LIFE IS A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT
Thus, winning in 2016 or any given year is the equivalent of running a mile at a pace you want. A great way to start looking at 2016 and setting your pace is to finish evaluating 2015. Was 2015 a good year for you and how optimistic are you about 2016?
I’m also interested in how concerned you are about how well you are doing. Do you measure annually, or at least every few years, your progress toward longer term goals? I talk with every client about setting goals — a wish with a timeline. For some, a rough idea of what they want to do and by when is all they need. Others like to have more exacting targets to keep them assured they are making the desired progress. Decide what works best for you. Develop the practices in your life that enable you to find long term success.
GOAL SETTING USING THE RULE OF 3
I share my goals for clients dividing them in to 3 broad categories.
- I can live within my income and save for my long term goals — retirement, education, buying a home, or others. This requires knowing your expenses, setting time frames and amounts and allocating resources consistently.
- I have insurance programs that protect me and those I care most about. Insurance is a complex topic and often gets less attention than it should. When you need it, nothing is more important to have gotten right.
- I have adequately planned for my death by executing legal documents that protect me, my property and my heirs. There can be no greater gift than this.
Jim Valvano — the founder of The Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research– encouraged us to do the following every day: LAUGH, CRY– be moved emotionally to tears, and SPEND TIME IN THOUGHT. His words paraphrased were . . . “that’s a full day.” I agree.
I would also say: adopt my 3 goals as your life goals and that’s a wonderful start to a full life plan. Add your spiritual and relationship desires and you’ve created a life anyone would be proud of.
Best to you in 2016!