In Chinese Astrology, a person is given a set of natal pillars which comprises the 5 metaphysical elements of the universe. These elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Our existences on earth are governed by these elements. By the interaction of these elements in a productive, conquering or exhaustive cycle, our destiny takes root. Our characteristics, attributes, and behaviors are brought about by many of these elemental interplays within our natal chart. One aspect of destiny that we can change is our habit which invariably influences our behavior. This is where an analysis of our natal chart based on the 5 elements can help us decipher which habit will determine our behavior and ultimately our destiny.

In the context of self improvement, one management guru that stands out is Dr. Stephen R. Covey. His well researched and documented study on human behavior resulted in the publication of the highly acclaimed book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”. In short, the book teaches us how to live a productive and fulfilling life. Using Chinese Astrology, we can analyze how these habits are influenced by the elements in our natal chart.

Habit 1

We always have choices in our lives. What we make of ourselves depend on the choices we made. Whether we live from hand to mouth or live off the fat of the land is ultimately up to us. In Chinese Astrology, this habit has to do with our self element, the element that exhausts self and the element that self conquers. If your self element is wood, then the element that exhausts self is fire and the element that self conquers is earth.

Habit 2

We should have goals in our lives. Goals give us direction and take us where we want to go. It is being proactive in controlling our destiny. In Chinese Astrology, this habit has to do with the element that produces self. If your self element is fire, then the element that produces self is wood.

Habit 3

We should have a plan to achieve our goals. A plan will help to take us to our destination. We need to be disciplined and to prioritize which actions come first and which to take in order to get there fastest. In Chinese Astrology, this habit has to do with the element that conquers self and the element that exhausts self. If your self element is earth, then the element that conquers self is wood and the element that exhausts self is metal.

Habit 4

We should seek cooperation that is mutually beneficial. By having such interaction with one another, everybody wins and no one is made to be a loser. In this way, an agreement will last the test of time since everybody is satisfied and will stay committed. In Chinese Astrology, this habit has to do with our self element, the element that produces self and the element that conquers self. If your self element is metal, then the element that produces self is earth and the element that conquers self is fire.

Habit 5

We should listen more and speak less in order to really understand people. By seeking to understand others first allows us to see things from their perspective and pave the way for us to be understood in return. This makes us influential. In Chinese Astrology, this habit has to do with our self element, the element that produces self and the element that conquers self. If your self element is water, then the element that produces self is metal and the element that conquers self is earth.

Habit 6

We should accept and respect differences in people. By leveraging on the strengths of other people and compensate for their weaknesses, we can forge synergy in a team. Synergy is about using creativity to build strengths in diversity so that collectively, we achieve more than if we go it alone. In Chinese Astrology, this habit has to do with our self element, the element that produces self and the element that exhausts self. If your self element is wood, then the element that produces self is water and the element that exhausts self is fire.

Habit 7

We should strive to maintain a balance in our lives - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. By having balance in these four areas, we feel energized and empowered to live life to the full. It is the culmination in our journey to be a highly effective person.