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Crafting Your Future: The Power of Beginning with the End in Mind

By Leilani Sigsbey (618 words - 4 minute read)

In the whirlwind of life's demands and distractions, it's easy to lose sight of our true goals and aspirations. Stephen R. Covey, in his influential book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," imparts a timeless principle: Begin with the End in Mind. This habit serves as a compass for crafting a purpose-driven life.

Painting Your Life's Canvas

Imagine embarking on a road trip without a destination in mind. You'd end up driving in circles, accomplishing nothing. The same applies to our lives. Being a person who is content with a routine, sometimes I even forget what the goal was, and I ask, “what am I even doing with my life right now”? Especially in college, one can be prone to the repeating routine of sleep, eat, class, work, and repeat. Beginning with the End in Mind means having a clear vision of where you want to go throughout the journey.

The Power of Personal Vision

Having a clear vision provides direction and purpose. It's about defining what success means to you, rather than conforming to external expectations. Currently, my vision for myself is to graduate college early, therefore this makes me determined and motivated to focus on my studies and be successful during my time. This habit encourages us to tap into our deepest desires, values, and aspirations, empowering us to shape our destiny.

A Beacon in the Storm

Life often throws challenges our way. In these moments, having a clear vision serves as a guiding light. In my earlier years and still today, mental health has become an important aspect in my life. As seasons impact one’s emotions, I found it very difficult to find my beacon in this storm of anxiety, insecurities, and depression during the colder months. Having something to look forward to, helps us navigate through obstacles, reminding us of the bigger picture and the ultimate destination we're striving for. It's like a lighthouse in a stormy sea, providing stability and direction.

A Personal Mission Statement: Your North Star

Crafting a personal mission statement is a powerful exercise in Beginning with the End in Mind. It encapsulates our core values, long-term goals, and the legacy we aspire to leave behind. This statement becomes our North Star, guiding our decisions and actions, even in the face of uncertainty. Mine partially revolves around those who I surround myself around. A perspective that I have that I find valuable is, to surround yourself with those who want to be around you and share experiences with you in it. Because of that, both parties receive a everlasting memory with the other apart of it. Here you see me with many other individuals taking a picture to savor this moment when our FIRST Robotics Team went to states and later found out we qualified for World’s Championship.

Embracing Proactivity

The first habit, Be Proactive, paves the way for Beginning with the End in Mind. It's about taking control of our lives and making conscious choices that align with our vision. It's the foundation upon which we build a purpose-driven existence.

Picture Your Tomorrow

So, dear reader, take a moment to envision your tomorrow. What does it look like? What are the milestones you hope to achieve? Remember, every action you take today is a brushstroke on the canvas of your life. Begin with the End in Mind and paint a future that truly reflects your aspirations and values.

As Covey wisely puts it, "Begin with the End in Mind” means to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen." Here's to a future painted with purpose and intention!