How to be truly effective person

This is a review of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. If you don't know him, he is the author of bestselling book the 7 habits of effective people.

I wanted to share this to all the people including you and all the youth out there. This review tells you why should or shouldn't read this book. For parents, having a closer relationship to their children is essential to build a loving intact family which is slowly diminishing in today’s present society. 

And if you want to develop a habit to be more closer to your children there is no reason not to read this book.

If you haven't read "7 Habits" yet, it MAY NOT be time to read it now.

I have noticed that you can't or shouldn't read it until you're ready. 

Let me explain that:

If you  are a parent, single parent, student leader, missionary, pastor or anyone who wanted to be truly effective in your career this book is for you.

There are concepts in this book that are so powerful, that even just reading them (without consciously putting them into action) changed how I live.

For example, I continuously found myself comparing what was happening in my life to what I had just read. If someone said an insulting thing to me, my initial feeling would be anger, but on the heels of that thought would come something I'd read in 7 Habits. I'd be thinking, "Hey! That reminds me of when Covey wrote about the stimulus and response.

We have the capability to act base on the circumstances that hover around us, but being a proactive person as he said, you should not be affected with the outside factors which influence your life.

The first 3 Habits were enough to get me incredibly excited about interaction with others. You could live 1000 years and not come up with these concepts on your own.

The 4th habit was called "Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood, this helped me to become a very good "facilitator or moderator".

I could talk to people and help them not "drown for psychological air" around me. People want to be understood.

If you argue your point all the time, no one feels understood and ideas are harder to be put into action. ANY IDIOT CAN ARGUE! The whole world seems to place a huge importance on debate...and being able to destroy other people's points of view with your logic and wit.

Having learned some of his principles especially to get close to anyone especially to children, Covey said it is important that we must practice to eliminate autobiographical response which can hinder our close relationship to our children.

This autobiographical response is somewhat behind our instinct that when we get irritated with our child we immediately state the reasons based on our own past experiences which is not appropriate.

Why?

Because we are only considering our side if we use this autobiographical response to our children, and so the welfare or concern of the child has not been considered and we became the child’s enemy. 

I think this is also the reason why children of today’s generation don’t usually open up problems to their parents. And this is because parents use this response; they closed the dialogue already which leads to hostility to the child.

I once shared this concept with an opinionated individual. They started yelling at me and saying I was wrong and that if you know you're right, you need to stand up for yourself and prove the other person is wrong. With a grin on my face, I replied, "Maybe you're right". LOL!

They didn't even pick up on the fact I had just done to them what I was advocating. It's amazing what happens to people when you state back to them what you think is the point they're trying to make.

You'll end up starting a lot of your sentences with: "...so, what you're saying is....".

Once you begin to show the person you're not there to argue, their backs go down; the urgency in their voice drops; they calm down; and then they listen to your point without fighting.

As Covey explains, the best way to influence others is...to be INFLUENCED.

It's such a good book and it's filled with principles that will help you in all your dealings, but I find you have to be in a position in your life to put it into action. It will work great if you can practice it every day in a setting as:

-a family member dealing with difficult situations

-a manager

-a salesperson

...or anyone who needs to deal with people day-to-day.  If you feel a strong need to know how to deal with others more effectively, maybe you're ready for this book now.

That is only one lesson I mentioned and there are more of it.

The book really can transform any person who wants a personal change from within. As I practiced his lessons, I became more effective even in small little way without giving any reason to quit my personal mission without having achieving it.

It’s really very powerful transformational self-help reference book I found in my collection.  At first it was just a dump in my closet since it is only given to me by my sister. But when I read it from chapter 1, I couldn’t stop until I finish the whole book reading.

As I already practiced in my life the habit number one which is being proactive this one is one habit that everyone must try to achieve everyday in order to win his life’s battle.  I also shared this habit to my friends and encourage them to be proactive to win their little battles.

Church Youth Group Activities

The church plays a vital role in the society and every individual is a member of a particular religion. You see, there are various religions all over the world. It is very important to instill the beliefs of the church in the minds of its constituents, especially the little children.

However, in today’s modern society, the youth should be given much attention because a lot of them are following the wrong path; a path that can lead them to self destruction. The church youth group activities can help them, if given the chance.

Are you already in your adolescence? If you are, then perhaps you’ve encountered a lot of changes lately. Some of the changes are quite strange and new to you. You suddenly feel the need to belong to a certain group and yet you’re struggling very hard to be accepted by others. If you’re in this kind of situation, you have to find a youth group.

Youth groups are almost everywhere. You can ask help from your parents so that you can find a local youth group. Why not check out the church nearest your place of residence? Churches usually have a youth group ministry that welcomes all the youth who wants to join. Inquire at the nearest church if they also have a youth group ministry.

Check the internet because there are so many resources there to help you in your search for a youth group. It would be best to find a locally-based youth group so that it will be easier to participate in the group’s activities. Not only that, you will also get to know other youths in your community and have a chance to befriend them. Youth groups can offer the youth members with a lot of opportunities for personal growth and success. If you’re in the right age to join the youth groups, don’t hesitate to visit their office and tell them that you wish to become a member of their youth group.

So, what’s in store for you as a member of the group? Church-based youth groups usually conduct monthly prayer meetings. In the meeting, the youth leader will start with an opening prayer. A bible verse will be read and the group will reflect on the word of God. After the reflections, other matters will be discussed. Open forums are also conducted so that all the members will have a chance to air their concerns.

If there are upcoming activities, the group will be informed as well. The meeting will end in a closing prayer. So you see, in the monthly meetings alone, all the members will know God better. By being a member of the youth group, you will learn more about God and His teachings. Your faith in the Lord will be renewed.

Aside from the prayer meetings, other activities are carried out such as evangelizations, fellowships, outreach programs, camp-outs, and many other activities. Some of the activities let the members have fun so that they will get to know each other better. In every activity, God is always the center. Parents need not worry a thing because their kids are safe.

The church youth group activities are also monitored by the church personnel. Be an active member of the youth group so that you will become a better individual. Your relationship with your family will also greatly improve.  

Youth Group Games Activities

Even if you’re already grown up, or you’re in your adolescence, you shouldn’t lose the child in you. Give yourself enough time to have fun by participating in youth group games activities.

Games and grammar activities will definitely help you have fun while learning. If you don’t want to get bored while trying to learn your lessons in school, take a look at these fun youth games.

Here are some of best youth games that you could try in your youth group.

1. Tic Tac Toe

Draw a tic tac toe giant board in class. In the squares, you need to write a sentence using a verb. Leave a blank space for the verb. If the missing verb can be identified, that is the time to place an ‘x’ on the box. The teacher will also participate in the game and should check the different answers of the students.

Aside from using verb in the sentence, you can also use other grammar rules.

2. Sentence Auctions

When doing youth games in school, you should start with the easy ones. Now, this game is harder than the first one. The class should be divided into groups. Teach them everything about auctions. Each group should be given points or even money so that they can bid for the given correct sentences. The teacher will be the one to auction correct as well as incorrect sentences. The group that earns the highest points wins.

3. Sentence Maze

The student should each hold a printed maze. Make sure that the students start together. Read sentences that are grammatically right and wrong. Students will have different answers. If the students are able to tell the right from the wrong sentences, they can finish the maze.

4. Sentence partners

Each student should be given a secret word. The words can be verbs, nouns, adverbs, prepositions, and many others. After that, each student should look for at least two partners so that they can create a correct sentence. When everyone is finished, let them read the sentences. All the sentences should be correct in order to win the game. You can do this all over again. Yu simply have to prepare many words that can be matched together.

As you can see, the games are similar to kids’ games. But that’s just the idea behind it so that the youth don’t get bored in class. With the games, they can have fun while learning their lessons in English. You can even use the games in other subjects like mathematics. Try the games and the class will surely have fun.

There are still other fun youth games that you can use. The internet can provide you with the needed resources. You simply have to search the internet and that’s it. The games will be all there, including the instructions and needed props.

Learning is a continuous process and for as long as you live, you will learn new things. This is the very reason why you shouldn’t lose the child in you. Having fun is not bad especially if you’re learning in the process. It will be bad if you’re not learning at all and if it is done excessively.

Spending everyday in class without having fun at certain a time can be very boring especially for the youth. Adolescence is a period of great change for individuals. To keep things running smoothly in class, have youth group games and activities.

Youth Leadership Activities

The faith of the future lies in the hands of today’s youth. It is therefore very important to train them how to be a leader at an early age. To start with, they must undergo youth leadership activities. 

You can instantly see a born leader when you see one. At a very early age, you will notice that a leader shows certain traits like being independent-minded, patient, strong, hardworking, and many other positive traits. However, leadership can be developed. Through the years of continuous study and training, they soon become successful leaders. 

Adolescence is a period of great changes. Each individual, boy or girl, tries very hard to be accepted. Oftentimes, peer pressure can give negative effects. If you don’t want your kid to experience peer pressure and the possible negative influence of other adolescents, your kid should be a member of a certain youth group. 

You must know the specific youth group that your child will join. You can find a lot of information regarding youth groups online. Some groups often have online forums where they can share their knowledge and experiences, as well as their problems. Other members of the youth group can share their stories and even give you pieces of advice. 

Check the background of the youth group before your kid joins. Make sure that the group has a positive reputation. Once you’ve chosen the best youth group for your kid, then he or she can now join the various youth group activities. 

Well of course, the existing members of the group will grow older as years pass and new leaders will take over. In this regard, youth leadership activities are often conducted to determine the potential leaders in the group. What are these leadership activities?

The youth group can organize a camping where they can spend a couple of days together. In the camp, the current youth leaders will be giving a series of games where every member will participate. Group games usually need a leader. At the end of the camp, potential leaders will be named and they are further trained to improve their leadership skills. 

Seminars and trainings are often given to the potential leaders. These seminars can enhance the skills of the soon-to-be youth leader. The trainings are also quite helpful because certain knowledge can be imported to your kid. 

Being a leader does not stop when you finally leave the youth group. Once your leadership skills are developed or enhanced, you will carry it as you grow older. Who knows, you might be the next senator or even the president of the country. 

Youth groups are truly needed in today’s times. The youth are more prone to be involved in vices such as drugs, alcoholism, gambling, and a lot more. If you don’t want your kids to follow the wrong path, encourage them to be a member of a reputable youth group. 

The parents play a very important role in the development of their kid’s personality. If you want to help them, talk to your kid now and find a youth group that he or she can join. 

Soon, he or she might be involved in youth leadership activities. In time, they may be the next leaders and will help other youths to enhance their leadership qualities. Good luck for finding a good youth group. 

Survival Youth Activity

One of the greatest challenge of the youth today is how to survive for themselves. And this can be master by joining activities that cater to the needs of the youth in order for them to survive. If you watch television often, then you probably know the different television programs which feature the survivor instinct of certain individuals. Did you know that by being a member of a youth group, you can do survivor-type youth activities?

A lot of teenagers want to be accepted in a group but sometimes, this is very hard to achieve. Adolescents go through a tough time because of the many changes in their lives. The society is sometimes too cruel and the troubled teenagers often find themselves involved in drugs, gambling, and excessive alcohol intake. If you don’t want to become one of them, you must find an active youth group in your locality.

What can youth groups do for you? The youth groups are very helpful. By being a member of the group, you will be pre-occupied with the various group activities. You will not have time to fool around. Your parents will be very thankful if they find out that you’re a member of a youth group.

Youth groups usually conduct monthly meetings. A good thing about youth groups is that they also focus mainly on God. The youth leaders encourage the group members to know God better. If the group is closer to God, then they can achieve all their goals.

Some of the youth group activities include the following:

1. Community or public service; church services

2. Socializing skills; ethical lessons

3. Going to the movies, having dinners at restaurants

4. Camping during summer, winter, and spring; sleep-over; retreats

5. Survivor-type activities like hiking, water rafting, mountain climbing, cave exploring, etc.

The fifth set of activities are well-loved by the youth group members. It’s one way to test their survival skills. Some youths want to live on the wild side and so they really like to do outdoor activities.

The group can go hiking in an out-of-town location. They can even do some mountain climbing after that. Hiking and mountain climbing are fun activities because they are nearer to nature. They can see many trees, plants, birds, and even animals.

Cave exploring is another good activity. The youth leaders can organize a cave exploring activity. They can even stay for the night there so that group members will have more fun. They can even do some bonding activities so that the members will know each other better.

While camping on a foreign place, the group can also go water rafting if the camp is near a river. This activity is fun and it really needs teamwork. This is an activity that builds teamwork. By the time the activities are finished, the group will know each other better.

Survivor-type youth activities are somehow dangerous but of course, they have a staff who knows first-aid. Your parents need not worry a thing whenever you’re out doing the activities. The youth leaders will make sure that everything will go smoothly and safely.

So what are you waiting for? Find a youth group near your place now and join. The group can provide you with the companionship that you need. The group members are excellent company. Your parents will even encourage you to actively participate in the various activities because it is for your own good.

At least now, you will be far away from the temptations of the modern world. Belonging to a good youth group is an advantage nowadays because they can help you become a better person.

What activities can help a teenager hone their skills?

Who says that the youth today is the same as youth of yesterday’s generation?

This is the most common  comment among the elderly to the young people of today. The youth nowadays are very different from the youth of long ago. There are teens that prefer to spend most of their time at home, helping their parents do household chores. A great many of them are the outdoor type. These teens love to go out and have a great time with peers. If you’re trying to look for creative activities for the youth, you simply have to keep reading.

Some youth activities are healthy but some youth are into dangerous activities. You probably heard over the news or read in the newspapers about youths who are deeply into drugs and alcohol. These activities are unhealthy and will only destroy the lives of young adults.

Teenagers want to be accepted in a group and growing up can be very hard for them. They undergo a lot of changes and those teens who find it hard to cope with the changes are often caught in a dangerous situation. They often end up in the company of bad friends. Soon, they will find themselves taking drugs or drinking too much alcohol. Some others are into gambling which can further affect how they handle their finances when they grow into adults.

So what activities for youth can you do? Even if you’re in a difficult stage at the moment, you should not lose control of yourself. You should still be responsible for all your actions. You’re already old enough to know what’s right from wrong. So you have to choose your peers wisely and make sure that you belong in the right group.

Parents should set an example to their kids and teach them the right manners even if their kids reach adolescence, they will know what to do. If the teens grow up to be good individuals, they can easily befriend other teens. Parents should monitor their kid’s activities and they must know their friends. That way, they can guide their kids to the right path.

Parents should also provide advice to their kids when needed. Good communication is a necessity. There are also activities that the family can do together; activities which are suited for the youth. Parents can start teaching their kids on how to be responsible with their expenditures by giving them the chance to budget their allowance.

In harnessing youth skills the community plays a very important role in governing the youth. Youth leaders should encourage fellow teens to join in sports activities. The sports activities can include volleyball, basketball, football, and other sports that can promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and camaraderie.

Joining youth groups is also an excellent idea. A youth group often has youth activities like camp-outs, outreach programs, prayer meetings, movie night outs, hiking, mountain climbing, and visits to foreign places. A good thing about youth group activities is that the parents and the organizers can monitor all the activities.

The goal of almost every youth group is to provide member youths with healthy activities which can help them as they grow older. Youth group ministries are also great because they help young people to be nearer to God. The group helps members to strengthen their faith in the Lord.

If you’re already in your teenage years, you have to be responsible for all your actions. Join youth groups so that you can do healthy activities for the youth.