A Cup of Motivation

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 

Habit 2: BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

-Stephen Covey

In August of 2012, I was given the unique opportunity to travel to Myrtle Beach, SC for the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 3-day training.  To say the experience was phenomenal would be an understatement.  Sure, being in Myrtle Beach was glorious, but the training was life changing...no kidding.  

After returning to MS, I used the information learned, to train Greek Leaders at MSU, Summer Bridge students (students majoring in any of the STEM areas: science, technology, engineering and mathematics), interns in the College of Education, and various organizations/departments on the campus of Mississippi State University.  Each time I conduct a training, I find one thing in common.  That is, MOST do not begin with the end in mind.  You must have a plan! "Begin with the End in Mind" means to begin each day, task or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination.  You may say, "Well, NaToya, I have no idea where I want to be in 5-10 years." That's okay! Start small. Make a 6 month plan...a 1-2 year plan.  Do what works for you. I'm not asking you to map out your entire life,but you need to start somewhere. Or else, you're going to wander around in circles for the next 3 years until you find yourself near the arctic circle with no jacket, chillin with the polar bears! See how crazy life can get?! That's why you must have a plan!

"Failing to plan is planning to fail"

I"ll give you 3 quick steps to help you "Begin with the End in Mind"

Step 1: Make a vision board. Simply put, a vision board is a constant reminder of your goals.  Click here to see a few examples. Here's mine for 2014. By no means is it the best, but it works for me. I have it hanging in my office.  It's a constant reminder of the goals I want to reach. Maybe you prefer not to make a vision board.  Perhaps you can write down your goals in a journal.  Do whatever works for YOU. I also encourage you to get a planner.  I use a Franklin Covey Planner, because it's what I received during the training.  It has seriously saved my life on numerous occasions.  You can find a few here.

Step 2: Create (and live by) a personal mission statement. Now, this does not have to be a book...it doesn't even have to be grammatically correct! Take about 5-10 minutes and just write. When you can't think of anything else to write...write some more.  When you're done, go back and revise it. Still, it does not have to be perfect. Your mission statement is just that...YOURS. You do not have to share it with the public, which is why I will not list mine here. However, I will tell you that mine is short and sweet.  Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Review books of quotations (or take a look at my quotes page as it is frequently updated), poetry and other literature for language that inspires you.
• Consider your morals, values and things that are important to you
• Read biographies or autobiographies of people to spark ideas for personal accomplishments or contributions you would like to make.

Step 3: Find your purpose in life.  This is probably the hardest step, as most people are well into adulthood before finding their purpose.  I encourage you to read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.  Discover your WHY. Why do you go to work/school each day? Sure, it's to make a living but consider the impact you want to make. I'm afraid I can't give a definite "how to" for this step.  It requires much prayer and soul searching.  However, I do know that if you are truly trying to find your purpose, God will reveal it to you.  Pray and be obedient.  Oftentimes we want to know our purpose but when God presents it to us, we turn the other way.  Listen closely, sometimes it may come in a non-traditional way.  

I have given you 3 steps to begin so now you have work to do.  There will never be a "perfect" time, so go ahead and start. You are the only personal responsible for your success. You have the power and control of your future. What will you do? What impact will you make? What legacy will you leave? I encourage you to not only think, but act.  And remember, real happiness is not obtained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. -Helen Keller

xo

RAEofsunshine