Success Starts with the End in Mind
Having the end in mind isn’t just a casual thought—it’s a fundamental principle of success. When was the last time you truly considered the end of something before you started? If it’s been a while, you’re not alone.
Despite being less common than simply diving into tasks, this mindset is one of the most underrated success habits. Stephen R. Covey, in his bestselling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, ranks “Begin with the End in Mind” as the second most crucial habit of highly effective individuals. At Cumorah Academy, our students are well-acquainted with this principle and its transformative power.
To put it simply, beginning with the end in mind means planning. But calling it just “planning” doesn’t do justice to its significance. Many people avoid making concrete plans, often believing that “plans don’t work most of the time.” In fact, research shows that only 33% of Americans have a goal-setting routine. But without a plan, things stay the same.
Interestingly, Covey’s third habit—Putting First Things First—builds upon this principle:
“Putting first things first means organizing and executing around your most important priorities. It is living and being driven by the principles you value most, not by the agendas and forces surrounding you.”
If you don’t prioritize what matters, it simply won’t happen.
At Cumorah Academy, our mentors exemplify this principle. They share personal stories of career choices, life decisions, and pivotal moments that shaped their paths. By learning from their experiences, our students gain the clarity and confidence to chart their own journeys.
Ending Aimlessly: The Cost of No Plan
The truth is, no matter your current circumstances, you can create a plan for your life. In fact, you probably do so automatically in your daily routine without even realizing it.
Elder M. Russell Ballard put it clearly:
“Goal setting is essentially beginning with the end in mind. And planning is devising a way to get to that end.”
Each day that passes without a plan is time lost. Unfortunately, many young people feel directionless despite the abundance of opportunities available to them. Without a clear vision, they drift through life rather than actively shaping their future.
How to Set Your End Goal
Take time to reflect on what you truly want. Ask yourself:
- What accomplishments do I want to achieve in one year? Three years? Five years?
- What kind of career do I aspire to have?
- Do I see myself getting married and having a family?
- What personal goals matter most to me?
Your answers don’t have to be perfect—what matters is that they are honest.
At Cumorah Academy, we encourage students to develop a Personal Mission Statement—a vision for their life. Stephen Covey describes this as the ultimate expression of “Beginning with the End in Mind.” We call it a Life Vision, and every student on campus is challenged to write their own.
By embracing this mindset, our students become architects of their own lives, captains of their own ships. There are no limits to what they can create.
The End Is Just the Beginning: A Story of Legacy
How many 50-year marriages do you know?
Boyd and Debbie Warner have been married for half a century. Their legacy is something they deeply cherish. With four children, 16 grandchildren, and another on the way, their lives are rich with love and purpose.
- Debbie has been a pediatric nurse for over 30 years, working in hospitals and clinics.
- Boyd has had a diverse career in business—working in sales, banking, and as an executive. He also founded a successful software company in 2002.
Now, they’re enjoying life to the fullest:
“We’ve done a lot of trips with National Geographic, and they’re amazing.”
During their time at Cumorah Academy, the Warners were profoundly impressed:
“We’ve been very impressed with the curriculum and organization. Even though we arrived at the end of the semester, we can see the incredible growth students have experienced. It’s been good for us too.”
One of our students, Thais from Brazil, shared how impactful mentorship has been for her:
“What a great week to learn! These mentors helped me realize how important it is to commit to my goals.”
Stories like these reinforce why beginning with the end in mind matters. The choices you make today shape the legacy you build for tomorrow.
A Vision Beyond Today: Your Eternal Potential
Despite the uncertainties of the world, Cumorah Academy students are reminded of their eternal potential. They have unlimited talents and countless opportunities to shape their future.
President Russell M. Nelson offers a profound perspective:
“I encourage you to begin with the end in mind. This means making the celestial kingdom your eternal goal and then carefully considering where each of your decisions on earth will place you in the next world.”
The idea of Beginning with the End in Mind is more than just a productivity tip—it’s a life-changing mindset. It defines how we live, what we prioritize, and the impact we leave behind.
Take Action Today
Are you ready to take control of your future? To start making deliberate choices that lead to the life you envision?
✅ Join us at Cumorah Academy!
Spend a semester with us and experience the power of clear vision, goal setting, and personal transformation. Let Cumorah Academy help shape your future, just as it has for so many before you.
📅 Apply today and begin your journey with the end in mind!
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Felipe Carrillo
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
