Part 8 | The 7 Habits Practice Journal | Wrapping Up the Year

Not extraordinary, but a warm time

Hello, this is Hao Papa. On the afternoon of New Year's Eve, a graduate of the children's home where I used to work came to visit our house. We played cards and games. We didn't go anywhere special, nor did we prepare a fancy meal. However, the time we spent laughing together, with my own children and my daughter's friends included, was something irreplaceable.

The feeling of 'this is it' felt from the bottom of my heart

While spending that time, I suddenly thought, 'This kind of time is truly the important "big rock."'

The fact that my children are learning how to interact with others, being able to see the growth of the graduate, and above all, the fact that I myself felt from the bottom of my heart that this time was precious. I felt like I could see my own paradigm shining through there.

The choice to prioritize the 'big rock'

To be honest, when it was decided that the graduate would come on this day, it is also true that I thought, 'I should finish what I need to do by then.' In other words, I knew in my head that I wanted to cherish this time.

Habit 3, as mentioned in The 7 Habits, is 'Put First Things First.' It means scheduling things that are not urgent but important—human relationships, connections, time that fulfills the heart—and finishing other things before that. I think I was able to spend the day with a calm heart because I was able to do that.

The moment of realizing my own mission

After spending a fulfilling time, I stopped and thought for a moment. 'What do I value?'

The answer was simple. Human connections, watching over someone's growth, and time with my own family. It was a day where I could realize once again that those are the things at my 'center.'

I think this is exactly Habit 2, 'Begin with the End in Mind,' as described in The 7 Habits. Realizing what you value and what your mission is. Once you can see that, how you spend 2026 will naturally become clear.

Starting small from tomorrow

If you can take a moment to stop and reflect as you wrap up this year, try asking yourself this question:

'When was the moment this year that warmed your heart?'

That might be a hint for your own 'big rock.' If you can increase that time even a little next year, I think it will surely be a fulfilling year.

I will also walk through 2026 together with you.

Related habits and principles

• Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
  Realizing what you value (your mission) becomes the starting point for an effective life.

• Habit 3: Put First Things First
  Investing time in things that are not urgent but important (Quadrant II)—such as human relationships, self-growth, and preparation.

• Paradigm
  We do not see the world as it is, but as we are. Becoming aware of your own paradigm is the first step toward change.

• Time Management Matrix (Quadrant II)
  Spending time on activities that are "not urgent but important" increases long-term effectiveness.

• Inside-Out
  Change comes from within yourself, not from the outside. Re-examining your own values and actions is the starting point.