You Are Not One Dimensional (0017)

I am often amused when I hear about a company asking their employees to write out their goals for the year. How many hills will you climb…how many new customers will you bring in….how many new products will you create…the list goes on and on.

The problem with this strategy is that you are focusing only on one dimension of your life. And you are not one-dimensional.

Let me explain.

You are not JUST an employee, a business owner, a salesperson, a customer service person, a product designer, etc. You have domains outside your work. For example, you might also be a spouse, a parent, grandparent, mentor, friend, a non-profit board member, etc.

And when you create goals for just one domain of your life, the others feel left out. So yes… it's impossible to live a one-dimensional life.

What's the solution?

The next time you create your career goals, first write down all of your domains:

Here's a simple list:

• Career

• Spouse

• Parent

• Grandparent

• Health

• Spiritual

• Hobby

• Community

Now write at least one goal for each of these other domains beyond your career. Now instead of competing with each other…all of your domains can get the attention it deserves. And you don't get extra credit for a long list in each domain. Start with just 1-2 and build from there.

During client meetings, I often ask about your life…beyond your portfolio. Why? Because all your domains influence your financial plan, and I want our strategy to support those different domains in your life.

If some of your domains are not getting the attention they deserve financially, let's find a time to chat and adjust our strategy.