Imagine many years into the future, having lived a long life. As you look back on your life, what do you picture remembering how you have spent your life?
Will you be thinking fondly of the relationships and experiences you have enjoyed with friends and family, the travel experiences, the contributions you have given back to your community?
Or will you be regretting the things that you have always wanted to do, but never quite got around to starting?
Real wealth is the amount of quality time you spend with those you love.
Starting today, draw up a list of all the things that you want to achieve during the rest of your life and plan to achieve some of them each year from now on. Include things like travel, study, business opportunities, renovating your home, community service, family experiences etc. Involve your significant other and your children in this exercise. Make it fun, challenge yourself, let your imagination run.
Then review your financial affairs, ask yourself what needs to happen in order that you achieve your desired future lifestyle.
By starting with the end in mind, you can create an action plan to help you get from where you are now, to where you want to be.
Suddenly, the workday grind makes sense – there is light at the end of the tunnel. You may find yourself simplifying your financial life, taking advantage of tax breaks, saving smart, and reducing non essential debt all in an effort to give you precious, quality time.
Wealth is not about the pursuit of money. It is about relegating money to where it belongs – a tool to help you increase the quality time you spend with those you love.
You can always make another dollar, but you can never make another day.