In preparation for the new Quarter, I review my Life Plan. This week, when I did my review, I was completely re-inspired! Everything in my plan lights me up with enthusiasm.
My Life Plan incorporates the following domains of my life:
- Marriage
- Motherhood
- Financial
- Professional
- Charitable
For me, these are all a spiritual journey, a commitment to my faith, and part of my expression of love in the world.
Leaders inherently are visionaries. Leaders are deeply attuned to the present, are optimistic about what could be, and courageously dream dreams.
Additionally, they’re always growing, changing, and working on something.
They are the 2%.
If you are reading this post, you are in that group! If you don’t have a life plan yet, here are five reasons to start now.
1. A Life Plan keeps you focused on what matters most.
When I met The Builder (my husband), he lived in a different city and Province and was single.
I didn’t know at the time, he was carrying around this card in his wallet. Through a recent coaching experience, he had developed this crystal clear, 3-part goal. It was his Life Plan.
Surprise! It unfolded for him beautifully over the next 4 years. I was definitely a part of the journey because we were married within two years and the bonus baby came along 10 months later. The Builder’s business was successful and we were able to purchase a vacation property on the lake. Over time, our financial goals evolved.
Through this experience, we were amazed and grateful!
We often tell this story in our Nest-Building content. I attribute some of what happened in those years to The Builder’s clarity.
2. It can also evolve.
Gates’ Law is as follows,
“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”
Bill Gates
As outlined in the story above, it didn’t take The Builder a lifetime to achieve his Life Plan. It took 4 years. Our story can be your story!
What big dreams do you have in your heart? What visions do you see in the future? Furthermore, what would it mean to have those written down and a plan to review them consistently?
However, you aren’t stuck with a particular plan. It can evolve. It is a living document and your story.
3. A Life Plan is a Risk-Taking Guide
Leaders are constantly managing and evaluating risk.
When should we move forward and when should we hold up? What choices will reap the best outcomes? Or, how much risk can I tolerate in different areas of my life?
These questions can be haunting and even paralyze us.
A Life Plan liberates us by clarifying what matters. When we have a grid for “Why,” it is easier to take and manage risks.
4. Big Personalized Plans are Inspiring.
When I read my Life Plan, I’m inspired. I feel excited about the future I’ve painted far out in the distance because it is unique to me. Each time I re-visit my plan, creativity strikes! And, I get new ideas for how I want to achieve those goals.
Ultimately, your Life Plan drills into and documents what you want. So, it is laced with your uniqueness.
You will be able to taste the hope.
5. It Sets You up for Success
Your fulfillment as a human being sets you up for professional achievement. Your self-leadership impacts your team leadership.
“Self-leadership always precedes team leadership.”
Michael Hyatt, Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want
If you want to level up your leadership, it begins with you.
The endless flow between your inner and outer worlds is integrated and whole. It is like a Mobiüs Strip.
If you’d like to create a Life Plan, the two resources informing my work are:
Additionally, here is a terrific Michael Hyatt post on his approach to developing a Life Plan, including a template.
Finally, do you need a system that prompts you to review your Life Plan regularly? I encourage you to consider the Full Focus Planner. In my Learn Forward™ Masterclass Series, I’m teaching EdLeaders from all over North America how to use this goal achievement system. You’re invited!
For the sake of the children,
Karine