仔细想想，美国学校家长提倡的这7种习惯，就是美国孩子从小形成的人生观， 也是他们待人接物，行为处事的准则。理解这些观念，对高中大学申请文书撰写，以及如何与美国同学，同事相处都很有帮助。而且，尝试运用这些方法，也能让自己在美国的社会环境里更有效，更成功。
美国学校根据《The 7 Habits of Happy Kids》和《The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens》这两本书的内容，给学生们画了一个叫 7个习惯树/ The 7 Habits Tree －的海报，作为孩子们品格教育的参照纲领。从小养成这些好习惯的孩子，未来的路多数会走得比较顺畅和快乐。
这幅海报用一棵大树来比喻孩子一生中要培养的好习惯。从树根开始从下往上，这7个习惯像一棵树一样逐渐长成，分别是：
第1个习惯：Be proactive －you're in charge，
积极主动，我的人生我负责
I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.
我对自己负责，做事积极主动。我管理自己的行为、态度和情绪。我做了错事不怪别人。不用别人说我也会去做正确的事情，哪怕没有人在看。
第2个习惯：Begin with the end in mind - Have a plan
有目标，有计划
I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school's mission and vision. I look ways to be agood citizen.
做事前我会定计划和目标。我做有意义和带来积极影响的事。我是班级里的重要一员，为学校事务做贡献。我希望成为一个好公民。
第3个习惯：Put first things first - Work first, then play
做事分主次，先工作，后娱乐
I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do.I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized.
我在重要的事情上花时间。不该做的事，我勇于说不。我制定优先级，做日程表，执行我的计划。我对自己有纪律，做事井井有条。
第4个习惯，Think win-win - Everyone can win
从共赢角度考虑问题，利己利人
I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others' Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.
我勇于争取自己想要的，但是我同时也会考虑别人的需求。我在别人的情感银行帐号里放下我的存款。有矛盾的时候，我寻求能平衡彼此需求的解决方案。
第5个习惯，Seek first to understand, then to be understood
先去理解别人，再求被人理解
I listen to other people's ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look peoplein the eyes when talking。
我仔细聆听别人的主意和情感。我努力从他人角度去理解问题。听别人说话的时候我不插嘴、不打扰。我很有信心说出我自己的主意。别人说话的时候，我直视他的眼睛。
第6个习惯，Synergize －Together is better
协同－合作会更好
I value other people's strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people's ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble.
我珍重别人的优点，向他们学习。我和大家很好相处，即使他们和我很不一样。我能有效地进行团队合作，因为我知道合作比单打独斗能带来更好的解决方案。我保持谦虚的精神。
第7个习惯，Sharpen the saw－Balance feels best
磨刀不误砍柴工，寻求健康和平衡
I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others.
我充分照顾好自己，健康饮食，锻炼，保证足够睡眠。我跟家人朋友享受在一起的时光。我涉略广泛，旅行，不止限于学校的功课。我做有意义的事情帮助别人。
