'Get in the Habit' with the End in Mind, Habit #2

The 2nd habit involves vision; a mental creation precedes physical creation. Therefore the paradigm for this habit is "I live by design." Meaning that you envision the outcomes before you act and/or you create and act according to a personal mission statement.

As a result of practising such behaviour, we earn a clear definition of our desired results. A greater sense of meaning and purpose. And a criteria for deciding what is and isn't important that leads to improved outcomes.

A way to remember how to 'begin with the end in mind' is to reflect on your impact on others. If you can imagine all of your family, friends and loved ones gathered to celebrate your 50th birthday - what would they say about you? Did you treat them with the respect and love they deserved so that by the time their end comes they will remember and return that kindness? Did you live your live as it came everyday or did you plan every last hour or every year? Did you base your actions and values...etc. on a personal mission statement?

"No one can go back and make a brand-new start, my friend, but anyone can start from here and make a brand-new end." - Dan Zadra

Whether you call them your values, mission statement or anything else, we all have a set of 'fundamentals' that we live our lives by - subconsciously thinking with the end in mind. You rarely act on impulse without considering your 'conscience' or values first... if you think about it.

Your personal mission statement can be private, public, written in a journal, tattooed or painted on a mural in your house. Maybe you just always remember it in your heart and it doesn't need to be tangible. For your class at Florida State we practised writing our personal mission statements... some could be paragraphs, sentences or only a couple words. Here is a version of mine...

1 - To be remembered for my positive contributions...
      - for our rights as equal human beings
      - for our work ethic and daily routines
      - for our various forms of joy
      - for our capabilities to love
2 - To touch someone's life and make them smile or laugh everyday
3 - To never stop learning and educating myself in every way possible
4 - To help break social barriers between countries, genders & men
5 - To prove that determination and a strong will can never be wasted
6 - To help prevent the hardships I've faced to repeat on younger generations after me
7 - To leave this world with no regrets
8 - To be celebrated at my wake, not missed

Your personal mission statement can represent a specific time or time span in your life, or your entire life. It can be revised and redrafted as many times as you move houses or paint your kitchen. As long as you stay true to yourself and live each day with your ideal end in mind.

Up Next: 'Get in the Habit' of putting First things First