March 2004 Monday Morning Minute Newsletter

Begin with the end in mind

I am amazed at the growth of our readership - the list reached over 400 international subscribers last month. As I continue to build a business forum in which people can learn to thrive and grow prosperous at work, at home, and in life, I hope you'll continue to forward my newsletter to your friends in the professional world. Thanks!

Recently, I received an E-query from Practical Wisdom reader, Suzanne M. "I enjoyed your recent newsletters with their all-important 'Living in the Now' messages ( See February's issue). I'm guilty of a strong FUTURE orientation that I'm working on daily to rein back into NOW-moment focus. However, if my thoughts are about food, then the NOW focus inappropriately takes over. Any thoughts on how to handle this aspect of addiction?"

This is an excellent question and, because one person's food is another person's television or work or shopping, I'm guessing most of you experience an addiction that is hindering your personal and professional growth. I'll answer Suzanne's question by referencing a past addiction of mine - watching television.

It was a form of pure escapism in which I had no worries about the past or the future - just 100% absorption in the moment-to-moment action on the small screen. But I couldn't call these NOW moments. It was the complete opposite. Although it was good to shut my mind off from a running stream of worries, I realized I was not, as Stephen Covey says, "beginning with the end in mind." A 30-minute "break" would regularly become a 3-hour marathon of Must See TV. During these hours, I was often not aware of my surroundings -a distant phone ringing, my body posture or, more importantly, the internal feelings I was avoiding. Finally, I realized my TV habits were not satiating the emptiness I was trying to fill. After a few conversations with my wife, we agreed to place the television in a closed hutch. Over time, I was able to fully choose being present with whether or not to watch TV. I learned to use it for appropriate purposes rather than allowing it to use me.


Suzanne and Readers: if you begin with the end in mind, you'll have a better chance to learn why you are holding on to an addiction to food, alcohol, television, or (insert yours here). Imagine being 100 years old looking back at the present moment. Note what you are placing in your mind and body. What would you like to do differently? When in the grip of an addictive behavior, could your NOW-moment focus change if you learned to begin with the end in mind?

During this next month, practice first steps to begin to fill the emotional void that has led you to I-only-care-about-NOW behaviors. Listen to the wisdom of your 100-year-old self.

Thriving prosperity awaits.

Wishing you a prosperous month,

Jason Stein


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