The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Lesson 6—Begin With The End in Mind

“ Control your own destiny or someone else will.” UNKNOWN

“To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you’re going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.” --Stephen Covey

Do you want to go to college? What will your attitude toward life be? Should you try out for that team? What type of friends do you want to have? Will you join a gang? Who will you date? Will you have sex before marriage? Will you drink, smoke, do drugs? What values will you choose? What kind of relationships do you want with your family? What will you stand for? How will you contribute to your community? CROSSROADS OF LIFE Covey, Sean (2011). The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens (p. 76). Touchstone. Kindle Edition.

A Personal Mission Statement A personal mission statement is like a filter you use to make decisions.

THE GREAT DISCOVERY 1. Think of a person who made a positive difference in your life. What qualities does that person have that you would like to develop? Covey, Sean (2011). The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens (p. 87). Touchstone. Kindle Edition.

THE GREAT DISCOVERY 2. Imagine 20 years from now— you are surrounded by the most important people in your life. Who are they and what are you doing? Covey, Sean (2011). The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens (p. 87). Touchstone. Kindle Edition.

THE GREAT DISCOVERY 3. If a steel beam (6 inches wide) were placed across two skyscrapers, for what would you be willing to cross? A thousand dollars? A million? Your pet? Your brother? Fame? Think carefully… Covey, Sean (2011). The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens (p. 87). Touchstone. Kindle Edition.

THE GREAT DISCOVERY 4. If you could spend one day in a great library studying anything you wanted, what would you study? Covey, Sean (2011). The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens (p. 87). Touchstone. Kindle Edition.

THE GREAT DISCOVERY 5. List 10 things you love to do. It could be singing, dancing, looking at magazines, drawing, reading, daydreaming … anything you absolutely love to do! Covey, Sean (2011). The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens (p. 87). Touchstone. Kindle Edition.

THE GREAT DISCOVERY 6. Describe a time when you were deeply inspired. Covey, Sean (2011). The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens (p ). Touchstone. Kindle Edition.

THE GREAT DISCOVERY 7. If you could spend an hour with any person who ever lived, who would that be? Why that person? What would you ask? Covey, Sean (2011). The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens (p. 88). Touchstone. Kindle Edition.

THE GREAT DISCOVERY 8. Five years from now, your local paper does a story about you and they want to interview three people … a parent, a brother or sister, and a friend. What would you want them to say about you? Covey, Sean (2011). The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens (p. 88). Touchstone. Kindle Edition.

THE GREAT DISCOVERY 9. Think of something that represents you … a rose, a song, an animal… Why does it represent you? Covey, Sean (2011). The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens (p. 88). Touchstone. Kindle Edition.

THE GREAT DISCOVERY 10. Everyone has one or more talents. Which of the ones above are you good at? Or write down ones not listed. Covey, Sean (2011). The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens (p. 89). Touchstone. Kindle Edition.

Worksheet Getting Started with a Mission Statement Teachers: Look under Shared Drive Teachers 7Habits Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind This is a word document that you can copy or show on your screen and have students copy.

Baby Steps 1. Determine the three most important skills you’ll need to succeed in your career. Do you need to be more organized, be more confident speaking in front of other people, have stronger writing skills? The three most important skills I need for my career:

Baby Steps 2. Review your mission statement daily for 30 days (that’s how long it takes to develop a habit). Let it guide you in all your decisions. 3. Look in the mirror and ask, “Would I want to marry someone like me?” If not, work to develop the qualities you’re lacking.

Baby Steps 4. Go to your school guidance or employment counselor and talk about career opportunities. Take an aptitude test that will help you evaluate your talents, abilities, and interests. 5. What is the key crossroad you are facing in your life right now? In the long run, what is the best path to take? Key crossroad I am facing: The best path to take:

Baby Steps 6. Make a copy of The Great Discovery. Then take a friend or family member through it step by step. 7. Think about your goals. Have you put them in pen and written them down? If not, take time to do it. Remember, a goal not written is only a wish.

Baby Steps 8. Identify a negative label others may have given you. Think up a few things you can do to change that label. Negative label: How to change it: Covey, Sean (2011). The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens (p. 105). Touchstone. Kindle Edition.