A journey to authenticity
Understanding Life Planning
A Life Plan is more than just a set of goals or a transition from your current self to your future aspirations. It's a profound path from the false self—a persona shaped by external expectations—to the true self, which embodies your authentic being. This isn't just a segment of life; it's a lifelong quest to discover your purpose, connect with your community, and leave the world better for your presence.
Discovering Authenticity
Bronnie Ware, an end-of-life caregiver and author of The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying, found that the biggest regret among those nearing life's end was not living authentically. Many realise they've lived according to others' expectations, leading to a life that doesn't resonate with their true nature. This represents the essence of the false self—living for approval, meeting demands, and conforming to others' expectations.
A Life Plan helps redirect this course. It starts with self-reflection, exploring your core values and beliefs. This process helps you craft a Character Statement—a declaration of your core wisdom that captures your true essence. This isn't about setting goals but about understanding who you are at heart.
Uncovering Your Purpose
Life Planning uncovers your unique talents, guiding you to consider how these can serve others. This is your life purpose, your guiding star. It provides direction as you navigate life's complexities, ensuring not just success but fulfilment.
Living purposefully aligns your actions, thoughts, and emotions with your true self. It’s about finding balance across spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical dimensions. Through this alignment, you live a life of authenticity and integrity.
From Passion to Action
Identifying your passions—activities that bring joy and fulfilment—is crucial in Life Planning. The intersection of what you're good at and what you love forms your life's work foundation. However, passion alone isn't enough; it must be paired with an action plan that overcomes obstacles. Remember, goals without plans are just dreams.
Enter the Game Plan: Goals, Actions, Means, and Execution. With clear goals, actionable steps, necessary resources, and guided execution, you move from intention to realisation. A Life Plan dismantles the false self, allowing you to build a life that is truly yours.
The Cycle of Creation
The ancient wisdom of creation cycles reminds us how thoughts shape beliefs, beliefs influence emotions, emotions dictate actions, and actions shape thoughts. This cycle can reinforce the false self or, when guided by a Life Plan, lead you to your true self.
A Life Plan isn't about solely living a hedonistic life, seeking pleasure and material gain. It's about living an authentic life, where well-being is managed, allowing your spiritual self to manifest your soul’s desires. These desires aim not at self-indulgence but at finding your rightful place in the world and contributing positively.
Living a Legacy
Stephen R. Covey famously said, "Live, love, learn, and leave a legacy." Your Life Plan is the ultimate plan, combining your skills with your passions, the world's needs, and what sustains you. This intersection is where your true self flourishes, your life’s transition from false to true self is realised, and your legacy is born.
Start this journey, not just planning your life but shaping it, aligning with your true purpose, and making a meaningful impact on the world.
The Foundation for Financial Planning
When it comes to financial planning, the starting point must always be a Life Plan. A well-constructed Life Plan acts as a blueprint that outlines your values, goals, and aspirations. It serves as the cornerstone for your financial strategy, ensuring that your financial decisions align with your true self and the legacy you wish to create. Without this foundation, financial plans can easily veer off course, focusing solely on numbers without consideration for the bigger picture.
By integrating your Life Plan with your financial objectives, you create a robust framework that empowers you to allocate resources effectively, invest wisely, and achieve sustainable growth. A financially sound future begins with a clear understanding of what truly matters to you.
Find this inspiring? Feel free to share any thoughts or reflections in the comment box below. If you’d like to take the next step towards creating a fulfilling Life and Financial Plan, let's talk.
(Image is AI-generated)
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