Begin with the end in mind

It’s easy to let ourselves become busy people. In a flurry of activity, we can boast about how productive we’ve been. But efficiency doesn’t matter if we’re not working on the things that are truly important.

Only when we take time to “begin with the end in mind” can we can be assured that each step we take is one in the right direction.

Let’s see how this principled habit from Stephen Covey applies to our lives.

Start big. Do you know what you want out of life? Have you spent any significant amount of time reflecting on where you want to be in five years? How about a decade from now? What’s truly important to you? Are you on the right career path to accomplish those goals? Are you currently in a position to learn the necessary skills that will get you there in the long term?

These aren’t easy questions. But they’re some of the most important. People who ignore them are at risk of getting caught up in the busyness of life. They work harder and harder to climb the ladder of success only to discover that it’s leaning against the wrong wall.

Now apply it something more tangible. Think about the project at work you’re responsible for. Have you agreed on what “complete” look like? Who are the key stakeholders? When is the deadline?

Such projects are more likely to end in success if you first envision the outcome. Answering these questions align expectations with your manager and help motivate your team by providing a clear path forward.

Finally, let’s consider one more example – hosting an effective meeting. First, define the purpose. Most meetings are held to make a group decision. So then, what decision needs to be made? Who needs to be in attendance? What agenda will you follow to keep the conversation productive and moving in the right direction?

This simple exercise of defining the expected outcome of a meeting is so often neglected. And it’s the main reason why we sometimes find ourselves bored or frustrated around the conference table.

I hope that you can begin to see why “begin with the end in mind” is a universal principle for effective living. When we slow down and apply this habit from the start, our actions that follow will be more effective.