Stephen Covey writes:
So, what do you want to be when you grow up? That question may appear a little trite, but think about it for a moment. Are you--right now--who you want to be, what you dreamed you'd be, doing what you always wanted to do? Be honest. Sometimes people find themselves achieving victories that are empty--successes that have come at the expense of things that were far more valuable to them. If your ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step you take gets you to the wrong place faster.

Habit 2 is based on imagination--the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes. It is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There is a mental (first) creation, and a physical (second) creation. The physical creation follows the mental, just as a building follows a blueprint. If you don't make a conscious effort to visualize who you are and what you want in life, then you empower other people and circumstances to shape you and your life by default...

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.

Related Values:

• Be a Leader

Summary: Know the Direction You are Meant to Go

• God tells us the direction to go.
• He tells us through His word, his still small voice, our parents, our pastor, other good teaching and advice.
• Sometimes God gives us the plan in how to get there.
• Sometimes God wants us to make the plan and talk to Him about it.
• God always begins with the end in mind.
  I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. (Isaiah 46:10 NIV)

Creation

• Then God said, "Let us make man in our image..." (Gen 1:26 NIV)
• Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart (Jer 1:5 NIV)
• Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. (Ephesians 1:3-6 MSG)

Noah's Ark. Genesis 6:9-22

• God gave the goal: Build a boat to save people and animals from the flood
• God gave the plan: cypress wood, rooms, pitch, 450feet long, roof, window, door, decks, animals.

Abraham

• When Abram had no children, God spoke:
  "I will make you into a great nation
  and I will bless you;
  I will make your name great,
  and you will be a blessing.
  "I will bless those who bless you,
  and whoever curses you I will curse;
  and all peoples on earth
  will be blessed through you."
  (Genesis 12:2-3)

• He showed him the stars - that's how many children
• He changed his name - Abraham = father of many nations
  Imagine being called that name when you couldn't have one child!

• Abraham believed and obeyed.

Joseph. Genesis 37-50

• God showed Joseph how he would become a great man.
• God did not show him the plan.
• For God's plan to take place, Joseph had to endure many years of hardship, without knowing what was happening.
• All of Joseph's family was saved from famine as a result.

Pharaoh's Dream. Genesis 41

• God showed Pharaoh what was going to happen: 7 good years, 7 years of famine.
• Joseph had a plan to store grain for the famine.
• Did God tell Joseph the plan? OR Did God let Joseph think of the idea himself? (God gave him a good brain. God gave him wisdom.)

Jesus. Matthew 5
The beatitudes was Jesus sharing his "vision statement". It was a like a charter for the Kingdom of God.

Conclusion: Have a Plan

• With God's help, we can begin with the end in mind.
• Planning is a good habit. It helps us be successful. "To fail to plan is to plan to fail."
  Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)