Most often in life, people find themselves wandering aimlessly without a specific goal to achieve and complain of a pointless, boring life. This mindset is especially prevalent in my generation, where most teenagers in the United States feel entitled to numerous things, such as education, money, careers, and even relationships. Not many have a set goal, or if they do, they don’t necessarily know how to accomplish it. They don’t know who they are, what their beliefs are, or how to better themselves. Sadly, I’ve had plenty of friends who have gone through this. It’s hard to seek out help and direction that is easy to understand and follow. However, there have been a few excerpts from this unit that have outlined how to tackle these issues straight on. Steven Covey’s and Hyrum Smith’s excerpts are inspiring because they give real life applications that we can understand and relate to, as well as apply in our lives.
In Hyrum Smith’s book, The 10 Natural Laws of Time and Life Management, he discusses the relationship between our actions and our beliefs. He states that no matter our religious affiliation, we as humans all have a deep set of core values and beliefs that, in turn, govern the way we act. He discussed Benjamin Franklin thoughts about governing values. At the age of twenty two, Franklin listed twelve “virtues” which stated his highest priorities. At age seventy-eight he wrote in his memoirs, “On the whole, tho’ I never arrived at the Perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, but fell far short of it, yet I was by the Endeavor a better and a happier Man than I otherwise should have been, if I had not attempted it.” This goes on to show that simply writing down simple, basic values and continuing to follow through with them throughout one’s life can lead to greater happiness. Teenagers who are suffering from depression or hopelessness can use what Benjamin Franklin did and in return, they will see successful and beneficial results. All it takes is a few goals for one to gain hope and happiness. Although absolute perfection is not possible, it inspires an improved performance, and peace is the result. Smith goes on to say that there is not a specific set of values that every individual should live by. Our governing values are personal–they are what make up our personality, who we are. Hyrum Smith touched upon the idea of a personal constitution, but Steven Covey expanded upon this concept.
Steven Covey is the author of the award winning book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. In Habit 2, he discusses beginning with the end in mind. To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. Being able to focus on the end goal helps you take the correct steps needed now to get there. People relish temporary victories instead of holding off and being victorious in the long run. He continues saying that if people were to just keep the end in mind, focusing on what really matters most, that is when we will be successful and truly effective. “Begin with the end in mind” is built on the principle that all things are created twice–a mental creation as well as a physical creation. Basically, you need an action plan, or blueprint, before you actually “construct” what you are trying to achieve. It is nearly impossible to dive into action and have it successfully work without the preparation and planning. Many teenagers these days don’t necessarily plan before they take action, and end up failing, causing them to not have much motivation for future endeavours. Covey specifically outlines how to “mentally create”, which is an action plan. It is easy and understandable, thus easy to put into use for people.
Lastly, they gave examples on how to put all of these ideals into play. Covey said that the most effective way to have an end in mind is by having a personal mission statement, or a personal constitution. It focuses on “what you want to be (character) and to do (contributions and achievements) and on the values or principles upon which being and doing are based.” A personal statement will reflect a person’s personality, thus making it unique depending on the individual. Once you have that sense of mission, you have the essence of your own proactivity. You have the vision and the values which direct your life. You have the basic direction from which you set your long- and short-term goals. You have the power of a written constitution based on correct principles, against which every decision concerning the most effective use of your time, your talents, and your energies can be effectively measured.
In conclusion, Steven Covey and Hyrum Smith conveyed their message in a way that is inspiring and easy to understand and follow. They both share step by step guidance, stories, and even go on to provide personal examples. People who have trouble setting goals or do not know how to do so, will receive a better understanding after following the excerpts from these authors.