“You read a book from beginning to end. You run a business the opposite way. You start with the end, and then you do everything you must to reach it.”

– Harold S. Geneen

I know a few people who actually read the last chapter of a book to determine if they wish to read the book from the beginning.

Yet few of us ever want to be told a joke’s punch line first, to be told how a sporting event turns out, or to know how a popular movie ends. We like to see how things evolve.

Achieving professional or personal goals is different. We like to ensure a happy, successful ending, and therefore this quote suggests that we begin with the end in mind.

Exercise:

What are your personal and professional goals? Take at least two to three minutes to actually write them down.

Take another two to three minutes to write out steps and milestones along the way that will help you reach them.

Consider doing this exercise with family members, colleagues … or a coach. 🙂

(You can find details of my coaching services here: http://www.dempcoaching.com/professional-services