{"id":5419,"date":"2010-12-09T09:55:09","date_gmt":"2010-12-09T16:55:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/?p=5419"},"modified":"2010-12-05T17:42:26","modified_gmt":"2010-12-06T00:42:26","slug":"want-a-wonderful-life-then-start-now-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/?p=5419","title":{"rendered":"Want a wonderful life?  Then start NOW."},"content":{"rendered":"[First part of a two-part series]\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/svapm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/wonderfullife1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-5451\" src=\"https:\/\/svapm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/wonderfullife1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"75\" height=\"100\" \/><\/a>Whether we project managing our work projects, our careers, our finances  or our personal relationships, the concept of focusing on what can be  done &#8220;NOW&#8221; to improve our situation is critical.\u00a0 This is the second  part of a two-part series.\u00a0 Hope you enjoy it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat do I want to be when I grow up\u201d isn\u2019t the best question to finding our passion and purpose.<\/p>\n<p>That question puts an uncomfortable focus on the fact that \u201cwe don\u2019t know what we want to be\u201d.\u00a0 The more we focus on the idea that \u201cwe don\u2019t know what we want\u201d \u2013 the farther away it feels.\u00a0 The farther away it seems, the more we float aimlessly.\u00a0 Before long, 10, 20, 30 years have gone by and we\u2019re still asking ourselves \u201cWhat do I want to be when I grow up\u201d?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep it simple, silly.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We all want the same thing.\u00a0 We want a wonderful life.\u00a0 Some days we may not know exactly how to get there, but we do know that we want wonderful things.<\/p>\n<p>I may not know exactly what I want to be, do or have to create that wonderful life.\u00a0 So \u2013 maybe the better question is \u201cWhat can I do <strong>NOW<\/strong> \u2013 to assure that I continue to have a wonderful life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Power is in our NOW.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s all sounds \u201cnice\u201d.\u00a0 But let\u2019s get practical.\u00a0 How do I actually do this?<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re typically concerned over just a few things:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li> Career\/money<\/li>\n<li> Healthy\/body<\/li>\n<li>Relationships<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Those things not only mean different things to different people, but they also mean different things to the same person at different phases of our lives.<\/p>\n<p>So let\u2019s give some examples of the better use of NOW in some of those for areas.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Career example at age 20:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>What do I want to be when I grow up?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I\u2019m \u00bd through my college curriculum and I still don\u2019t know what to major in.\u00a0 My parents are pressuring me to decide, my college advisors are required to track my progress toward a decision, and my friends have all decide.\u00a0 I\u2019m frustrated and feel lost.\u00a0 I\u2019ll just go out with my friends, go shopping, go drinking and I\u2019ll think about it later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What can I do <strong>NOW <\/strong>to assure that I continue to have a wonderful life?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I\u2019m \u00bd through my college curriculum and I still don\u2019t know what to major in.\u00a0 While I may not know what I want to do in my profession, I am enjoying the college environment, the friends I am making, the learning. \u00a0I do realize that completing college will provide me with the foundation to go in any direction that I want. \u00a0\u00a0While I may not know what I want to be, I do know what I admire in others and what roles attract me.\u00a0 I can align and learn from specific mentors that I admire and am attracted to.\u00a0 I know what classes I really enjoy and even the classes I don\u2019t enjoy give me clarity on what I am attracted to.\u00a0 Any degree will give me that additional foundational base.\u00a0 \u00a0And I can experiment with various intern or part-time positions to better explore what I want to be, do or have.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"> Career example at age 25:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>What do I want to be when I grow up?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I have my first job.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s something I really want to do all my life.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know if this is \u201cmy passion\u201d or \u201cmy purpose\u201d.\u00a0 I don\u2019t really see a future at this position, but it\u2019s a job.\u00a0 I have to make money to pay the bills and rent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What can I do <strong>NOW <\/strong>to assure that I continue to have a wonderful life?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I have my first job.\u00a0 While I may not know if this will be \u201clong-term\u201d, I appreciate this opportunity, the consistent pay, and learning from my co-workers.\u00a0 This is a great first job.\u00a0 And I know it won\u2019t be my last.\u00a0 We\u2019re meant to experiment, explore and move about.\u00a0 Therefore, I will keep my eyes open. I will align and network with specific mentors.\u00a0 I will continue to position myself to do more of the tasks I enjoy.\u00a0 And even the tasks I don\u2019t enjoy give me clarity on what I am attracted to.\u00a0 I can experiment with various side-projects and job-rotating positions to better explore what I want to be, do or have.\u00a0 I can continue to network with the people I really admire.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"> Career example at age 35:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>What do I want to be when I grow up?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I\u2019ve been trying to climb the corporate ladder for 10 year.\u00a0 I still don\u2019t know what I really want to be.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been doing this for HIM and that for HER \u2013 hoping to get a promotion.\u00a0 And nothing comes of it.\u00a0 I have to actually change companies to get a lousy promotion or raise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What can I do <strong>NOW <\/strong>to assure that I continue to have a wonderful life?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I have been enjoying this company for 10 years.\u00a0 I\u2019ve used my inner knowing and intuition to guide me on which projects to put my passion and effort in.\u00a0 It\u2019s really been worthwhile and I\u2019ve been getting promotions and acknowledgements in the areas I\u2019ve enjoyed.\u00a0\u00a0 Now, I feel I am currently at a plateau.\u00a0 I\u2019ve had this feeling for a few months now that this place as taken me as far as I can.\u00a0 I feel I need to either leave this company or focus on the next executive step.\u00a0 In either case, going back to school for my MBA or equivalent is the next step. It will be a challenge to juggle both work and school.\u00a0 But the coursework will be in line with what I love to do, so it will be challenging and fun.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"> Career example at age 45:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>What do I want to be when I grow up?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I\u2019ve been working the corporate environment for 20 year.\u00a0 I still don\u2019t know what I really want to be.\u00a0 The economy is in terrible shape.\u00a0 Now the company is downsizing and I\u2019m laid off.\u00a0 What do I do now?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>What can I do <strong>NOW <\/strong>to assure that I continue to have a wonderful life?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The company is downsizing and I elected to take the severance package. It provides some funds for retraining as well as several weeks of pay.\u00a0 Ever since getting my MBA, I continued my education in business and my entrepreneurial training.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been able to save a substantial amount through my various increases and promotions.\u00a0 And I\u2019ve been experiment with my business ideas as a hobby for awhile now.\u00a0 Last November I actually sat down with my financial advisor and put together a business plan for something on my own.\u00a0 I was just trying to decide when to do it.\u00a0 This event could not have come at a better time.\u00a0 It\u2019s actually providing me with additional funds as well as inspiration to actually do this.\u00a0 This is actually wonderful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"> Financial example at age 20:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>What do I want to be when I grow up?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I\u2019m living at home and I hate it.\u00a0 My parents are always on my back about my choices.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m a grown up.\u00a0 They can\u2019t treat me like a kid all the time.\u00a0 I wish I could move out but I don\u2019t have any money.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What can I do <strong>NOW <\/strong>to assure that I continue to have a wonderful life?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I\u2019m living at home and it\u2019s challenging.\u00a0 I like the idea of being on my own, living my own life, doing what I want to do, when I want to do it.\u00a0 My parents are helping me out by providing me room and board (at no charge) while I complete my schooling, which is in alignment with my goals.\u00a0 So, my parents mean well, but I\u2019m still looking forward to being on my own.\u00a0 So, what can I do right now to assure I continue to have a wonderful life moving forward?\u00a0 Well, I can get a part-time job.\u00a0 The fact that my parents aren\u2019t charging me rent will allow me to continue to save my money at a faster rate.\u00a0\u00a0 In the meantime, I will show my appreciation to my folks by assisting with the household chores and expenses.\u00a0\u00a0 By tangibly showing my appreciation, responsibility and respect in this manner, my folks will be happier and less anxious about my future. Everyone will be happier in this difficult situation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"> Financial example at age 25:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>What do I want to be when I grow up?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I have my first job.\u00a0 I have my own place \u2013 finally!\u00a0 The rent is really high and it\u2019s taking most of my income.\u00a0 I won\u2019t be saving anything, but I\u2019m still young.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get promotions and make more money eventually.<\/li>\n<li>I have my first credit card.\u00a0 This is freedom and I can do anything I want.\u00a0 I\u2019ll charge the car, and my furniture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What can I do <strong>NOW <\/strong>to assure that I continue to have a wonderful life?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I have my first job.\u00a0 I have my own place \u2013 finally!\u00a0 And it\u2019s awesome.\u00a0 The rent is a little higher than I had anticipated. Even though I have a good amount saved, I think I will look for a pleasant roommate to share expenses and experiences.\u00a0 I don\u2019t have to rush into finding a roommate right away.\u00a0 I have enough money for now.\u00a0 So, I\u2019ll just keep an eye out for a compatible roommate. \u00a0\u00a0I want to make sure that person is responsible and able to afford the rent and expenses.<\/li>\n<li>I do need a car to get around.\u00a0 But I don\u2019t want to start my new life in debt, so I\u2019ll purchase a car that I can afford.\u00a0 I have my savings for this purpose.\u00a0 I don\u2019t need lots of furniture right away.\u00a0 I rather buy things as I need them and when I really connect with the item.\u00a0 This allows me to afford the things that really means something to me and still stay on my path.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"> Financial example at age 35:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>What do I want to be when I grow up?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I haven\u2019t been watchful in my funds.\u00a0 Anything I\u2019ve acquired, my ex-wife now has and I still owe child-support.\u00a0 I\u2019m currently in debt.\u00a0 I need a higher paying job, but I can\u2019t afford to ask for a raise.\u00a0 That\u2019s a sure fire way to get fired.\u00a0 It seems that the harder I work harder and the deeper in debt I am.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What can I do <strong>NOW <\/strong>to assure that I continue to have a wonderful life?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I have a lovely family and life is going well.\u00a0 As my children continue to thrive, we need to consider saving for their college funds, as well as our retirement funds.\u00a0 Going back to school (while will be temporarily challenging on both my time and savings) will help me achieve these things in the coming years.\u00a0 I can also discuss this with my family and ask for their opinion and help.\u00a0 The children are of an age that will understand about finances.\u00a0 We will ask their help with the house chores and keeping us on a budget.\u00a0 It will be good financial education for them on how to budget their own money.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"> Financial example at age 45:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>What do I want to be when I grow up?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Now that I am laid-off and only have 2 weeks of savings \u2013 what am I supposed to do?\u00a0 The money problems are affecting my second marriage.\u00a0 We\u2019re always fighting about money.\u00a0 I have a line on a temporary lower paying job.\u00a0 I really hope I get it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>What can I do <strong>NOW <\/strong>to assure that I continue to have a wonderful life?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Last November I actually sat down with my financial advisor and put together a business plan for something on my own.\u00a0 In my business plan, I forecasted making a profit within three year.\u00a0 My financial advisor and I rearranged certain funds and bonds to be able to sustain our household for three years to match my business plans.\u00a0 I also have target goals and milestones in line with my 3-year business goals.\u00a0 If I\u2019m not lining up with those targets, I can easily re-evaluate and re-align.\u00a0 I will know early on what to tweak as time goes on.\u00a0 My MBA and business education is working for me now.\u00a0 My family is also in line with these goals and is supporting me by being a part of my company.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether we project managing our work projects, our careers, our finances or our personal relationships, the concept of focusing on what can be done &#8220;NOW&#8221; to improve our situation is critical.  This is the second part of a two-part series.  Hope you enjoy it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1508,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,8,6,855,847],"tags":[195,39,13,33,64,17],"class_list":["post-5419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-goals","category-priorities-2","category-communications","category-pmbok-process-executing","category-self-leadership","tag-accountability","tag-best-practices","tag-career-development","tag-common-sense","tag-communication","tag-lessons-learned"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5419","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1508"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5419"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5419\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5419"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5419"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/svapm.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5419"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}