If you’re having trouble making your financial goals stick or feel a disconnect between your money and life, I have a suggestion: Stop focusing on the goals as a “to do” list and start focusing on your purpose and what you value most in life. Once you know what makes you tick, setting and prioritizing goals that support the life you want becomes much easier to achieve.
Money is a tool that can help us live the life we want. Yet, too often we skip over the life planning part and head straight to the financial tasks of what we think we’re suppose to be doing without regard to what is truly important to us.
Core Values and Life Purpose Discovery Exercise
Knowing how to connect to your purpose and core values requires some soul-searching. Below are 16 questions that you can use to prompt your thoughts for finding your core values and purpose. Have fun with them and discover how you can make things happen in your life. Make sure to write your thoughts in a journal so you can follow through on getting clear about your purpose and values even when life get busy.
- How do I want to feel in life and why? What can you do to create this feeling?
- How will I finish the sentence, “More than anything, before I die, I want to be ___________?” Say it out loud and fill in the blank. Then, figure out a way to accomplish it.
- Which people in my life inspire me and why? It’s important to know who inspires you so you can spend more time with them. What is it about them that lights you up so much?
- What’s the one thing I’ve always wanted to do or have? Consider what would need to happen in order for you to carry through with this long-sought wish.
- If I could spend today doing whatever I desire, what would it be? Brainstorm. It could be something related to your career, your home, or simply a lark.
- Where do I really want to live? What city and what type of residence? Perhaps you’re already fulfilling this and you do live in your true first choice. If not, ponder the possibilities of moving to a place you’ll love.
- Where would I like to visit?
- What do I talk about doing but never do it? In a conversation, you might state something like, “For the last __ years, I’ve really wanted…”
- What are the reasons I don’t go after my dreams? Think of why you haven’t pursued the life you want. Can you do something differently to help bring it to life?
- What are the things in my life that I would like to get rid of? If you’re discovering you don’t love everything about your life, maybe it’s time to do some “housecleaning.” Make a list of the ways you’d like your life to change.
- If I were to make just one radical change in my life right now to make life better, what would it be and why? Your answer to this question will open up possibilities.
- How do I feel when I put all my effort into accomplishing one of my goals? Notice these feelings. You’ll no doubt want to experience them more often.
- How do I feel whenever I achieve a life goal?
- What’s missing from my life?
- Who are my biggest supporters? It’s wise to know the people that will stand behind you and help you pursue your passions, no matter what.
- What and/or who gets in the way of me achieving my goals? In order to live your purpose, you might be required to disengage from situations that counteract your efforts.
If you take the time to think through these questions, you’ll likely start to uncover what is most important to you and how you can create a life of joy and fulfillment. Once you are clear on your core values and purpose, you’ll find setting and prioritizing financial goals to support them becomes much easier.
Share your thoughts on this topic. Do you know your core values and purpose in life? How does your financial life support or detract from these areas?