DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

«Begin with the end in mind.» (Stephen Covey)

This approach—one of the seven habits in Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People—is about planning and acting with a clear vision of what you want to achieve; in other words, to begin with the end in mind.

Let’s take a closer look at what this really means—and how we can apply it in our own lives.

What does it mean to begin with the end?

By beginning with the end in mind, we start by defining what we want to achieve. This gives us a clear direction and focus for our actions.

This approach invites us—yes, even urges us—to plan strategically. It’s about identifying the steps needed to reach the goal and mapping out an actionable plan.

When we know the final goal, it becomes easier to prioritize tasks and decisions that move us closer to it. It helps us avoid distractions and stay on course.

Having the end in mind also gives us a long-term perspective. We look beyond short-term challenges and keep our eyes on the ultimate objective. That makes a lot of sense, right? How many good initiatives have been torpedoed at the starting line simply because the conversation revolved around short-term dilemmas—here and now—without considering the resources and factors that might flow to us just a little further down the path?

How can we begin with the end, in our lives?

I believe Covey’s habits are not just useful for large-scale, professional projects. They can also be used in our personal, relational, or even spiritual development.

For example:

• Start by defining clear, specific, and achievable goals. What do you want to accomplish in the short term and in the long run?
• Develop a detailed plan for how you will reach your goals. Identify the necessary steps and the resources required. Create a timeline for when you’ll complete each step.
• Use visualization techniques to picture yourself achieving your goals. Visualization can boost your motivation and belief in the goal’s attainability.
• Focus on the activities that bring you closer to your goals. Learn to say no to distractions and tasks that don’t support your vision.
• Check in regularly to evaluate your progress toward your goals. Be willing to adjust your plan if needed to stay on track. But don’t give up on your vision just because you run into barriers and challenges along the way.

Once established, this habit offers real benefits:

• With a clear end goal, you can maintain focus and motivation throughout your processes. This helps reduce distractions and keeps you moving in the right direction.
• A well-defined goal gives you a reference point for decision-making. It becomes easier to assess which choices bring you closer to the goal—and which ones don’t.
• With a clear plan, you can manage your time, money, and energy more efficiently. You know what’s required to reach your goal and can allocate your resources accordingly.
• When you begin with the end in mind, you increase your chances of achieving your objective. You have a clear vision, an action plan, and a strategy for overcoming obstacles.

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Stephen Covey’s quote, “Begin with the end in mind,” reminds us of the importance of having a clear vision and goal in everything we do.

By starting with a solid understanding of what we want to achieve, we can plan more strategically, prioritize our actions, and maintain a long-term perspective. This approach increases our likelihood of success and helps us navigate challenges with focus and confidence.

Beginning with the end in mind gives us a sense of direction and purpose—and inspires us to take intentional action toward our dreams and ambitions.

So if you’re about to start—begin by finishing first.