Habit #2: Begin with the End in Mind

Habit #2: Begin with the End in Mind

Are you living the life of the person you want to be? Are you doing the things you’ve always dreamed of doing?

This weekend, I had the unfortunate experience of going to a funeral for my grandmother-in-law. Nonna lived to be 100 years old. Her eulogy reflected her spirited nature, wit, and devotion to her loved ones. We all spoke in amazement about the progress she’d witnessed during her lifetime (going though two world wars, seeing women gain the right to vote, watching the changed in the way we communicate). Over the course of a century, Nonna gracefully adapted to change, while remaining steadfast in her personal and moral beliefs. Her devotion to her faith and family never wavered.

 

open your arms to change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Covey’s Habit #2 of Highly Effective Teens: Begin with the End in Mind tells us to think about our own funeral. What would your eulogy sound like?

This seemingly morbid exercise is meant to remind us to think of our priorities. Are the things you’re doing right now shaping you into the person you want to be? What is the end goal?

 

life goals

 

 

 

 

 

 

Covey suggests we all come up with a personal mission statement. Here are some helpful questions to answer to come up with your statement:

  • I want to be a ________.
  • The things I value most are ________, ________, ________.
  • I want to be remembered for having the following qualities: ________, ________, ________.

 

Once you come up with this statement, use it as your daily guide. Are you living up to who you want to be every single day?