Begin with the end in mind

Many people do not like to do things twice. Yet, effective people always do. They first create things in their mind. Before, they create it in reality. Architects may create thrice: in their minds, on paper, then in reality. So, imagination is key in this habit. Imagination is the ability to envision what we cannot yet see with our eyes.

A friend I have can imagine how foods would taste like before he prepares them. Other can hear music in their minds. Others have the ability to dress someone long before they buy the clothes. Most people have imagined something: their dream wedding, their dream spouse, their dream car, their dream house, etc. I think you get the picture.

When we are talking about our we are talking beyond the "I want to be a firefighter" mentality. I'd say many of us would like to have the courage and discernment firefighters have. When most of us run for cover firefighters run in. And, they seem to know what to do under the exterme pressure they are in at the moment of crisis. Imagine then the qualities you would like to be known for. Imagine your obituary? What would it say? Imagine the eulogies at your funeral? What would they say? Will it be: "He turned his back on me, when I needed him the most" or "He stood up for me, when everyone else turned their back on me." What qualities are needed for this type of action? Loyalty, honesty, and/or courage - to name a few. Are these attractive to you? If not which are?

YOu have just started your mission statement. More on that next week.