The Game Plan
THE GAMEPLAN
I mentioned before that we have a problem educating people (mainly the younger generation) on finances. Well, before we learn any of the basics, before you make a budget, before you sacrifice anything – everybody should dream and have some fun with this!
I know this goes against our “instant gratification” culture, but dream where you want to be in 10 years, 20 years, 40years. Dream big, BUT also be truthful with yourself (it’s hard to lie to yourself). Ex. Don’t dream of going to the moon when you’re afraid to fly. Don’t dream of becoming a doctor but you dropped out of high school, and you pass out at the site of blood.
This should be fun! There’s an estimated 7.7 billion people in the world – and there would be 7.7 different answers to this question if everybody answered.
If I had to guess, on your first go at this, it would be mostly about money/materialistic items! I want to live in on the beach in the Bahamas, I want a castle in the Alps, I want a Porsche, want to retire at 30, want to be CEO at 40, etc. etc. These are great, BUT what about your values, hobbies, and relatives? These will probably dictate your plans more than anything. Do you want to get married? Do you want children? Are my hobbies expensive? Do I have siblings I want to be by or even around? What motivates me? Do I like being in urban or rural areas? How is my health?
What hobbies do you like?
Some people believe it or not don’t have any – they are workaholics.
Some people love to cook, read, crafts, and art – inexpensive hobbies.
Some people love to ride horses, race cars, fly, or travel – much more expensive hobbies.
How / What income do I have?
Do you have a job? Do I like my job? Is it enough to save for my dreams?
My Family is wealthy. Do I have a trust account– how long will it last? Do I have to kiss their ass forever? Do I even want their money?
Do I have a disability?
What resources do I have?
Do I have a car?
Savings account?
Insurance?
An Education?
A certain talent?
Relatives that are supportive – or willing to help in my goals?
Oh, shit! This was supposed to be fun! This is much more complicated than I thought. Well, you would be correct. In the game of life, you are going to realize that events are going to change ALL the time. Some you can control – some you can’t. Some are going to change for the better, some for the worse. Don’t panic – EVERYBODY is going to go through these.
The definition of gameplan is A STRATEGY WORKED OUT IN ADVANCE – according to Webster. I had the opportunity to play sports and around some amazing leaders (coaches and players). Yes, a “gameplan” was a strategy in advance, but it also had the ability to ADAPT to what the opponent/elements were doing. Everybody wants to win 100 – 0 and have smooth sailing. Dam, that never happened (or I never won 100-0 in anything)! However, the great leaders adjust the gameplan if something is going bad, we were weak in an area, or had inferior talent. Instead of complaining – they looked at what resources they had to create an advantage. You always can have an advantage – it’s called the will to succeed! It might be the only one you have. The US hockey team in 1980 (the Miracle on Ice) didn’t have ANY advantage on paper – but they won!
Be prepared and have the ability to change to life’s events. I laugh at people that ask about budgets. Budgets are VERY good, and I believe in them. However, a budget is only a short-term tool OR work if everything stayed constant and forever. Life doesn’t do that – it is always changing.
*I am NOT pooh-poohing budgets. Just remember that a budget should change annually AND is only a useful tool if you evaluate it monthly!
Make a gameplan that follows your dreams and value’s – don’t be afraid to change and adapt it to life’s events. This creates priorities and a starting point!