9 Habits of Highly Effective People: Habit No. 1

Over the years, I have had the privilege of interacting with many businessmen, businesswomen, and corporate leaders holding high positions. I have watched them grow, excel, and expand their influence in remarkable ways.

As I observed their lives closely, I noticed that what truly set them apart was not just talent, education, or opportunity but certain habits they had cultivated over time. These habits shaped their thinking, guided their day-to-day decisions, and maintained their effectiveness.

Over the next few days, I would like to share my findings with you. I strongly believe that if you develop these habits in your own life, you too will become far more fruitful and effective in everything you do. And ultimately, that is what truly brings glory to the Father.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Highly effective people, from a biblical standpoint, do not begin with productivity they begin with priority. Before strategies are formed, before plans are executed, before decisions are defended, they settle one foundational question: Who is first?

The Bible consistently reveals that effectiveness is not accidental; it is the byproduct of a life ordered rightly before God.

1. Priority Determines Power

In Genesis, the very first words of Scripture declare, “In the beginning, God…” (Genesis 1:1). This is a divine principle. Whatever God is first in, He governs. Whatever He governs, He blesses.

When God is not first, even good things fall apart. But when He is first, even difficult seasons produce fruit. Lord Jesus did not say, seek God among other things He said, seek first. Effectiveness in life is not about adding God to our plans; it is about submitting our plans to God.

King David understood this deeply. Though he was a warrior, king, poet, and leader, he declared:

One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord (Psalm 27:4).

David’s effectiveness flowed from keeping God first in everything.

2. First Love Fuels Lasting Strength

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: ² “I know your works, your labour, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; ³ and you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for My name’s sake and have not become weary.⁴Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love. (Revelation 2:1-4)

Notice—nothing else was rebuked. Their works continued, their labour endured, their doctrine remained sound but effectiveness without intimacy had become hollow.

Highly effective believers guard their first love. Prayer is not rushed. Scripture is not skimmed. Worship is not mechanical. Like Mary of Bethany, they choose the better part sitting at the feet of Jesus knowing that intimacy always outlives activity (Luke 10:38–42).

Prophet Isaiah reveals the reward of this posture:

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31).

Waiting here does not mean inactivity it means God-centered dependence. Strength is renewed not by effort, but by proper positioning.

3. The First Habit Shapes All Other Habits

In the Old Testament, God demanded the firstfruits not leftovers (Proverbs 3:9). The first portion redeemed the rest. This principle still stands. When the first hour of the day, the first affection of the heart, and the first allegiance of the will belong to God, everything else comes into divine order.

Lord Jesus Himself modelled this habit. “Very early in the morning… He went out to a solitary place, and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35). Before crowds, miracles, and demands there was communion.

This is why effectiveness in Scripture is never separated from devotion. Joshua’s success flowed from meditation on the Word (Joshua 1:8). Joseph’s rise flowed from God’s presence (Genesis 39:2). Daniel’s influence flowed from a consistent prayerlife. (Daniel 6:10).

4. Effectiveness Begins at the Altar

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

This scripture clearly calls all believers to present themselves as living sacrifices. Sacrifice always goes on the altar first. A life laid down daily becomes a life lifted up by God.

Highly effective people do not ask, “What works?”

They ask, “What truly honours God?”

And Scripture answers clearly:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).

Where God is first, wisdom flows.

Where wisdom flows, effectiveness follows.

This is the first habit and without it, no other habit can truly stand.

Bible Reading: Genesis 30-31

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9 Habits of Highly Effective People: Habit No. 1

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