Here are several exercises which attempt to help you get closer to the HEART of your values, to identify who you are, who you want to be, what you want in your lifetime; what you want to be and to do and to have. These more significant stirrings of your soul are those that should drive your financial plan. PLEASE, SHARE ANY RESULTS WITH YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNER. (All exercises are compiled from multiple sources. Nothing is original).

THREE SCENARIOS

Write for 5 minutes after each question, and then go to the next. For most impact, do not read ahead.

1. If you had all the money you needed, what would your life look like?
2. If you had 5-10 years to live, what would you do with your life?
3. If you had only 24 hours left to live, what would you most regret not having done?

(It is usually the last question that will bring out your true “core value” goals).

OBITUARY

Write a press release about yourself.

Describe where and how you’ve made a difference. Describe the achievements that have made you the most proud, along with your greatest contributions. “What do I want to be known for?” “If I could create the future, what would I invent for myself?” Include what you have not yet done, as if they had already happened. How did these experiences feel?

IDEAL LIFE

Describe your ideal life.

As an outlet for your unique personality, your life should be a vehicle for you to express your values, principles and beliefs.

ONE THING

State one thing you believe you want in your financial future.

Then, ask the question, “Why is that important to me?” Answer.

Ask again, “Why is (the answer) important to me?” Answer.

Continue to ask. Go deeper and deeper. It is a brainstorming exercise. Do this during a walk, or whenever it comes to mind. Jot down words to remind you of the answers.

PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT

1. Write 5 characteristics you like about yourself. Consider positive qualities like creativity, intelligence, sense of humor, willingness to learn, persistence, etc.
2. Describe the way you express these positive characteristics in a phrase beginning with, “I express my ________ by _______________”.
3. List 5 goals you hope to accomplish by the end of this calendar year.
4. Look over 1, 2, and 3. Insert the 3 most important items into one statement with the following language: “My purpose is to express my (quality) by (the way you express it) to create (your goal).”
5. Print out this statement, look at it daily, and speak it daily. Memorize it. Share it with others, especially your financial planner. Create several statements, one for your work, your spiritual self, emotional, physical self, etc. The first four chapters of Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich detail the importance of developing and committing your perusal mission statement to memory and using it in your daily life.

CREATE THE FUTURE:

List 6 people you spend the most time with. They’re helping to create your future.