Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind is about making sure that each day contributes in a rich, meaningful way to the vision a listener has of life as a whole. Dr. Stephen R. Covey reveals the way to define both present location and future direction so that the steps taken are always in the right direction. "Effectiveness does not depend solely on how much effort we expend but on whether or not the effort we expend is in the right jungle." He teaches listeners how to locate the right jungle by identifying and clarifying visions and values.

"We may be very busy, we may be very efficient, but we will also be truly effective only when we begin with the end in mind."

In this in-depth exploration of Habit 2, listeners will hear Dr. Covey discuss how all things are created twice: a mental (or first) creation and a physical (or second) creation. Dr. Covey shows how to design a blueprint for both personal and professional life, guiding the listener through the creation of a Personal Mission Statement—one of the most eye-opening and useful tools an individual can use to chart the course of his or her life.

"How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and, keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to do and to be what really matters most."

With simple yet amazingly effective techniques, Dr. Covey helps the listener begin to live by "design rather than default." By creating a proactive, principle-centered life, listeners who apply this habit will have an inner compass to guide each day with the end in mind.