Think of the rich people that you know or have read about for a moment. Ever consider how they got there? It may have something to do with good luck and being born with a silver spoon. But, you realize that their success was more likely the result of a long steady climb toward a clear goal, as-well-as a deeply imbedded purpose.
How rich do you want to be?
The truth is that rich people know how to set goals and achieve them. They know what they want, and they pursue it intently.
If you’ve read my previous posts, you will know that I’ve described being rich as “having an abundance of what matters to you most.” I think about this and discuss it with the Aha! team often.
Rich can certainly mean monetary wealth, but it can mean anything else that’s most important to us — like taking that once in a life-time vacation or finally completing that rose garden or achieving the all-important work/life balance.
But riches will not materialize without your complete focus. When we do not think deeply about our purpose, we end up hurting ourselves and the other people around us. There is a better way to live, and it starts with a clear task.
Let me suggest that way, right now. Take five minutes. On a piece of paper, write down this sentence and fill in the blanks.
I, [sign your full name], wants to (state the outcome you want) _______________, because (state the purpose/reason you want it) ________________________.
Actively engaging in this exercise will help you figure out what want and why you want it — which is the crucial step to true wealth. It may seem elementary, but here’s why each blank is exactly what you need.
Signing Your name…
When you sign your name to a document it becomes an official document, it is a serious occasion. Whether you are signing for an apartment, a car loan, or a legal contract, you know there will be consequences if you fail to keep your end of the bargain. In this exercise, the simple act of signing your name makes you accountable. Remember, this is your aspiration, writing your name makes it real.
What you want…
Most people don’t give much thought to being rich, and instead we allow ourselves to be carried along by the demands of the day. For those who are not used to goal-setting as a way of life, this may be the hardest part of this exercise. Search yourself. Do you want to start a company or adopt a child? What about volunteering at the art library? Identify what you want and write it down. When you name something, it gives it power, substance and identity.
Why it matters…
When you fill out the last blank, you are answering why being rich is important to you. The final part of the sentence reminds you that riches are worth fighting for. However, if you struggle to come up with a reason why this really matters, your sentence may need further refinement. Perhaps you need to dig deeper and discover a different goal that deserves your time and effort. A goal without a higher purpose will fail you.
Each aspect of the sentence is an vitally important step in self-exploration and fulfillment. Without your name it’s not as powerful. Take out what you want and you have no target . Remove the why and you have no conviction.
Completing this seemingly very simple sentence forces you to reflect, if only for a moment, and take a hard look at your life, what you are doing and where you’re headed.
What’s your sentence?
Be courageous. Live with conviction. Great achievers
establish a “goal first” approach and set a
true north for their outcomes.
Work smarter not harder…
————————-
