Before You Start, Begin With the End in Mind

Back in 1989, Dr. Stephen R. Covey wrote a self-help book titled Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. It was a best seller and immensely popular in the 1990’s. Thirty years later, it is still recommended reading for many organizations and western corporations.

The book has been rewritten numerous times for different audiences and situations including teams, marriage, families, kids, and teens. It has spawned workbooks and workshops. The premise of the book can be summarized as seven principles, which, if applied, can make one highly effective. The book is mostly secular but it still provides good insights on how to form good habits.

The second principle presented by Covey is, “Begin with the End in Mind.”  Covey’s focus is on self leadership but this is sound advice regardless of the endeavor.  Small projects, an education, or even a short discussion with your spouse can all be approached with an ‘end in mind.’

Before you start something, says Covey, understand what the end goal is.  Then when working toward the goal, you can make judgements regarding actions that will bring you closer to the end instead of sending you in the wrong direction. This principle can be applied to small and large goals, and even long-term life goals.

Col. Mike Mullane applied this principle throughout his life and became an astronaut serving on 3 space shuttle missions. Not only did he structure every aspect of his life to pursue he goal, he also aimed to excel at every endeavor.

As I’ve personally heard Mullane say in speaking engagements on several occasions, he was not interested in just meeting the minimum requirements to be an astronaut. He did not want to risk his goal with minimal effort. He was engaged to the core.

We all Tend to Do It

Many of us apply this principle subconsciously without even thinking about it. On a trip, for instance, one typically starts with the destination. With that understood, a route can be defined (nowadays usually with the help of GPS) and the length of the trip determined.  How much money may be needed for gas, snacks, and maybe entertainment along the way can also be estimated. This principle is second nature to many of us.

Large projects often mandate the principle. For example, when trying to secure a loan, the lender clearly requires that the end in mind be clearly defined for the borrower.  The terms and length of the loan need to be clearly understood by the borrower.   Beginning with the end in mind is ingrained in many aspects of our lives.

This principle can be applied to our spiritual lives as well. Beginning with the end in mind is a good principle to apply before beginning a retreat. Perhaps this should even be considered before agreeing to be someone’s Godfather or Godmother. It might also be a good discussion point for couples before the sacrament of matrimony.

A Worldview or a Spiritual View?

However, let’s explore this principle deeper. When beginning with the end in mind, what is the end? Completing one’s education? Getting married? Raising 2.4 children? Getting the kids out of the house? Retirement? Many of us may know people with plans for each of these goals. However, these goals are not the end.

Dr. Covey starts addressing this subject with a thought experiment asking readers to visualize their own funeral and what mourners say during their eulogies. This is an excellent reflection. However, instead of looking at this from the view of the world, why not from Christ’s Kingdom.

Death is the earthly end for all of us followed by judgement and either heaven or hell. Now the thought experiment is even more profound. With judgement as a fundamental truth, are you really beginning with the end in mind? Do you make decisions with the end, heaven, in mind?

Unfortunately, many people live lives in the short term with no concept of the end. Sometimes, people do not see past going to sleep each evening. Often this approach follows the path of short-term good feelings and manipulation by those who prowl the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Lacking an end in mind even applies to many people’s spiritual life who turn to Christianity and Catholicism as nothing more than a moralistic therapeutic. Many of these people check in for a feel good fix and spiritual high with no regard for death and judgement.

What’s the Goal?

Ultimately, there are only two options. Is our goal Heaven or hell? The latter is a fate one should never wish on any person.

Over the last 50 years, the Church seems to have shifted its focus from hell and judgement to heaven and mercy.  Be that as it may, hell exists regardless of how little it may be spoken of from the pulpit or even among faithful Catholics. Hell is an uncomfortable topic to discuss. However, it is much more uncomfortable to be there.

The existence of hell is affirmed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church in sections 1033-1037. Christ spoke of hell numerous times. None of us should presume that we are destined for Heaven. Father Martin von Cochem discussed this topic in depth in his book The Four Last Things. His text is worth examining.

If Heaven is the goal, how will this change the way we approach life? If we truly begin with the final end in mind, what do we need to do to reach that end?

Many people are great at making plans, and then do not follow through. So they make a pledge to stop sinning next week. But what good is a plan that starts next week, if you die in a car accident tomorrow? If the end is Heaven or hell, the plan needs to begin today.

Heaven is the End

This form of self discipline is not a singular experience. As we learn and grow in the Catholic Faith, we should also evolve and mature. Our actions will affect those around us – our spouses, our children, our parents, our friends, even our adversaries. If we begin with the end in mind, the real end, we will set an example to all those around us. Our actions will be a witness to others.

One last point: If Heaven is the end, should we risk this goal with minimal effort, or should we be engaged to the core?