Lecture Notes: Life-Changing Encounter with Stephen Covey

Introduction

• Speaker shares a transformative experience from 1991 when meeting Stephen Covey.
• The period is marked by personal and professional struggles, particularly as the backup to Joe Montana in the San Francisco 49ers.

Background Context

Professional Struggles

• Started with the 49ers in 1987, competing with Joe Montana.
• Describes the intense rivalry and pressure, feeling like "David vs. Goliath."
• Joe Montana led the team to two Super Bowl victories, increasing the pressure on the speaker.
• In 1991, Joe got injured, offering the speaker a chance to play regularly.
• Intense public scrutiny and comparison to Montana led to anxiety and depression.

Personal Challenges

• October 1991, a headline blamed the Gulf War on the speaker, which exacerbated stress.
• Personal struggles with anxiety, poor sleep, and feeling overwhelmed.

Encounter with Stephen Covey

Initial Meeting

• Met Stephen Covey on a flight, leading to a life-changing conversation.
• Speaker vented about personal struggles and pressures.

Stephen Covey's Perspective

• Covey asked questions about the 49ers' owner, coach, and Joe Montana.
• Covey identified the strong foundation and opportunity within the 49ers organization.
• Covey introduced the idea of a "platform" where individuals can reach their potential.
• Challenged the speaker with the question: "Do you want to see how good you can get?"
• Emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity to explore personal potential.

Impact of Covey's Advice

• The encounter shifted the speaker's mindset from victimization to opportunity.
• Repeated Covey’s question "Do you want to see how good you can get?" as a personal mantra.
• This mindset shift led to improved performance; winning the NFL MVP award in 1992.

Broader Lessons from Stephen Covey

Importance of Truth and Abundance

• Covey’s advice was grounded in truth, not just motivation.
• Emphasizes the abundance mindset over a zero-sum game approach in relationships and conflict.
• Advocates for finding common ground and win-win situations.

Legacy of Stephen Covey

• Covey's teachings focus on improving human relationships and personal development.
• Encourages applying this abundance mentality in every relationship.
• Speaker urges listeners to adopt this mindset and explore their potential.

Conclusion

• Stephen Covey’s influence profoundly changed the speaker’s life trajectory.
• Encouragement to seek personal growth and foster healthy relationships.
• Concludes with a call to action to continue Covey’s legacy of positive impact.