“To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you’re going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.” — Stephen R. Covey

There are two hearts beating in my chest when thinking about the principle of “starting with the end in mind”.

The one agrees with it from the perspective of effectiveness — if you know where you are going, you can make convinced steps in the right direction.

The other one disagrees with it from the perspective of atelic activities — sometimes you just need to trust the process, do the work, and see where it takes you.

I believe there is space in our lives for both perspectives. On the macro, doing what feels like and letting your actions guide you to a destination is perhaps the best recipe for finding your purpose in life. On the micro, starting with the end in mind allows you to use your time most effectively.

If you are facing a problem or challenge in your life, you perhaps know where you fall on that spectrum. Perhaps you don’t. To me, it doesn’t matter too much. As long as you start doing and build momentum. You can always course-correct later. But if you’re not moving in the first place, there’s no course you can correct.

“To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you’re going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.” — Stephen R. Covey

There are two hearts beating in my chest when thinking about the principle of “starting with the end in mind”.

The one agrees with it from the perspective of effectiveness — if you know where you are going, you can make convinced steps in the right direction.

The other one disagrees with it from the perspective of atelic activities — sometimes you just need to trust the process, do the work, and see where it takes you.

I believe there is space in our lives for both perspectives. On the macro, doing what feels like and letting your actions guide you to a destination is perhaps the best recipe for finding your purpose in life. On the micro, starting with the end in mind allows you to use your time most effectively.

If you are facing a problem or challenge in your life, you perhaps know where you fall on that spectrum. Perhaps you don’t. To me, it doesn’t matter too much. As long as you start doing and build momentum. You can always course-correct later. But if you’re not moving in the first place, there’s no course you can correct.