Habit 2 is Begin with the End in Mind. Embracing this habit means that, instead of living by default, we live by design with a clear definition of our desired results. How do we wish to be remembered? What will be our legacy? 

Beginning with the end in mind requires a mind-set that envisions the outcome before any actions. It creates a criteria for determining what is important in our lives and what wastes our precious time. Internalizing Habit 2 means that we have to make a plan and remember that "things that matter most should never be at the mercy of things that matter least" (Johann Goethe).

Dr. Covey suggests envisioning and creating a personal mission statement. This serves to clarify what is important to you. It provides focus and helps you design your own life instead of having your life defined for you. 

In the classroom, we simplify this by telling our learners that, for the important things we do, we have to make a plan. The plans are usually simple and always developmentally appropriate. Older learners may create multiple steps in order to achieve a goal, whereas young learners might have a short list of actions that will culminate in a class or individual project. iLEAD learners have Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) that change as goals are met and progress is achieved.