Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind "Strategies for Lifelong Learning" was unexpectedly and therapeutically revealing. Throughout our correspondence we shared personal and professional challenges and victories. In doing so, I came to realize strengths and areas for improvement, which is why I chose to discuss the second habit of the 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, titled; 'Begin with the end in mind'. Starting with the end in mind is my focus area for improvement. I know the importance of visualizing your destination, however, having endured a lifetime of disappointments, broken promises and disappointments, I have developed an unusual defense mechanism. I have created a superstition that if I declare, write, imagine, or claim the end result before possession, I will instead make it disappear from existence. As silly as it may sound (as I write this, the absurdity is being revealed), it is an unwanted challenge that I constantly struggle with. For example, my personal goal is to complete my degree, so I've mapped out a path to claim my award. Until recently, however, I did it on purpose ...