The title gives us the impression that we are in for a fun ride, and in most cases, we are.
However, the chapter kicks into action with a visualization exercise that triggers some deep, emotional thoughts.
You find yourself at a funeral that after following the process turns out to be none other than yours. Delivered to this exercise, it is very powerful.
Your task is to think of what you would like all the speakers to say about you.
Included in the speaker group is a member of your family, a close friend, someone from work, and an associate from a church or community organization.
What kind of person were you, what kind of son, mother, grandfather, friend or co-worker? What has your character been like and how have you touched the lives of those around you?
Write down your thoughts and it will provide clarity towards your “end in mind.”
Your definition of success will be written right in front of you.
It is incredibly easy to get caught up in life in general and extremely easy to lose sight of what the path to our destination looks like.
Starting with the end in mind is critical to determining where you are now and what direction you need to take in the future.
The chapter is based on the principle that “all things are created twice.” There is always a creation made in the mind first and followed by a physical creation.
Think about it. Do you plan your trip to a friend’s house in your head before you hit the road? Do you consider diet before you grab that candy bar?
There is a great section on leadership that highlights the differences between management and leadership. It is a true revelation.
Stephen labels the middle section of this chapter the most effective way he knows of to “begin with the end in mind.”
It is the development of a personal mission statement.
It is your personal statement that describes what you want to be and what you want to do.
Both will be based on your personal values and principles.
Ultimately, your statement will form the backbone of your decisions, both big and small. These decisions will no longer depend on your circumstances or emotions at the time.
Stephen Covey uses an excellent metaphor when describing the first 2 chapters.
Habit 1 says “You are the programmer” and Habit 2 says “Write the program.”
The second habit brings us to the areas of self-awareness and our ability to examine our own thoughts.
It also discusses the differences between left and right brain dominance and what the grand scheme of things means to us.
As if this chapter hadn’t drained your emotional energy, it delves into topics like visualization, affirmation, and identifying your roles and goals.
The power in this chapter will come from your participation.
Your path to your destination and how you get there will be eye-opening if you haven’t done the funeral exercise before.
What I can tell you is that when I first did this exercise, the things that I thought were important to me and the things that I thought defined me bore little resemblance to what I had envisioned.