
Stephen Richard Cover was born to Stephen Glenn Covey and his wife Irene Louise Richards. He was primarily from Utah. He earned his BS degree in in Business Administration from the University of Utah, and went to Harvard for MBA. He then obtained his DRE (Doctor of Religious Education) degree from Brigham Young University. Covey was a brother of Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity. He was awarded ten honorary doctorates. Covey has nine children, and 52 grandchildren.
Notable works
Covey is best known for his bestseller book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. It guides people on how to conduct themselves, and how to change their mindset towards a broader, more productive one. This book was translated into more than 38 languages, and has sold more than 25 million copies since its release in 1989!
About this book, Zackheim, a popular American book editor who currently works at Portfolio, says; “Covey’s influence was very pervasive. It was a book that applied to everybody. You would hear about whole organizations where everybody in the company was expected to read the book.”
In 2004, Covey got another book published, titled The Eighth Habit, a sequel to The Seven Habits. It talks about overcoming some common personal problems that hider a person’s path to greatness. Another of his books, The Leader in Me – How Schools and Parents Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time, provides some insight into how some extraordinary schools, teachers, and parents are grooming the future generation for new opportunities. It is another of his best sellers.
All these three books are highly recommended, and they will take you from realizing your abilities to correcting the negative habits inside you and finally to thinking ahead of your time and planning accordingly. These books have had a big impression upon millions of individuals and companies all around the world!
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Achievements
Stephen Covey has a lot of awards and achievements under his belt. He has earned;
- A place in Times Magazine’s 25 most influential Americans in 1996
- The 1994 International Entrepreneur of The Year award
- The National Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership
- The Thomas More College Medallion for continuing service to humanity
- The Sikh’s International Man of Peace Award in 1998
- A place in the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum Hall of Fame in 2009
- The Fatherhood Award in 2004 by the National Fatherhood Initiative
- and a lot more! See the full list here
Death
In April this year, Covey was riding his bicycle on a steep road when he lost control and crashed. He lost conciousness at that time, and was immediately hospitalized. Although he was wearing a helmet, he suffered internal bleeding in his brain according to his daughter, Catherine Sagers. Although he recovered, the complications grew until his health worsened at a family gathering. He was rushed to the nearest hospital where he drew his last breaths.
“Our family, all nine kids and our spouses and my mom, were able to gather together again to be with him for the last few hours of his life, which is what he always wanted,” said Sean Covey, his son.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Stephen R. Covey. His seminal work, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” will forever be one of the most influential books in the field of self-improvement,” president and CEO of Simon & Schuster, Carolyn K. Reidy is quoted to have said. This goes on to show how Covey’s works impacted businesses as well.
We regret with sorrow, the passing away of a great star. He has truly effected the lives of millions. Let this be a small tribute to his efforts for humanity. I would like to end by adding a favorite quote of mine by Stephen Covey.
“Remember, to learn and not to do is really not to learn. To know and not to do is really not to know”
A really great inspirational person. May he Rest In Peace!
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