How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV? The answer is, No one.
Stephen CoveyRead
Look at the weaknesses of others with compassion, not accusation. It's not what they're not doing or should be doing that's the issue. The issue is your own chosen response to the situation and what you should be doing. If you start to think the problem is "out there," stop yourself. That thought is the problem.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and compassion when evaluating others' shortcomings.
Stephen Covey's quote encourages individuals to approach the weaknesses of others with empathy instead of judgment. It suggests that the real issue lies not in what others fail to do, but in how we choose to respond to those shortcomings. Covey stresses that shifting our focus from blaming external factors to examining our own reactions can lead to personal growth and improved relationships. This perspective inspires us to foster understanding and compassion in our interactions.
Themes
CompassionSelf-ReflectionResponseJudgmentUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, to promote a positive atmosphere, I could quote this to remind everyone to focus on constructive feedback rather than criticism.
More from Stephen Covey
All quotes →If you want to have a more pleasant, cooperative teenager, be a more understanding, empathic, consistent, loving parent. If you want to have more freedom, more latitude in your job, be a more responsible, a more helpful, a more contributing employee.
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Listen with your eyes for feelings.
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If we live out of our memory, we're tied to the past and to that which is finite. When we live out of our imagination, _x000D_ we're tied to that which is infinite.
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Synergy is the highest activity of life; it creates new untapped alternatives; it values and exploits the mental, emotional, and psychological differences between people.
Stephen CoveyRead
Keep in mind that you are always saying "no" to something. If it isn't to the apparent and urgent things in your life, it is probably to the most fundamental, highly important things.
Stephen CoveyRead
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