Life Plan Examples

It’s always easier to do something new if you can see someone else do it first. We wanted to do that for you here and bring together four different life plans from Building Champions clients. As you read, you’ll get a sense of their individual lives and hopes, plus the various challenges they’re all facing.

Each one is a little different—and not just in the particulars of their lives. Everyone builds their plan to fit their needs, going into as much detail and following the format as much as they think is necessary. Some are long. Some are short. Some are in between. They’re all from men and women at different life stages and places in their careers.

They have their own unique outlooks and approaches to life—but they also have something in common. They all know that living intentionally is the most effective way to experience the kind of life they desire. As with many of the previous examples in the book, we’ve changed the names and details to protect people’s privacy. We’ve also edited these for consistency and style, but we’ve tried to let their unique character shine through.

Hopefully, you’ll find not only additional direction in these five examples but also freedom to build your plan to fit your life.

We have many more examples in our Life Plan Gallery at LivingForwardBook.com. You can even search to find those plans that most closely match your own situation.

Tom

Eulogy

Date of Birth: March 5, 1968

Date of Death: March 6, 2068

Tom was known as a family man whose mission in life was to positively impact the lives of children. He and his wife, Lisa, made their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren priorities in their lives. Lisa was the love of his life, and they spent many days together in love and laughter, both as a couple and with their amazing family.

Tom’s three children had him wrapped around their respective fingers from the day they were born. He coached many of their basketball and baseball teams when they were younger, always emphasizing the same lessons: have fun, hustle, and display good sportsmanship. His kids never forgot those lessons and realized they were applicable not only in sports but in life: have fun, work hard, and treat others with kindness and respect.

After a lengthy career in the mortgage industry—including twenty years as the owner of a thriving mortgage company—Tom became a successful high-school basketball coach. Hundreds of the players he coached were in attendance at his memorial service, primarily because he cared more about them as people than as athletes.

The term life balance is one that Tom believed in wholeheartedly. He strived to instill the importance of balance into everyone he met, and his life was an example for others to follow.

Action Plans

Purpose:

I have an incredible life partner in Lisa. She is beautiful, thoughtful, understanding, smart, funny, athletic, and a lover of sports. Contributing to her happiness, success, and achievements brings me an incredible amount of joy. We work together to build a strong, happy, purposeful family.

Long-Term Vision:

Lisa and I will continue to date each other on a regular basis now and when we are empty nesters. We will continue working as a team toward goals and dreams, as well as enhancing our day-to-day happiness. We will continue to have a loving, passionate marriage that is able to withstand any turbulence.

Short-Term Goals/Specific Commitments:

  1. I will devote at least two nights per month as “date nights” with Lisa. This evening will be spent without the kids.
  2. I will spend “quiet time” (glass of wine, cuddling, etc.) with Lisa at least three times per week.
  3. My family and I will take at least five vacations (overnight or more) outside our hometown each year.
  4. My family and I will have one crazy-fun experience each quarter.

Purpose:

I have been given the most amazing gifts on Earth. Our kids rock! I will do everything possible to love and nurture Sarah, Sam, and Johnny and ensure that they grow up in a safe, fun, positive, and healthy environment.

Long-Term Vision:

I will have great relationships with my kids. They will be physically and emotionally healthy and happy, and they will contribute positively to my life, Lisa’s life, and most importantly, society.

Short-Term Goals/Specific Commitments:

  1. I will continue to coach each kid’s baseball and basketball teams. I will spend one day/week in school with Johnny.
  2. I will read three books and/or attend three clinics per year related to child development issues, motivating kids, coaching, etc.
  3. I will have one date night (one-on-one time outside the house) each month with Sarah, Sam, and Johnny.
  4. I will spend the day one-on-one with each child on their half-birthday, engaging in activities chosen by the kids.

Purpose:

I am in excellent overall physical condition. My diet and exercise program have been carefully scrutinized. I eat foods, exercise, and sleep in a manner that contributes to a long, healthy life and gives me the necessary energy throughout the day that allows me to be a great husband, father, leader, and friend.

Long-Term Vision:

I will continue to monitor my health on an ongoing basis. I will be able to perform the same physical activities at fifty that I am able to perform at forty. My annual physical checkups show great results. I complete an Ironman Triathlon annually.

Short-Term Goals/Specific Commitments:

  1. Work out at least seven times per week.
  2. I will complete an Ironman Triathlon by 2013.
  3. Each year I will have my diet and health evaluated by a health professional.
  4. I will be in bed by 10:30 each night.

Purpose:

My achievements in the professional world allow my family to obtain financial security and allow me to act as a mentor and leader to all my employees.

Long-Term Vision:

By forty-seven, I will have the ability to sell my company (most likely to my employees) for at least $3 million. I will be able to choose to devote my working hours to contributing to the lives of children.

Short-Term Goals/Specific Commitments:

  1. I will create a business vision, business plan, and recruiting/retention plan—and incorporate these ideas into my daily activities.
  2. I will make myself completely available to all employees for questions, coaching, deal structuring, etc.
  3. I will read twelve books per year devoted to business-related topics.

Purpose:

I will achieve financial freedom at the age of forty-seven, allowing me to devote more time to contributing to the lives of my children, without worrying about the financial implications of that decision.

Long-Term Vision:

By forty-seven, my family and I will live in a home with an indoor basketball court. By forty-five, our net worth, not including my business, will be at least $2 million dollars; by forty-seven, our net worth will be at least $3 million.

Short-Term Goals/Specific Commitments:

  1. Lisa and I will meet with our financial advisor on a semiannual basis to review our financial strategies and make necessary adjustments.
  2. I will calculate my family’s net worth each December.
  • Our real estate net worth should increase by at least 10 percent each year (from appreciation of properties and decrease in mortgage amounts owed).
  • Our equities plus cash (mutual funds, profit-sharing account, 401[k], checking accounts, etc.) net worth should increase by at least 10 percent each year (from added contributions and investment growth).

Purpose:

My friends have helped me through the highs and lows of my life. I have many great friendships, and I want to be able to contribute positively to my friends’ lives.

Long-Term Vision:

I will continue to have close, dynamic, fun relationships with the people who are important in my family’s life.

Short-Term Goals/Specific Commitments:

  1. Each year my college friends will gather for a minimum of a three-day vacation.
  2. Once each month we’ll either invite friends over to our home for poker parties, kids’ play dates, dinner, etc., or Lisa and I will go to dinner with them.

Purpose:

My parents are amazing people, and I will continue to love and support them, as they do me.

Long-Term Vision:

I will be very close with both of my parents, stepparents, and Lisa’s family, visiting with them often.

Short-Term Goals/Specific Commitments:

  1. I will plan one activity (lunch, dinner, etc.) every two months with my mom.
  2. I will talk to my dad on the phone once per month.

Rachel

Eulogy

Rachel is absolutely the sweetest person I have ever met. She always had a smile on her face and had such a positive outlook on life. Since she was a little girl, Rachel had spunk about her that wouldn’t quit. Her “overachiever syndrome” was evident from an early age and was further corroborated when she was selected as Most Likely to Succeed of her high-school senior class. Eager to get out into the educational workforce, she completed her undergraduate degree in only three years and graduated with her MSE plus 30 shortly thereafter.

Rachel was a phenomenal educator. She loved her students with her entire being and tirelessly poured into their development. She structured her classroom as a safe learning environment where her students felt worth within their classroom community. She later served in administration roles both as an instructional technology director and assistant principal in order to broaden her impact on student achievement. Even years later, she stayed connected with former students and continued to pour into them.

Rachel excelled in making others feel worth and dignity and made all who encountered her feel as if they could conquer the world. Through building relationships, she developed a strong and loyal customer base, many of whom became personal friends and valued her as a true partner and colleague.

Rachel excelled as an educational sales rep, never missing a given sales quota and always exceeding her given goal. She was passionate about education and strove to see children succeed! She was loyal to her customers and them to her. She was seen as a solid partner for schools and districts as well as a respected colleague.

There was a genuineness about Rachel that is not commonly found. She lit up a room when entering. Anyone she encountered was always glad to see her. She was sincere, encouraging, and had the kindest heart I knew.

Rachel’s faith grounded and centered everything she did. Despite walking through difficulties, she maintained a positive outlook and firmly held to the fact that her Father was working for good on her behalf. She chose to use her pain and weaknesses to tirelessly pour into others. She was adamant her pain not be in vain and be used as a catalyst for growth in herself and others. Rachel lived in a constant state of improvement.

Her love for Jesus was also exemplified in the missions work she participated in over the course of her life. For as long as I remember, Rachel served in the local church in some capacity. In her thirties, after completing many mission trips domestically, she opened her heart to a country in Central America desperately needing the hope and love only Jesus can bring. Rachel fell in love with Guatemala and served many missions here.

Rachel loved her family. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and cousin and enjoyed spending any and all time she could with her family, whether close or distant. Her mom, Naomi, and her sister, Tanya, were truly her two best friends. She would have rather spent time with them than anyone else in the world. The three of them maintained a deep, close, and personal relationship.

In the little spare time she found, Rachel loved to play tennis and work in her yard. She found great joy in the outdoors and living in the sunshine. She was also an avid reader with a voracious desire to soak in new knowledge and information.

Rachel was truly a unique individual on many levels. It is a rarity to find someone so dedicated, so trustworthy, so caring, and so incredibly genuine.

Action Plans

Envisioned Future:

I want to fully serve God, walking in his divine will and purpose. I want to be used magnificently to grow his kingdom and share his love and hope with others.

Purpose:

My purpose is to live my life in a way so there is no question of my faith or loyalty to my Savior. I want others to see him in me and know where my joy and hope lies. My purpose is to exude Jesus.

Specific Commitments:

  • Spend a minimum of thirty minutes per day in quiet time and prayer.
  • Read one spiritual book per month.
  • Have continuous conversations with God throughout the day about anything and everything.
  • Attend one Christ-centered conference per year.

Obstacles:

  • A hectic schedule sometimes gets in the way of quality quiet time.
  • Since I typically read at night, exhaustion sometimes replaces reading, and I choose to sleep.

Envisioned Future:

I am happy, living a life of freedom, flexibility, and service. I am continuously investing in myself and growing intellectually and spiritually while maintaining my mental and physical health.

Purpose:

My purpose is to live a positive and encouraging life displaying the love of Christ in every aspect.

Specific Commitments:

  • Take one “unplugged” day per month.
  • Continue coaching and development of my life plan to become the best me.
  • Have quiet time on Sunday afternoons to relax and be at peace.
  • Allow for two weekends a year for a trip alone to rest, recoup, and spend time with the Lord.
  • Attend the 2015 World Domination Summit to be around like-minded, entrepreneurial people.

Obstacle:

  • The largest obstacle to this account is overextending myself with work and personal commitments. More often than not, this account gets placed by the wayside and is not made a priority.

Envisioned Future:

I am a devoted daughter, taking care of my parents as they age. I owe them immensely for molding and shaping me into the person I am today. It is my heart’s desire to spend as much quality time with them as possible, being available when needed to assist with life events. My siblings and their families are very much a part of my life, and I am also available to assist them physically, emotionally, etc. In addition, extended family also plays a big role in my life. I desire to be loyal and a support system for them when needed.

Purpose:

My purpose is to highly prioritize my family and their needs. Our time on Earth is limited and I will love my family well and deeply for the time I am blessed to have them.

Specific Commitments:

  • Be more patient with my parents as they age, understanding they face and will face mental/health struggles.
  • Take meaningful trips with my parents, providing for expenses they cannot afford.
  • Spend one weekend a month with my parents (this will be hard until I can move closer).
  • Spend two weekends a year with my sister at her home and trips together as our schedules allow.
  • Text/talk with my brother and his wife. This is a huge step, as we have never communicated regularly. No reason why—just life has gotten in the way. I need to develop and build a solid relationship with both of them.
  • Attend extended family events at least twice a year.
  • Have consistent communication with extended relatives.

Obstacles:

  • Lack of time
  • Distance
  • Coordination of schedules

Envisioned Future:

My service is not limited by full-time employment, and is only limited by the hours in the day. I am serving in the local church and community as well as internationally to spread the love and hope of Jesus.

Purpose:

My Father has immensely blessed me, and while I can never fully repay him for his goodness and mercy, my purpose is to share his love and hope with all I encounter.

Specific Commitments:

  • Attend “Feed the Need” two Saturday nights a month.
  • Serve in international missions at least twice a year.
  • Host dinners in my home to bless others who are less fortunate, are down-and-out, or simply need encouragement.
  • Actively seek out and pray about other opportunities to serve in the local church and community.

Obstacle:

  • Retention of a full-time “employed” job will reduce the amount and quality of time I have to serve.

Envisioned Future:

I am self-employed, freeing me up to live a life of service that lends greater purpose for the kingdom. I blog, encouraging others who have walked a similar path, sharing the love and hope my Father has graciously showered upon me. I have multiple real-estate holdings which allow for passive income. As time allows, I travel nationally and internationally providing professional development opportunities for educators and also maintain an independent sales relationship with my current company. I also maintain a booth at an antique store where I sell repurposed/painted furniture and antiques.

Purpose:

My purpose is to earn income and fully support myself while being self-employed. This, in turn, will open me up for greater flexibility and opportunities for service and for growing his kingdom.

Specific Commitments:

  • Become fully self-employed in 2015.
  • Purchase one rental property in 2015.
  • Begin blogging in 2015.
  • Secure booth space in an antique store.
  • Use industry connections to gain per diem work opportunities.

Obstacles:

  • False sense of security of being employed full-time drives fear.
  • Many opportunities and choices make it difficult to select a path.

Envisioned Future:

While my span of relationships is very broad, I am a close and loyal friend to a small handful. I invest in others continuously, but I have a core group of friends that “sticks closer than a brother.” I am trustworthy and dependable and available when my core group is in need.

Purpose:

My purpose is to develop deep, lasting, and godly relationships with a few very close friends.

Specific Commitments:

  • Spend a minimum of one night a month with girlfriends.
  • Take one annual girlfriends trip.
  • Actively reach out to close friends to secure opportunities to pray and minister in their lives.
  • Send notes of encouragement when appropriate.

Obstacles:

  • I really like being alone, and it’s often easier to relax than to put forth effort into getting ready and attending an event with a friend.
  • I often have good intentions to reach out to a friend but get sidetracked or preoccupied.

Envisioned Future:

I am completely debt-free. Because I was frugal and saved in my early working years, I have a retirement that is able to sustain me. I accept per diem work opportunities on a case-by-case basis. I have passive income being generated through rental properties and blogging. I continue to be a good steward of the resources my Father has lovingly and mercifully blessed me with. I give above and beyond the 10 percent that is required, while also investing in missionaries and other organizations. I don’t desire to be “rich” or have things, but I desire to live comfortably and be able to spend time and money on experiences and philanthropic venues.

Purpose:

My purpose is to earn income, support myself, and continue to live a life free of debt. In addition, it is my purpose to earn income in order that I may give back to the local church and other faith-based organizations, therefore supporting the growth of the kingdom.

Specific Commitments:

Obstacles:

  • If self-employed and income is not steady, retirement and philanthropic contributions could dwindle.
  • Unforeseen circumstances could arise, greatly affecting my stable financial situation. This thought sometimes drives fear.

Envisioned Future:

I will maintain a healthy body weight and BMI, supported by a Paleo diet and daily exercise.

Purpose:

My body is his temple and my purpose is to keep it functioning for as long as possible so that I may effectively carry out his will and plan.

Specific Commitments:

  • Walk ten or more miles per week.
  • Play tennis two times per week.
  • Eat a diet high in protein, fruits, and vegetables and low in carbs.
  • Drink five to six bottles of water each day or the equivalent.
  • Wear sunscreen if I’m outside for an extended period of time.

Obstacles:

  • Travel sometimes prevents me from eating healthy, exercising, and drinking water like I should.
  • Lack of time and energy prevents me from playing tennis.

Envisioned Future:

I have a full life that includes opportunities for travel and leisure. I travel nationally and internationally to experience the wonders the Lord has provided. I am experiencing new cultures that allow for a greater appreciation of life.

Purpose:

My purpose is to live a rich, full, and culturally diverse life with an appreciation for simplicity.

Specific Commitments:

  • Play tennis twice a week.
  • Read one to three books per month.
  • Travel internationally two to three times per year at minimum for missions and leisure.
  • Visit three or more new places in the US each year.
  • Maintain a lush, rich, and colorful yard.

Obstacles:

  • Hobbies often take a back burner to other work and personal commitments.
  • Full-time employment/lack of vacation days prevents me from traveling as I wish.

Angela

Outcomes

How I want to be remembered by those closest to me:

  • Grace: Being there when it mattered and loving her with every ounce of myself.
  • Mom and Stepdad: Always doing what’s right.
  • Timothy: Putting Grace above our issues.
  • Kate: Being there, having fun, and caring.
  • My team at work: Being supportive and dependable.
  • Frank: Being there when he needed me. Being a role model.

Eulogy

Here lies Angela. She was loved by her daughter, Grace, and parents, June and David. She had a long, successful career in mortgage lending. Starting at the early age of nineteen, she worked her way from an entry-level processor to a regional processing manager for all of Colorado. Her hard work and dedication were felt by all she supported at the bank. That same hard work and dedication was an anthem throughout Angela’s life, and everything she did was with total determination.

Although you’d never know it, Angela always felt as though she had only a few friends. But she was always there for them and for many good times. She shared time camping, hiking, exercising, and drinking cocktails, as well as the occasional John Hiatt concert. She was the one person you could count on to be 100 percent honest and to always persevere. Any time she fell down (which happened a lot on stairs), she would pick herself right back up.

Her greatest love and accomplishment is her daughter, Grace. She always pushed her to be the best and taught her to be strong and independent, just like her mother. She is the legacy of her mother, and Angela was so proud of that Great Accomplishment. Grace, you were so loved!

Action Plans

Envisioned Future:

Today we leave for Hawaii. Grace just graduated from college and we are celebrating her accomplishments. Going to our favorite spot. I’m so glad she has such a nice boyfriend who totally gets our Grace-Mom time and is okay with our being away a week. He totally appreciates her independent spirit. She starts her internship in a couple of weeks, so a relaxing time in Hawaii will be perfect. We will have so much fun snorkeling, shopping, and just hanging out by the pool. Oh, and don’t forget hiking! It’s so great we enjoy doing things together.

Purpose:

To make sure Grace knows she is my priority and to enjoy our time spent together.

Specific Commitments:

  1. Mommy and Grace day: One day a month where we only do stuff with just her and me. Frequency: Monthly.
  2. Be on time: Be on time when picking her up or going to an event. Frequency: As needed.
  3. Daily check-in: Check how day was, complete reading log, check homework, violin practice. Frequency: Daily.

Envisioned Future:

We are super excited about this Hawaii trip! Today we are going on a full-day hike and then a swim when we get back. It’s so nice to be almost fifty and look good in a bathing suit and have the energy to hike the falls. It’s so beautiful to see the cascading waterfalls, towering bamboo, and huge rain forest. Heaven!

Purpose:

To be physically fit enough to enjoy all life has to offer, especially the outdoors, and to feel good in whatever I choose to wear.

Specific Commitments:

  1. Boot camp: Go to boot camp to exercise for one hour. Frequency: Five days a week.
  2. Physical activity: Hiking, swimming, biking, or other outdoor activity. Frequency: Biweekly.
  3. Nutrition: Eat healthier whole food, including fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. Be disciplined and plan ahead. Frequency: Daily.

Purpose:

To regularly save money to have financial reserves, as well as accomplish short-term goals.

Specific Commitments:

  1. Save money. Put $500 into accounts that are not used or readily accessible. Frequency: Monthly.
  2. Increase 401(k). Make an increase in the amount of money put into my 401(k). Frequency: Monthly.
  3. Curb spending. Be more deliberate about how and when I spend my money (and make lists when shopping). Frequency: Daily.

Purpose:

To take more pride in my home and enjoy being there.

Specific Commitments:

  1. Straighten up: Wash dishes and put away clutter that collects downstairs. Frequency: Every other day.
  2. Clean bathrooms and floors: Clean bathtubs, toilets, sinks, and floors. Vacuum floors and mop. Frequency: Biweekly.
  3. Laundry: Do one load of laundry. Wash, dry, and put away. Frequency: Daily.
  4. Clean garage: Clean out garage, donate junk, and throw out trash. Frequency: Quarterly.

Purpose:

To forge stronger bonds with the friends I have and build new relationships.

Specific Commitments:

  1. Reach out: Reach out to one to two friends by phone, email, or Facebook. Frequency: Daily.
  2. Make plans: Make plans to visit with a friend for lunch, dinner, or other activity. Frequency: Biweekly.
  3. Random act: Send or deliver a random act of kindness. Frequency: Monthly.

Purpose:

To get out and enjoy life as an adult, both with and without my child.

Specific Commitments:

  1. Get outside: Go for a walk or hike for twenty to thirty minutes at least. Frequency: Weekly.
  2. Try something new. Do an activity that I have never done (e.g., take a class or volunteer). Frequency: Quarterly.
  3. Start a book club: Find a few people who would like to start a book club. Frequency: Monthly.
  4. Camp: Take RV out to camp. Frequency: Monthly.
  5. See #2 from Account 5.

Scott

Outcomes

By whom do I want to be remembered?

  • God
  • My wife, Catherine
  • Our children: Mark, Seth, and Nick (and their future spouses and family)
  • Our family
  • Our friends
  • My co-workers
  • Industry peers and acquaintances

What will they remember about me?

Action Plans

Envisioned Future:

I want to be closer to God and, through daily Bible study and prayer, understand and passionately pursue his purpose for me. I know God has a specific plan for me, and I want to accomplish all that he wants of me, so my life has eternal meaning and purpose. I want my life to add lasting positive value to his kingdom and to my family, friends, co-workers, and peers.

Purpose:

I will be a Christian example, with a meaningful, purpose-driven life, providing inspiration to my family members and others to use their God-given talents to seek excellence in their chosen endeavors while making a positive difference in the lives of the people they touch.

Specific Commitments:

  • Daily morning prayer and quiet time.
  • Personal Bible study/devotional before bedtime.
  • Weekly group Bible study.
  • Attend church regularly.
  • Two personal days a year for reflection and update of My Life Plan (June, December).

Envisioned Future:

Catherine will be my very best friend, traveling companion, and lover. Together we will fill our memory bank to the brim with joyful times, shared adventures, close family relationships, and close friendships. We must continue our important roles of parenting and mentoring our children. Together, we will always be there to support our family and friends in time of need.

Purpose:

God chose Catherine to be my lifelong companion and me to be Catherine’s companion. Two people acting as one, unified with shared purpose, goals, and convictions, create an inseparable bond for a solid foundation for happiness and family cohesiveness.

Specific Commitments:

  • Take trips together and enjoy new experiences away from home.
  • Include Catherine on business trips and Masters Coach events.
  • Initiate daily contact by phone to see how Catherine’s day is going.
  • Get home by 5 p.m. at least one day a week.
  • Have occasional lunch or breakfast with Catherine in the city.
  • Take a monthly excursion together for shopping, sightseeing, etc.
  • Give occasional surprise flowers, gifts, fun items.
  • Make evening time together for dates or hot tub or fire-pit visits.

Envisioned Future:

Our children and their families and friends will enjoy spending time with us, and our family relationships will grow even stronger, more enjoyable, and more intimate after each encounter. They will learn important Christian family values and business ethics from us, and they will create strong, stable, caring families of their own. They will honor God by living meaningful, purpose-driven lives that will add value to God’s kingdom.

Purpose:

It’s my responsibility to mentor our children, teaching them Christian values; and it’s my prayer that our family seeds forever will all worship Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and seek Jesus to be their life guide. This would be our greatest legacy.

Specific Commitments:

  • Initiate personal contact multiple times weekly.
  • Always be available to listen to their needs and concerns.
  • Have personal, one-on-one time monthly.
  • Have family gatherings monthly.
  • Spend Christmas and Thanksgiving together, at home or on a trip.
  • Unconditionally love their future spouses and in-laws and openly welcome them as part of our family.

Envisioned Future:

I want my family members to understand that I am available to help them through good times and bad times, whether spiritually, physically, or financially.

Purpose:

My role is to stay in touch, offer my help, organize the activities we can share together, and be a willing mentor; and to demonstrate to my children the importance of family.

Specific Commitments:

  • Call Mom multiple times a week and visit her often.
  • Include family members in some of our activities.
  • Send notes/emails to nieces and nephews for them to use me as a “sounding board.”
  • Extend invitations to the Ranch.

Envisioned Future:

Catherine and I will develop close friendships so we can enjoy and share times with our friends, and provide mutual support to each other’s families.

Purpose:

Friendships outside our family are important for enjoying and sharing life’s experiences, but also for the development of family support teams.

Specific Commitments:

  • Movie nights and dinners together weekly.
  • Quarterly wine/pool/spa parties, “Men’s Night Out” for poker, golf, lake house.
  • Trips with friends.

Envisioned Future:

I will be physically fit and maintain a weight under 225 pounds throughout my life, being an example for my children to encourage them to maintain healthy lifestyles throughout their lives.

Purpose:

In order to accomplish my Life Plan, my dreams, and my goals and to enjoy Catherine, my family, and my friends, I must remain healthy.

Specific Commitments:

  • Weight goals must be set and monitored.
  • Daily cardiovascular and strength training (minimum of thirty minutes, four days a week).
  • Semiannual dental exams.
  • Annual physical exams.
  • Colonoscopy exams as recommended by doctor.

Envisioned Future:

Catherine and I will accumulate assets that will provide a safe investment income stream of $100,000 pretax monthly, without withdrawing capital.

Purpose:

Our investment income provides Catherine and me the necessary funds to achieve our goals involving family, friends, business strategies, good health, recreation, travel, and charitable causes.

Specific Commitments:

  • Prepare a monthly balance sheet with detailed accounts.
  • Utilize sound investment principles.
  • Transfer property ownership to family limited partnerships.
  • Update family wealth strategy and wills.

Envisioned Future:

Lead my company as a high-integrity, family-oriented, Christian-based company and pursue its vision of using our God-given talents to make a positive contribution to the lives of our employees, shareholders, customers, and the people who provide services to us.

Purpose:

My business is the vehicle or pulpit to help me accomplish my Life Plan and make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Specific Commitments:

  • Support, explain, preach, and live out our vision statement.
  • Connect with the hearts of our people.
  • Constantly look for ways to add value to our people and our customers.
  • Develop Life Plans for interested employees.
  • Implement a phantom stock ownership plan for key people.
  • Establish and distribute realistic corporate goals.
  • Hold regional managers and direct reports accountable for results.
  • Develop the lending industry’s most respected sales training and coaching team.
  • Publish an article or write a book of inspiration.
  • Take two days off annually to discuss strategy and goals (May and Dec.).

Envisioned Future:

Catherine and I will have active lifestyles involving many activities, including travel, golf, hunting, fishing, boating, and skiing with close friends and family members.

Purpose:

To enjoy life and experience the beauty of God’s earth.

Specific Commitments:

  • Build several venues for family fun and travel.
  • Build a legacy home on a crystal clear river that my children and grandchildren will never want to sell.
  • Take frequent outings with family and friends.
  • Take annual fishing trips.
  • Take annual hunting trips.
  • Take annual golf trips.
  • Fulfill travel list:

    - Alaska (2010 with Nick)

    - Scotland, Ireland (with kids)

    - Italy

    - The Holy Land (with kids)

    - Egypt and the Pyramids

    - Nantucket

    - The Cloisters at Sea Island

    - South Africa

    - Henry’s Fork Lodge

    - New Zealand

    - China

    - Bali (Cottage on the bay)

    - Vancouver, Canada

    - Albany, Georgia (Sherwood Baptist Church)

  • Bucket list activities:

    - Play Augusta National Golf Club

    - Catch a tarpon, bonefish, snook, and permit on a fly rod

    - Catch a peacock bass

    - Catch a largemouth bass over 10 pounds

    - Play the Old Course in Scotland

    - View the Northern Lights

    - Harvest a 170-plus-inch whitetail deer

Envisioned Future:

Catherine and I will be good stewards of the monetary blessings God has provided us.

Purpose:

To give back to the church and community as part of our tithe.

Specific Commitments:

  • My Mount Everest goal: Donate $5 million to charity.
  • Give monthly to my local Christian radio station and other Christian-based organizations in an amount equal to 10 percent of our gross monthly income.