Stephen Covey Quotes

If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.

Where you are headed is more important than how fast you are going. Rather than always focusing on what's urgent, learn to focus on what is really important.

Moving fast is not the same as going somewhere.

Direction is more important than speed. You can go fast in the wrong direction.

Focus on where you're going and you'll know what steps to take. Focus on the steps you're taking and you won't know where you're going.

I feel like I know where I'm going. And I like where I'm going.

If what you are doing is not moving you towards your goals, then it's moving you away from your goals.

You can’t hit a target if you don’t know what it is.

You will move in the direction you are facing.

Where you stand today does not matter; it is the direction in which your are moving, and the rate at which you travel, that count.

It doesn't matter what you can do if you don't know why you're doing it.

Direction determines destination. So the question you must ask yourself; 'Are all the disciplines that I'm currently engaged in taking me where I want to go?'

What matters is where you want to go. Focus in the right direction!

What is the thing that matters most to making progress right now?

The result of the voyage does not depend on the speed of the ship, but on whether or not it keeps a true course.

If you don't change the direction you are going, then you're likely to end up where you're heading.

Definiteness of purpose is the starting point from which one must begin.

It's better to go slowly in the right direction than go speeding off in the wrong direction.

...go in the direction your head is pointed in.

You've got to have a vision and an intention and that will guide what you do. I call it devotion. Ask yourself, "Is this not moving me toward where we need to be?" I believe that's helpful because a vision pulls you forward and it keeps you focused. A vision for the day, for the week, for the month and a lifelong vision - whatever works for you. And then you govern your activities and your behaviors accordingly.

Leadership is about going somewhere. If you and your people don’t know where you are going, your leadership doesn’t matter.

A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder.

We all get lost along the way, but hopefully we figure out some sort of path. It helps if you can imagine the process as well as the goal. Those kinds of dreams are easier to achieve.

The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows whither he is going.

Without vision, even the most focused passion is a battery without a device.