With the End in Mind

by | Oct 13, 2015 | Uncategorized | 2 comments

“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.” – Steven Covey

On Sunday, my pastor quoted Habit 2 from Steven Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  It made me realize that I am extremely lacking in this area of my life.  Sigh.

Instead of beginning my day with the end in mind, I dream of what I’d rather be doing than the things I really need to be doing.

Instead of beginning a task with the end in mind, I drag my feet and wish (unsuccessfully) that the task was already over.

Instead of beginning a project with the end in mind, I remember all the things I don’t know how to do and become paralyzed by fear.

Any of these sound familiar?

Too many times we don’t have a clear vision with a desired outcome and have just begun living without the end in mind, therefore, not really living at all!  GRRR!!

We spend way too much time living in la-la land, dragging our feet, wishing away the bad stuff and fearing the unknown.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 40:10

I don’t know about you, but I want my life to have meant something.  I want to be a good and faithful servant and I really want God to be happy with the way I used the time in my life.

Thank you, God, for your MERCY and GRACE…cause I need a double dose!!!!

Unfortunately, I can think of only a few times in my life where I can say that I had a specific destination that I knew needed purposeful planning and implementation.  I wish it was more, but more often than not I do not live with intention and the end in mind.

Two things that come to my mind that I intended to achieve are getting a college degree and starting this blog.  Both were larger than life projects at the time, but were goals that I was committed to and felt strongly about completing.

Instead of always having important goals like these on my To Do List, I end up with a bunch of junk taking up my time…not to mention the little devil that sits on my shoulder saying I can’t do whatever it is that I dream of doing.

Man, oh, man!!! Think about how much more we could do if we lived with Godly intention!!!!  I guarantee it’s more than we would ever do for the pleasures of the flesh – which normally takes most of our time and energy.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

God has plans for each one of us, but we have to talk to Him, listen to Him and then obey Him if we ever want to realize purposeful living.

Are you beginning with the end in mind?

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 21:5 – The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

2 Comments

  1. Roxie

    Meg, really enjoyed your thoughts today. I have been thinking so much about being more intentional as I strive to use my business to serve the Lord. I am talking about that in my blogs this week as well. Amazing how God uses things like blogs and cousins to drive His point home! Love and miss you guys!

    Reply
    • meghays

      Thanks, Roxie!!! God surely does work in amazing ways!! Thanks for sharing!!! Hugs and love to you, too!

      Reply

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