“Begin with the end in mind” is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There’s a mental or first creation, and a physical or second creation to all things.” ~ Stephen Covey from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Habit #2: Begin with the End in Mind
The idea is very simple: All great things (well, technically, all things good or bad) are created twice: First in the mind and then in reality. FIRST, we must get clear on what we want. Then we create it in reality.
Think of building a house. What’s the first step? You discuss with your architect what you want to see and make some blueprints, right? You don’t just bring in the construction team and get at it, do you? So why in the world don’t we do that in our lives?!?!It’s stunning to me how little time we spend getting really clear on what we want—whether it’s with a specific project at work or in our life in general. Ironically, we’re typically MUCH better at planning a project at a job we hate than planning a life to create a job we love.
And, the greatest irony? Most of us spend the greatest amount of time “blue-printing” our vacations to escape the eek of our day-to-day grind. Imagine if, instead, we spent that time planning our ideal lives so we didn’t need to escape on vacation so desperately.
It’s rather simple: Let’s get clear on our highest "end" goals and then line up what we do today (and tomorrow and …) to be in integrity with these ideals. If you tell me you want to be recognized as a kind, generous, loving person who always had time for her family, then guess what? BE a kind, generous, loving woman who always has time for her family NOW.
Let’s begin with the end in mind and live with integrity to our ideals as we rock it.
More "7 Habits mojo in the PN TV episode!
Before I end this post, here's another quote from Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People "What one thing could you do in your personal and professional life that, if you did on a regular basis, would make a tremendous positive difference in your life? Quadrant II activities have that kind of impact. Our effectiveness takes quantum leaps when we do them."
Hey Brian. Just wanted to say thanks. I've been following you for a while now and I love the new PN TV. You are on my list of "teachers" as well as many of the books you speak about. The 7 Habits was one of the first to get me on the road to self development. I'm currently embarking on My Simplicity Project for 2010. In preparation for my move from Cambridge, MA to Washington DC this summer I'm getting rid of everything I can't fit in or on my car. It's funny, but I'm somehow very excited about getting rid of everything. Go figure. I'll keep my blog posted with the updates. By the way. I gave you a shout out on my new site, thelifesite.com. Thanks again. Brian
thx, brian!!!!
have fun with your project! i know how powerful simplifying can be and i'm currently experiencing another level where I need to simplify my life again!!
When i, roger, went ona vacation and it rained all day. It sucked pretty bad, so now i use http://www.findbetterweather.com and
they are the best. Have to love it
Hope your travel goes better then mine did.
Thanks for this
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northway bank homepage sole trader great britain real estate brokers atlanta record retention requirements invoices purchases business mcdonald's payout ratio debtor day ratio mutual funds low initial investment bankruptcy paralegal association managed portfolio versus index funds examples of cross rate exchange types of municipal refunding interbank rate singapore dollar ge capital legal department trader joe's union square nyc demolition of value claim car insurance rider women jeans legal monopoly kasmir stag pension plan tax rules eurocredit sowntown dfr investments credit cards vs debit carts bolivia legal capital dallas collection credit cards winnisquam trading post insurance carrier broker agent alabama generativity vs stagnation ego biblical finances bell south pension plan pfizer dividend announcements bear share pro reinstatement mortgager calculator discount hotel insurance rates investment cost social investing performance loss mitrol value replacement debtors rights in nc ferrell gas limited partnership bank of ireland exchange rates george holzmacher minuteman franchises beneficiary of a life insurance policy control la rent augusta ga century 21 rental leases chase credit equity home line 20 hedge fund researchers in tennessee black girls firm ass nebraska cash advance and no faxing trade statistics usa insurance life policy question term definition insurance policy nasdaq corporate