Insightful Goal Setting Questions

According to Quote Investigator, Allen Raine was the first person to say “You may get to the very top of the ladder, and then find it has not been leaning against the right wall.” This soooo applies to goal setting. So as part of my Organizing Your Finances series, here are some Insightful Questions for Setting Goals. 

Full Disclosure:

These questions are from George Kinder, author of Seven Stages of Money Maturity, who started the Kinder Institute to train other advisors to do life planning.

Each question should be contemplated and fleshed out with an advisor willing to listen to your real message, the message behind your words. The three questions are:

Question #1

If you had all the money in the world, what would you do differently than you are doing now?

Remove all thoughts of lack and focus on limitless abundance. If you knew without a doubt that everything was being supplied to you when you needed it. What would you do with your life? What would you dream of becoming?

Question #2

If you were told by a doctor that you had 10 years to live and that you would die quietly, what would you do differently?

Will you spend more time with family? Will you take that vacation you’ve always dreamed of? Or will you write that book you have in you? This question says, what if your time here on Earth is limited. Which it is. What are you going to do differently?

Question #3

Today was not the best day. This morning the doctor told you that you were going to die within 24hrs. What are your regrets?

Pause and really think about this one for a minute. Because we all know someone that dies way too early. So ask yourself, what do I need to do NOW so I could die without regrets?

I’ve sat in client meetings and asked these questions before. That last question can really choke you up. Nobody wants to contemplate their mortality. But it’s an important exercise if you want to move towards living a meaningful life.

Additional Insight

If these questions don’t resonate with you, there are others. One test is to grab a pen and paper and in 30 seconds write down the 5 most important things in your life. The reason you do it fast is so that you don’t have time to think. The 5 things that come to mind first, are usually what is most important.

Other good questions to ask:

• What have you always wanted to do, but have been afraid to attempt?
• What gives you the greatest feeling of self-worth? In other words, what brings you the most JOY when you’re doing it?
• If you had 1 wish, what 1 GREAT thing would you DARE to dream?

Takeaway

These questions help clarify what is most important in your life. We all live as if we are going to live forever. But as we contemplate mortality, our true purpose in life becomes easier to see.