Begin With The End In Mind

By Perry Rearick, Chief Editor, Follow Your Buyer

The second habit identified by Steven R. Covey in his book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, is to begin with the end in mind.

Easily misunderstood and seemingly in conflict with habit number three, put first things first, many of us tend to bypass number two.  

What does beginning with the end mean?

It cannot possibly mean to start at the end and work backwards! If you’re thinking this, you are absolutely right, it doesn’t mean that.

You’re likely familiar with organizational vision statements and perhaps your company has one. It articulates what your organization stands for, the values you hold dear, and may even contain more measurable shorter-term goals.   

But Covey is talking about a habit, something we do daily, and throughout each day, that reminds us of a bigger outcome we have. And this habitual reminder helps us maintain a heading in a direction that will take us there.

What greater end do you have in mind? Do you have broader goals for the year, quarter, and month? Perhaps your end is more of a vision of who you want to become.

Before jumping into the next task on your to-do list, pause and see the greater outcome for which you are striving. It will not only keep you on track but will also provide the motivation to give it your best.