Wow! Thank you for that beautiful musical number and for inviting the spirit to be with us today.
Brothers and sisters, aloha.
On behalf of the President’s Council, we are so grateful you chose to be with us today, and we mahalo you for your attendance both in person and those attending in the ballroom or online. We recognize that the small choices we make each day can have a big impact, and we believe that attending weekly devotional is one of those small decisions that has a larger and often lasting impact for good on our lives. With that said, I have set myself up very high to say something meaningful, and I pray that I am able to do that today. I will certainly do my best to honor your choice to be here.
In my years here at BYU–Hawaii, and working closely with the President’s Council, and Church Education System leadership, I can say without hesitation that each one of you is loved, thought about, and prayed for. Your success and well-being are of utmost importance to us, and I want to extend that aloha to each of you today.
I would also like to take the opportunity to share with you a little about myself. I was born and raised here on Oahu and am of Hawaiian, Filipino, and Caucasian descent. I spent my formative years here in the Laie-Kahuku community and attended high school in Provo, Utah. I am also a BYU–Hawaii, and University of Utah alumnus. My wife and I have five children ranging from seven to 22 years old. Our family is committed to building and supporting our community both within BYU–Hawaii and the surrounding community. And we are grateful to each of you and your contributions here.
Today, I will focus on the principle to “Begin with the End in Mind.” This is a skill that can be learned and developed. It is depicted through living a goal-centered life, specifically one that focuses on simple daily habits and routines that align with our spiritual, academic, and professional journeys here at BYU–Hawaii and beyond. First and foremost, we must know and understand our eternal identity and purpose. And that purpose is eternal life. To choose eternal life is to begin each day with the end in mind. It is to live with the awareness that our daily decisions are stepping-stones on a path that leads either toward God or away from Him. I feel both humble and grateful to speak on a theme that is relevant to our educational and professional pursuits as well as essential to our eternal journey: "Begin with the End in Mind."
This principle was initially made popular by Stephen R. Covey in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and is rooted in gospel truths. To begin with the end in mind is to live with purpose, to see beyond the moment, and to act today in ways that align with where we ultimately want to go—both temporally and eternally. [1] For us, that ultimate end is not merely a degree or a job. It is eternal life in the presence of God and with our families.
President Russell M. Nelson said: “The end for which each of us strives is to be endowed with power in a house of the Lord, sealed as families, faithful to covenants made in a temple that qualify us for the greatest gift of God—that of eternal life.” [2]
When we know who we are—beloved children of heavenly parents—and when we remember why we are here—to become like and prepare to return to Them—we find strength and clarity in our daily decisions. So, as we explore this theme, I invite you to reflect not only on your coursework, lesson plans, administrative responsibilities, or career development, but also on your divine potential and purpose as sons and daughters of God.
To begin with the end in mind we must establish and practice routines and habits that are purposeful and intentionally designed to take us to where we want to be. Now, I am a sports guy, and I understand life through the lens of athletic competition. Sports analogies help me see the bigger picture. For example, one thing that separates great athletes from good athletes is their daily routine. At the highest level, talent is important, but talent without discipline doesn’t last. Every successful athlete I’ve ever worked with had a strict routine. Not just during the season, but every day: what they ate, how they trained, how they recovered, and how they prepared mentally.
Take a baseball player, for example. One of the best hitters in the game today, Shohei Ohtani, is known for his intense daily preparation. He tracks his sleep, monitors his hydration, and studies pitchers with incredible detail. What’s remarkable is not just his talent—it’s his consistency and adaptability. He’s able to make micro-adjustments during an at-bat, even after missing the first two pitches. Why? Because he’s trained himself to recognize patterns, trust his preparation, and stay focused on the long game.
In our spiritual progression, just like in sports, success doesn’t come from big, dramatic moments. It comes from daily routines: praying, studying the scriptures, attending the temple, showing up for others, and repenting when we fall short. It comes from staying close to the basics.
Alma 37:6 teaches: “…by small and simple things are great things brought to pass;…” [3]
Just like an athlete who has to make adjustments mid-game, we, too, must adjust as disciples of Christ. We will have days when we strike out spiritually—when we feel off, when we struggle with doubt, or boredom, or distraction. But if we’ve built a foundation of daily effort, the Spirit can help us recognize what we need to change—and guide us back.
I would also like to share my own experience with this principle and hope that my experience may relate to some of you and give you some insight as well. You will notice a theme from me as my next example is also about baseball. When I was younger, there were a few instances that I remember where I had a goal, a vision, if you will, of what I wanted to accomplish. This goal or vision served as a guide for me to keep me focused on the path that would lead me to my end goal. That goal was to become a college and professional baseball player. This “end in mind” was the motivation I utilized to guide my daily decisions and commitment to becoming a skilled and higher-level baseball player. I knew that each day I needed to train, get reps, work with coaches, and maintain my physical condition in order to reach the end I had in mind.
Knowing what I wanted to accomplish made it easier for me to take the necessary steps and do the necessary work to achieve my end goals in baseball. Through daily routines focused on my growth as a baseball player, I was able to have a successful high school baseball career, which led me to play baseball at BYU in Provo, and eventually play in the Colorado Rockies Farm system. Now this is where things get choppy. Although I played in the minor leagues, I never made it to the major leagues, but I was still able to achieve the end in mind. You might be asking yourself, ‘How is that?’ when I didn’t get to the Big Leagues. Let me explain. When we begin with the end in mind, we have a vision, and we set goals, and we work toward that vision. What happens in between is where the real growth and progression happens. Our paths may not be perfect or straight, and we will need to pivot or adapt. After four years of professional baseball, I felt I was needed for something bigger, my eternal family. So, I decided to hang it up and focus on my eternal end in mind—my eternal family. Ending my baseball career was my choice, and quitting baseball did not ultimately change the end I had in mind, in fact it fostered it. Although my worldly end in mind was to make it to the Big Leagues my eternal end in mind has always been the eternities with my family. And for me, I needed to prioritize that. This shift in career paths was a natural one, and one that my years of baseball prepared me for. Years of hard work and commitment to my baseball career gave me the soft skills I needed to complete college and change my career path.
During my athletic journey, I developed skills including hard work, mental toughness, determination, grit, teamwork, leadership, communication, and patience. Through baseball, I learned to do hard things and to face challenges with determination. These skills are crucial for success on the field and translated well to various professional environments. For me, they translated into an ability to complete college and to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting. It also translated into doing hard things along my career path, like taking on challenges completely beyond my comfort zone and learning new skills I had little previous experience in doing. My ‘plan A’ pivoted to ‘plan B’ and eventually led to ‘plan C’. All of which promoted and supported my ultimate end in mind—my eternal family. To begin with the end in mind will most always involve some type of pivoting and adapting along the way. I truly believe that if we are prayerful and earnest in our efforts, these pivots will work toward our ultimate end in mind.
Like myself, one student I know came here planning to go into pre-med with hopes of becoming a medical doctor. She took classes and worked hard toward majoring in Biology. She simultaneously explored different avenues, through her minors in her Holokai, various student jobs, and volunteering locally in hospitals and community programs. Along the way, she discovered new strengths and passions and adjusted her course. That is part of the process of beginning with the end in mind—it is not rigid. It’s intentional, but flexible. As you are diligent in your academic endeavors and prayerful in all that you do, you will discover personal attributes and talents that will lead you to opportunities that align with who you are and who you want to be. I want to add that she will graduate in winter 2026, in 10 semesters, and in a major that suits her values, talents, and skills. I am sure her education will lead her to opportunities that suit her as she continues to work diligently and pray for guidance and support from the Lord.
Students, your academic journey is not just a requirement or a stepping-stone to a paycheck. It is a sacred opportunity to discover your gifts, strengthen your faith, and prepare for a life of discipleship and service. Your time here at BYU–Hawaii isn't for you to leave with a degree in whatever is easiest and quickest. As you begin with the end in mind, I would suggest that your time here is one of self-discovery, leading you to a degree that will reflect your truest purpose as a disciple of Christ. All of the experiences and choices that you make while here will culminate in your end goal of graduating in a discipline that suits you and points you in a direction that furthers the next chapter in your life.
Staff and Faculty, our daily work—in classrooms, offices, and facilities is part of a divine pattern. We are not just employees; we are mentors, examples, and shepherds, helping guide our students to find their divine direction. When we teach with integrity, advise with compassion, or simply greet a student with warmth, we begin with the end in mind. We should apply these same principles to how we work and associate with one another as well.
Here at BYU–Hawaii, we are blessed to be part of a university with a prophetic mission. President David O. McKay envisioned this place as a center for developing leaders who would go forth to build peace internationally, specifically to live and lead in Oceania and the Asian Rim. This vision is part of the “end” we must keep in mind—not just earning a degree or building a résumé but becoming people of influence and integrity who lift others and build Zion in our homelands. Notice the spiritual parallel: Who you are—a child of God. Where you’re going—toward a life of service and eternal joy. How to get there—through small, faithful steps, guided by the Holy Ghost. Many students come to this campus from across the world with dreams of improving their lives and giving back to their families and communities. But sometimes, amidst the stress of classes and the demands of work, we can forget why we started this journey. When that happens, beginning with the end in mind helps us remember the bigger picture.
Whether you’re a student deciding your major, a professor preparing your next lecture, or a staff member guiding students through campus life, the principle is the same: when we know where we’re going—and why—we make better decisions about how we spend our time, what we prioritize, and how we treat others.
To students, you are in a sacred and formative season of life. While your time at BYU–Hawaii may seem focused on grades, group projects, or making it to class on time, it is about much more. This is a time for you to build a foundation—not just for a career, but for a Christ-centered life of purpose.
Ask yourself regularly: Are my choices today helping me become the person I hope to be in 10 or 20 years? If your goal is to serve in the Church, lift your community, or strengthen your family, then begin aligning your daily habits now. Choose classes, friendships, and spiritual patterns that support your goals. I would also like to add that BYU–Hawaii Career Services exists to help students become career-ready, which includes helping you understand who you are, where you’re going, and how to get there. If you haven’t visited their office yet, you should. Their team is exceptional at helping you discover your strengths, clarify your goals, and take meaningful steps toward a future that aligns with both professional success and eternal purpose. Don’t miss out on a resource that’s designed specifically to help you thrive.
President Dallin H. Oaks teaches us, “In our educational choices we should prepare to support ourselves and those who may become dependent upon us. It is necessary that we have marketable skills. Education is mandatory to personal security and well-being. Our Heavenly Father expects us to use our agency and inspiration to examine ourselves and our abilities and decide the educational course we should follow.” [4]
To Faculty and Staff, you play a vital role in helping students “begin with the end in mind.” Whether you’re in the classroom, the library, the cafeteria, on the grounds, or in an office, you are mentors in both word and example. Your faith, patience, and encouragement help shape students’ vision of who they can become. The way you lead—with kindness, high expectations, and the Spirit—teaches them more than any textbook can. You are not only educating minds; you are fortifying souls.
Let us also ask ourselves: Do my efforts here reflect the sacred mission I have been entrusted with? This university is not like other universities, because it is guided by revelation and built on covenants. As faculty and staff, when we begin each semester, lesson, or meeting with the eternal “end” in mind—building Zion, preparing disciples, fulfilling prophecy—our work becomes sanctified.
Now, let’s acknowledge something honestly: living with the end in mind is not always easy. It’s hard to stay focused when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. For students, that might look like struggling with English as a second language, homesickness, or the pressure of balancing school, work, and Church callings. For faculty and staff, it may be personal burdens, health concerns, or the fatigue that comes with constantly giving and serving. But the beautiful truth of the gospel is this: we are never asked to walk this path alone. Jesus Christ, who is the Beginning and the End, walks with us.
In John 14:6, the Savior declares: “I am the way, the truth, and the life:…” [5]
If we stay close to Him, He will not only help us see the end more clearly—He will strengthen us for the journey.
The Prophet Isaiah described it this way, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength… they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” [6]
To those who feel discouraged or unsure, I offer this reassurance: your efforts matter. Even when progress feels slow, even when the results are not immediate, God sees your striving. And as you keep your spiritual eyes fixed on your eternal purpose, Christ will magnify your efforts and guide your path.
Brothers and sisters, as we’ve reflected today on the theme “Begin with the End in Mind,” I hope you feel a renewed sense of purpose. We’ve talked about the eternal end—to return to live with our heavenly parents and become like Them. We’ve seen how this principle applies to our time at BYU–Hawaii—whether we are earning a degree, teaching in a classroom, or serving behind the scenes. We’ve recognized that our daily choices—especially the small, quiet ones—shape who we are becoming and where we are going. And we’ve talked about the power of routine. Whether you’re preparing for a mission, teaching a class, or swinging a bat, the principle is the same: success and spiritual strength come through daily discipline. And when life throws unexpected pitches our way, we can, through the Spirit, make the adjustments that bring us back into alignment with our eternal goals.
Let me invite each of you to take a few minutes this week to ask yourself: What is the “end” I am working toward? Do my daily habits, goals, and relationships reflect that vision? And how can I better include Jesus Christ in that journey?
He is the perfect example of someone who always lived with the end in mind. His mission was clear from the beginning—to do the will of the Father and redeem all mankind. Even in Gethsemane and on the cross, He stayed true to that divine purpose.
I testify that because of Him, we can change, we can refocus, and we can endure. He is the reason our “end” can be one of joy and eternal life. He is the Way. I bear witness that this university is guided by revelation, that you are not here by accident, and that your life—right now—is part of God’s great work and glory. May we all live with the end in mind—and with the Savior in our hearts—is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes:
[1] Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People [1989]
[2] Russell M. Nelson, “As We Go Forward Together,” Liahona, April 2018
[3] Alma 37:6
[4] Dallin H. Oaks, “Learning and Latter-day Saints,” Ensign or Liahona, April 2009, 28
[5] John 14:6
[6] Isaiah 40:31