Start With the End in Mind

I just read this in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” this morning. I paraphrase:

• Figure out what is most important to you. In other words, what do you want in “The End?”
• Plan how you will achieve “The End” in your mind and on paper.
• Work forward with this “End in Mind.”

“The same is true with parenting. If you want to raise responsible, self-disciplined children, you have to keep that end clearly in mind as you interact with your children on a daily basis. You can’t behave toward them in ways that undermine their self-discipline or self-esteem” (Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, p. 106-7).