The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Steven Covey, is a self-help classic that outlines seven core principles for personal and professional success. The habits are divided into three stages: private victory of building self-mastery through proactivity, defining goals and prioritizing tasks; public victory of improving relationships through empathy, collaboration and communication; and continuous growth of focusing on personal renewal and lifelong learning. This episode is an overview of this lifechanging work. This is the first in a series of seven episodes that will take a deep dive into each of these highly effective habits and how to apply them in your own life.

What we focus grows, and what we avoid stays frozen. We talk about "paying attention." This payment is valuable. Valuing our attention, becoming mindful of what we are focusing on is a potent tool for self transformation; just by becoming aware.

It is no secret that we live in a time of great distraction. Renee talks about how distraction is often rooted in a particular form of suffering and how the principles underlying the 12 Steps can help us find the hope and power we need to create positive, constructive change in our lives.

What is we choose or at least agree to the circumstances of our life as part of our soul's journey? What if the Universe is a schoolhouse for our evolution? Asking the question, "What is my soul trying to learn here?" can move us from victim perspective into a place of empowerment and even hero of our own life experiences.

Part 3 of a 4 part series exploring the book, "The Four Questions: A Pathway to Inner Peace," by Vedic monk and spiritual guide, Vaisesika Dasa.