FUTURE PLANNING PROCESS

I helped a couple in their mid-60s get clarity and a plan for their uncertain future. They were concerned about their money, retirement, the limits of Yorkshire, travelling abroad, and how to fulfil their desire to become more involved in the arts.

They wondered how they might meet new friends in the future and become part of new communities while continuing to make an impact in their professional practices.

It became apparent that the clients didn’t know where to start, so I took them through the process of planning their lives and money and helped them realise that Purposeful Prosperity was on their doorstep.

Planning your future doesn’t take a lifetime when you have a process.

I spent just ninety minutes with the couple. Afterwards, they left with a spring in their step and a plan for the future, which included moving to London to be close to their children and the capital’s cultural communities, winding down their practices and negotiating ongoing part-time work with their clients and employers.

They would also reassess their relationship with their money to ensure their money lasts their lifetime, with some left over for the children.

It helps to know how to plan. Without a process for arranging your life and money, you don’t even know where to begin, as my clients realised, which is a significant obstacle to change and growth.

The FUTURE Process

FUTURE is my unique six-step process, which I use with my clients.

Step 1: Foundation.

Understanding where you are now, even if you’re unhappy with your situation, will ease your anxiety and help you sleep at night. I do this step first to establish a firm foundation and give you the peace of mind to make informed decisions and build a plan for the future.

Step 2: Utopia.

Now, you will decide who you want to be, what you want to have and what you want to do. The excitement of turning your values into goals and discovering new opportunities will light your torch and give you the vigour to realise your dreams.

Step 3: Transformation.

You must address practical and emotional challenges as you craft your vision. The Transformation step ensures you deal with challenges confidently and progress steadily towards wisdom and resilience.

Step 4: Utilisation of resources.

In this step, you will gain confidence as you identify and apply existing strengths and resources to achieve your vision and pinpoint areas requiring further personal or professional development.

Step 5: Roadmap.

It’s time to consolidate and organise your ideas into a written action plan so your life becomes organised enough to think ahead and focus on using your strengths, resources and newly released time.

Step 6: Engage.

Finally, you commit to your plan by sharing your intentions with your circle and vanquishing any remaining personal and financial vulnerabilities. Imagine how proud your family will be as you confidently commit to a life of security and renewed purpose!

Planning your future is not a long process, but knowing where to begin the process can be challenging.

TAKE IT FURTHER

Reflect

Here are four statements on which to reflect. Think of stories relating to the question and ask yourself what happened, so what and what next.

• If planning doesn’t take a lifetime, what’s stopping me from starting right now?
• How might clarity about where I am now bring unexpected peace of mind and momentum for change?
• Where in my life am I waiting for certainty instead of committing to a plan and sharing it with others?
• What would it feel like to turn my unspoken values into practical, inspiring goals?

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ABOUT

I work with ambitious, family-oriented professionals transitioning to independent consultants to create a 3 to 5-year holistic plan so that they grow wealthy, make a difference and find meaning.

My clients are aged 35-50. They are in a long-term relationship with family and parents who are supportive but ageing. They wrestle with personal and financial responsibilities and dream of more control, wealth, time and purpose.

If this excites you, you are coachable, willing to change, and want to stop going around in circles, then find out more at jeremydeedes.com

Then, take your next step and explore your way forward with a Mapmaker, a one-off online coaching gig to help you decide your options, assess our compatibility, and determine whether we are the right fit. Mapmaker is excellent value, held in confidence and without further commitment.

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Your views are important, and your fellow readers would love to hear your opinion, so share your thoughts in the comments box below, and thank you for your time and generosity.