Choosing the Right Goals Before the Ascent
Created at: June 15, 2025
Don’t just climb the ladder; make sure it’s leaning against the right wall. — Stephen Covey
The Peril of Unquestioned Ambition
Stephen Covey’s well-known metaphor warns us against unchecked ambition. Climbing the ladder—working hard and striving for achievement—might seem admirable, but if our objectives aren’t thoughtfully chosen, our efforts may lead to disappointment rather than fulfillment. This idea echoes throughout Covey’s influential book, 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' (1989), where he urges readers to consider their true destination before investing their precious time and energy.
Defining Personal Success
Building on this, the metaphor asks us to critically define what success really means. In a society that often measures accomplishment by external markers like promotions or wealth, it’s tempting to adopt others’ definitions of success. Covey’s counsel aligns with the ancient Greek maxim 'know thyself': only by understanding our unique values and aspirations can we ensure our endeavors bring genuine satisfaction and impact.
The Importance of Purposeful Direction
Transitioning from ambition to action, the direction we choose matters as much as our effort. Research on goal setting by Locke and Latham (1990) supports Covey’s perspective—goals based on personal meaning are more motivating and sustainable than arbitrary objectives. By clarifying what wall we want our ladder to lean on, we invest our efforts with purpose and avoid the regret of misplaced diligence.
Recalibrating When Values Change
However, as life unfolds, our values and priorities often shift. Covey’s wisdom remains relevant here—it's never too late to pause, reassess, and move our ladder to a new wall. Historical figures like Dorothy Day, who completely realigned her life’s work in her thirties, demonstrate the transformative power of recalibration. Flexibility and reflection ensure our daily climbs continue to align with our evolving sense of meaning.
Long-Term Fulfillment Over Short-Term Gains
In closing, Covey’s imagery is a call to intentionality. Temporary rewards may follow any climb, but long-term fulfillment depends on the wisdom of choosing the right wall. By investing the effort upfront to align our actions with our deepest values, we stand a far better chance of reaching a summit worth celebrating—not just for achievement’s sake, but for a life lived with clarity and purpose.