Purpose-Based Planning

Have you ever abandoned a hobby or interest due to the fear of not excelling immediately? While it can be tempting to do so – especially for perfectionists – it’s important to remember that initial failure is a normal part of acquiring new skills.

How does finding meaning and purpose in life relate to your relationship with money? In Viktor Frankl's book, Man’s Search for Meaning, he reflects on his experience in Nazi death camps, emphasizing that even in the darkest times, moments of happiness and meaning can be found.

When it comes to end-of-year reflections, you are likely to do so in a linear fashion. However, another – albeit unique – strategy is to consider your life thus far as an "infinite ladder," where progress occurs in both inner and outer dimensions.

When you finally achieve a long-awaited dream, whether it's financial independence, retirement or in the author’s case here, reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, you might notice a feeling of "Now what?" sets in after your elation fades.

Your ability to experience fulfillment right now involves practicing intentionality. As entrepreneur and author Derek Sivers states, your future is uncertain and your past is irrelevant. Therefore, focusing on the actions you take now is key to understanding yourself and creating the life you want.

Planning for retirement involves asking the big questions, such as: How do I protect and grow my savings? Or, do I have enough? Beyond this, however, you have other factors to consider, both financial and non-financial.

Your hard-earned dollars can keep a roof over your head and food on your table, but without understanding the meaning behind the money, how can you expect it to bring you a purpose-filled life?

If you’re unfamiliar with the Stoic philosophy, it teaches that while you may be unable to change the world or control external circumstances, you possess the power to change how you perceive and respond to them.

Asking yourself “How much is enough?” throughout certain points in life might lead to an answer that’s a moving target. However, when it comes to wealth, when do you know if you have truly reached financial independence – or your “enough”?

You won’t create a meaningful life by sacrificing happiness, experiences and relationships for the sake of one more dollar. The key to fulfillment is to find the sweet spot between extremes; somewhere in the middle of financial security and living in the present.

If you want to live a vibrant retirement, embracing generativity – versus stagnation – is key.

You have one shot at retirement planning and a plethora of resources at your fingertips today to create the ultimate Job Optional life. This is your opportunity to create a future that’s bigger than your past.