Inspired reflections from the lens of a sensei, mentor, and lifelong learner.
When I first encountered Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People during my MBA years, I read it like a textbook,highlighting sections, memorizing definitions, and moving on to the next required reading. But decades later, I’ve come to realize something: I no longer merely remember the habits; I’ve lived them. They’ve become deeply embedded in how I think, teach, and serve. This blog is a personal reflection on how each of Covey’s habits has evolved in my journey,and how they now form the bedrock of my personal and professional philosophy.
Be Proactive
This was the first habit I mastered, and arguably the most foundational. As a young academic and administrator, I learned early that you don’t wait for problems to arrive,you anticipate them, prepare for them, and move ahead with quiet clarity. Proactivity is not just about doing more,it’s about choosing wisely. I say no to unnecessary battles, yes to strategic tasks, and always prepare two steps ahead. My shower thoughts usually become full-blown projects, all captured in my trusted notebook and developed within the “Cortez Research Nexus.” My legacy isn’t built on last-minute brilliance,it’s built on foresight, planning, and intentionality.
Begin with the End in Mind
My students will recognize this as the “Cortez backdoor approach.” I always tell them: secure your data first. Why? Because the best research starts with clarity. In my own work, I’ve always envisioned my end goals early,be it a publication, a policy impact, or an institutional program. I don’t build houses that look good from the outside but collapse from within. I design frameworks with intention, where every detail serves the whole. This habit reminds me that a sense of purpose isn’t just philosophical,it’s practical.
Put First Things First
Teaching has always been my core. I center everything around it. Content creation and research follow naturally. Vlogging? That’s my creative outlet. And health? That’s non-negotiable. Prioritizing isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most at the right time. My calendar reflects this balance,term-time is for teaching; breaks are for writing; moments of silence are for rest. And I’ve come to understand that some contributions are best made through policy, others through presence. The point is: everything has its rightful place.
Think Win-Win
This habit matured with me. In the beginning, I said yes to every collaboration. Now, I’m more selective. I choose win-win partnerships,those where energy, commitment, and expertise flow both ways. I call it a “champion’s match.” The best collaborators aren’t just smart,they’re invested. And often, these working relationships grow into genuine academic friendships, built on mutual respect. That’s the kind of winning I root for.
Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Being trilingual in English, Filipino, and Japanese has taught me that language is more than words,it’s culture, context, and emotion. My classroom is filled with students from around the world, and I’ve learned to listen without assumptions. I focus on essence, not just grammar. I’ve come to value silence, hesitation, and even disagreement as part of the learning process. And beyond the classroom, I treat every conversation,whether with colleagues, policymakers, or community leaders,as a chance to understand before offering my voice.
Synergize
Synergy comes alive in my student teams. I often pair undergraduates who have wild, creative ideas with MBA students who have the technical discipline to execute. Then I provide the conceptual spine. Together, we produce research that not only surprises me,but also improves my own process. We use a senpai-kouhai system to ensure continuity, where knowledge is passed down year after year. The result? My ideas get tested, polished, and made better,not in isolation, but in collaboration.
Sharpen the Saw
This habit ties it all together. I’ve learned that the engine that powers all my work,teaching, research, service,is me. And so, I take care of that engine. I rest. I eat well. I take deep breaths. I walk with Basha. I let silence fill my day. I avoid burnout not because I’m afraid of it,but because I value sustainability. I want to keep teaching, writing, and serving for a long time. And that requires sharpening the saw, daily.
Each of these habits is no longer just a principle I admire. They’re now part of my operating system. I didn’t memorize them to pass a class,I internalized them to shape a life.
As I continue to teach, mentor, and write, I carry these habits forward,not as rules, but as quiet companions. They remind me that effectiveness isn’t just about achievement,it’s about alignment. And perhaps, in my own way, I’ve not just read Covey,I’ve become a quiet practitioner of his wisdom.