Part two of Make More Monie’s take on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, focuses on habit two; to “begin with the end in mind”. It’s based on the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes, or, in simple terms, it’s based on your imagination.
It builds on the principle that all things that have been created have been created twice; the first being the mental creation and the second being the physical one. The physical creation follows the mental, just as a building’s construction 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 both, which almost never results in positive outcomes on either front.
Beginning with the end in mind, I think, is about determining one’s uniqueness, then defining oneself according to those traits, presumably positive ones. Once adopted, this authenticity is projected to the world, utilized in a way that can all contribute to a positive desired outcome.
Unlike the book, which implies that this authenticity (it suggests “positivity”) will supernaturally enhance our hold on our destiny, I’m simply stating that one should simply begin each day, task or project with a desired direction and destination plotted, then navigate it all accordingly, negotiating with all met throughout, incorporating those aforementioned traits in aid of making things happen in the most positive way possible. No paranormal assistance required.
I agree with the book in that the way to incorporate this into one’s life is via a mission statement, one that focuses on what one wants to be and do. When “done right”, the result is a plan and a map for ‘fun’ancial success. It affirms one’s identity, puts goals in focus, and turns ideas into reality. Mission statements make their creators, when followed, the leaders of their own life and help to fashion one’s destiny. If already heading in the wrong direction, one needs to use all means to change course, as every step taken from there takes them further from the goal, and the clock is ticking. This course also needs to be as true as possible as, even if it is off by one degree when charted, over time, it makes a vast difference.
Questions of what we want to be when grown up may seem trivial, as all are asked as we grow and the answers are almost never taken seriously, by either those asking or answering. All need to consider it in real time though, regardless of one’s stage in life, to ensure we are on course.
While considering this, according to research on achievement by those much smarter than I, it seems there are two schools of thought on ability, intelligence and/or skill held by us all. One of them is that they’re all set; that they are things people are born with. Those with this mindset cop out of trying most anything, saying that they’re “just no good at it” or, simply “can’t” do it. The other, is held by those that think ability, intelligence and/or skill can be developed through effort; that we are what we work to become. People with this type of “growth” mindset think that with enough time and effort, almost anything’s possible for them.
Make More Monie’s takeaway from this is that neither position is really realistic. Not everyone is cut out to be a “rocket surgeon” or a “brain scientist”, and I’m living proof, as I’m wired more for words and writing than I am for numbers and equations. Having said that, the fact that I’m able to present these thoughts on this my own website – realized into reality by me – proves that some things are indeed possible by those willing to “just do it”, again, beginning with the end in mind.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein should not be construed or considered professional advice. Nonetheless, thanks for reading! If it resonates, there’s “plenty more where that came from” on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X ‘n’ YouTube.