What Would You Do With Unlimited Resources?

Now that you’ve learned to live authentically, this last part of your journey enables you to create a compelling future based on what YOU want in your life.

Have you ever wanted to do something, but discouraged yourself because you believed you lacked the necessary resources to be successful? They might include a lack of sufficient time, money, education, support, or experience. Interestingly, a lack of resources is rarely an issue if you’re truly committed! Avoid allowing a current lack of resources discourage you.

It’s easy to get started on any venture without any resources. In time, resources can be found when needed. Even the largest businesses had humble beginnings.

Consider the power of believing you have unlimited resources:

1.   What would you choose to accomplish if you had unlimited resources? Take a few minutes to consider how you would live your life if you had everything you needed. Would you go back to school? Start your own company? Become a philanthropist? Own an island? It’s easy to see that your options are unlimited. Think big.

○     This can be an excellent way to determine your life’s purpose. If all obstacles were removed, what would you choose to do?

2.   Whom would you have in your life? Would you be alone or married? How many friends would you have? Describe your friends. Describe your neighbors. How many children would you have? If you dream of owning your own business, describe your employees and clients.

3.   Where would you live? Would you stay put or move to the beach? How many homes would you own? What color would your dining room be? Consider the geographical location and the actual dwelling. There are hundreds of castles for sale at any time. You’ll need a butler, though.

4.   What would your typical day entail? What time would you get out of bed? What would you do first? How would you spend your day? How would your evening be spent? How much free time would you have and how would you spend it? Whom would you see? Would you play golf every Thursday? Would you race cars on the weekend?

5.   Now that you know what you should be doing, how can you make it happen? Few of us have a surplus of resources, but there is always a first step that can be taken.

○     The first step might entail looking at the educational offerings in your area or seeking a higher-paying job. Maybe it’s finally time to take the drum lessons you thought were silly. There’s still time to be a rock star.

○     As you progress, your understanding and your resources will grow. Warren Buffett started with a paper route. Now he’s frequently listed as the richest man in the world. You can probably get a better start than a paper route, and your dreams are likely smaller. Consider that.

6.   Pretending you have unlimited resources can also be used to find solutions to challenges. By imagining you have unlimited resources, you can open your mind to all the possible solutions. It’s possible you’ll find a solution that requires additional resources, but give yourself a chance to make it work.

Those with unlimited resources can still struggle, so having unlimited resources isn’t a guarantee. Avoid believing that abundant resources are a cure to your struggles. Remember that many of the most successful people in the world started at the very bottom with no resources.

You probably don’t have unlimited resources. However, supposing that you have unlimited resources can help to determine your life’s purpose, your dream existence, and create a new set of solutions. Imagining that your resources are plentiful will open new possibilities.

You’re limiting yourself right now. What would you do with unlimited resources?

Why not start by making your bucket list? You’ll find tips for making your perfect bucket list in the Additional Resources box of this module.

Here’s what you need to do today:

Make your bucket list, plan your exciting future, and relish the joy of living authentically!

Create a Compelling Future: Tips for Making Your Bucket List

If you don't have a bucket list, you're shortchanging yourself. A bucket list will pinpoint those activities and achievements that mean the most to you. Life doesn't last forever. If you don't prioritize your time, you might miss out on something important! Consider making a bucket list today. There are even phone apps that will help with the process.

Create a bucket list and define your future:

1. Have different types of items within your bucket list. You might include a few physical challenges, like running a marathon. You might have a few adventures, like scuba diving on the barrier reef or hang gliding. It might be fun to include a few intellectual and travel items. Maybe you've always want to learn how to play the banjo.

2. Keep it meaningful. Do you really want to spend six months and $100,000 climbing Mount Everest? Some things are impressive to others, but might not be meaningful to you. Avoid choosing items just to impress others. Worry about impressing yourself.

3. Keep the list short. You don't have time to do everything that sounds appealing. Better yet, make a long list but always have a top 10 list. The top 10 can change over time, but always prioritize.

* The most important items on your bucket list will matter more than the rest of the list combined.

4. Have one item you can do with your currently available time and resources. It might be to go skydiving or rent a limo for the evening. There's no time like the present to check an item off your bucket list. Give yourself a quick feeling of achievement.

5. Set goals that support items on your bucket list. If you want to live in Costa Rica when you retire, you might set some financial goals and start learning how to speak Spanish.

* Remember to review your goals regularly and remind yourself why you're pursuing them.

6. You don't have to create your list in a single sitting. Assuming it will take years to check off all the items, your list will change. You're changing, so it's only reasonable to expect your list to change, too.

* When something strikes a chord within you, add it to your list.

* Set aside a few minutes each month to update your bucket list.

7. Have few items that are relatively easy to achieve. Some of the best things can be simple and easy. Traveling to Europe is easier than swimming the English Channel in December. Give yourself a few easier goals and gain some momentum. Have bucket list items that range in difficulty from easy to difficult.

8. Look at other bucket lists for ideas. There are countless lists available online for viewing. Seeing the goals of others will inspire you. You might even find a good idea or two to add to your list.

9. Think about whom you'd like to share these experiences with. Going to the Oktoberfest in Germany would be fun. It would be even more fun with your old college roommate.

* Some of the items on your list you might prefer to tackle alone. Others might be more meaningful with a friend.

Consider the many benefits of making a bucket list. It's not only fun to brainstorm, but you can also lay out a framework for the future. A bucket list should be required for everyone over the age of five. If you don't have a bucket list, make one immediately.

Design the Life You Desire With a Life Plan

When you engage in active planning, you’re highly likely to be more successful in life. You know what you want and how you intend to get it.

Maybe you already have your life all planned out. Maybe you don’t. Either way, these tips will help you devise or tweak your Life Plan so you can move forward toward realizing the joy and fulfillment you deserve.

Take some time to answer the following questions about what you most desire. Who knows, you may have a detailed Life Plan before the week is done!

1.   What are your dreams? Allow yourself some "dream" time to clarify to yourself what you really want. Be as over-the-top as you like. Then, write them down.

○     There's no limit to the number of dreams or how large they are. Life provides opportunities to let go of certain goals and add new ones. Infuse your Life Plan with all your dreams and goals.

2.   What's important? Whatever you feel is crucial to you should be reflected in your Life Plan. Maybe you've always wanted to have more education. Perhaps you've wanted to travel but haven't the time or money to do it. If you grew up in a rented home, owning a home might be the single most important thing in your life. If it’s important to you, include it.

3.   What do you want to accomplish? What deeds do you want to achieve? Now's the time to write down what you want to do with your life. Is working on a church mission something you aspire to do? Do you want to win an award in your career for your work performance?

○     List what you want to attain in the personal, professional and educational areas of life.

4.   What standard of living do you desire? Your answer will describe the life you want to lead. Do you want to live in a high-rise apartment in the city? Do you want to own your own farm in the country? Maybe you prefer to live simply and pick up and go wherever you want.

○     Perhaps you want to earn more money, live in a large house, drive an expensive car, and enjoy wearing pricey clothes. In essence, you seek the high life.

○     Thoroughly investigate what standard of living you want so you can include it in your Life Plan. Search your soul. There are no “wrong answers” when you're developing your Life Plan.

5.   Do you have fun? Maybe, to you, having fun means locking yourself in your study to write romances all day. You might find training and running a triathlon to be the time of your life. Activities such as bowling, practicing yoga and traveling to Europe also qualify – whatever brings you joy.

○     If you answer this question with a "no," it's time to get serious about your fun. You'll require some time to cogitate about activities you might enjoy. When was the last time you kicked up your heels? List activities that you love to do. What is life without some fun? 

6.   Are you spending time with friends and family? Generally, those who are the happiest make time for their family and friends. If this issue is important to you, include it in your plan.

7.   What do you do for your community? Giving back to your community cultivates feelings of gratitude, satisfaction, and fulfillment in your own life. Donating money, time, or energy for the good of others enables these positive feelings to be an inherent result when you write them into your Life Plan.

8.   Are self-improvements high on your list? Striving to excel helps keep you moving toward your life goals. Include short term achievements for many areas of your life.

Develop your Life Plan soon and feel free to change it as your wants and desires evolve. Having a Life Plan keeps you focused on all your goals and will motivate you to reach for the stars.