Design Your Life With A 5 Year Plan

“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.”
Oprah Winfrey

What do you truly want your life to look like? I don’t mean today or tomorrow. And I don’t mean how others want your life to look.

Deep down, in the depths of your soul, how do you want to live?

Many people spend more time contemplating their dinner options than their next 5 years.

And that is utter madness.

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GET CRYSTAL CLEAR

I like to consider the compound effect. Small daily actions move you towards or away from the life you desire. But how do you even know where you want to go?

You must find clarity.

Our lives have many facets. Some areas are naturally better planned out than others. Yet we want an exceptional life in all areas.

Enter the 5-year plan.

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HOW TO MAKE A FIVE YEAR PLAN

Think about your ideal life and write it down! Avoid self-imposed limitations. Just write!

What would you be, do, and have in the next 5 years if it could be anything?

In 5 years…

Health

Are you taking care of yourself emotionally and physically? How?
What do you want your body to look and feel like?
How do you want your mindset to be? What would get it there?

Related Post: Easy Steps to Be Healthier This Year

Spouse Relationship

How does your relationship look and sound?
Do you spend time together?
How much and what do you do?

Family

How much time do you want to spend together?
What are you doing together as a family?
Do you have meaningful traditions in place that build close, lifelong relationships?

Friend Relationships

Do you have a community of people you love? How do you know?
How often do you see those people?
Are you connecting with old and new friends?

Physical Environment

What do you want your house to look, feel, and sound like?
How do you run the household?
Do you live in a location that supports other areas of your life (commute, parks, schools, nature)?

Career/Finances

Are you doing work that fulfills you?
And working the amount that you want to work?
Are you growing in wealth?
Are you using the money toward what matters to you?

Try more self-reflection questions to help you clarify!

*You can add many other areas such as spirituality, travel, etc. It’s up to you to decide what a well-rounded life looks like.

DIG DEEP

Use all of the senses when describing, and feel that future you.

BREAK IT DOWN

It may help you to break your larger plan into years. Here are some examples:

Example Template for a 5-Year Plan

Year 1:

Career: Complete a professional certification.
Finance: Save $5,000.
Health: Exercise 3 times a week.
Personal Development: Read 12 books.

Year 2:

Career: Get a promotion.
Finance: Pay off credit card debt.
Health: Maintain a balanced diet.
Personal Development: Learn a new language.

Year 3:

Career: Start a side business.
Finance: Save for a down payment on a house.
Health: Participate in a fitness competition.
Personal Development: Take a cooking class.

Year 4:

Career: Expand your network.
Finance: Invest in the stock market.
Health: Practice mindfulness meditation.
Personal Development: Travel to 3 new countries.

Year 5:

Career: Achieve a leadership position.
Finance: Buy a house.
Health: Work on healing old wounds.
Personal Development: Mentor someone in your field.

MY PLAN FOR PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH

Here’s an example of one category! This is a short version of my 5-year plan for this area!

Routines are in place that nurture me, and I take the time to care for myself (meditation, daily self-care checklist, friends, date night with my husband)

I read or listen to positive input regularly (podcasts, helpful books, youtube videos, church).

My diet consists of a high amount of vegetables, and low meat and sugar. I’m at a healthy weight.

I exercise/run 5 times a week, and strengthen weekly.

As a result, I have a strong healthy core and live pain-free! I am energetic and confident. I consistently…

take care of my body (eating well and exercise)
mind (positive input, personal development, meditation)
and spirit (church).

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GIVE YOURSELF GRACE

(But stay committed)

This doesn’t mean that you expect a perfect life in five years and everything will go as planned.

That’s unachievable.

But it’s a clear guide that shows you where you want to go. My 5 Year Plan shows what my very best life looks like in every area. It gets me to think about my future.

If I can do even a fraction of it, I will indeed live a healthy, happy, and impactful life.

Related Post: How to Make Your Best Dream Board (+ free template)

HOW I USE IT

I try to revisit it once a quarter to remind myself of what matters. I also break the plan down into yearly or monthly goals as stepping stones.

Once I have a goal in every area, I write them down often.

IF YOU HAVE A PARTNER

It’s worth it to get your significant other involved in this too. I did it for a year without my hubby, and it was still effective.

But a few years ago, I asked him to think about these things on his own with no influence from me. He was able to add incredible value when he shared what he wanted his future to look like.

Now, it is easier for us to be supportive and work towards our shared future together.

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WHAT’S NEXT?

So, what does your 5-year plan look like?

If you aren’t moving towards the life of your dreams, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate.

Check out this post for more tips to move in the right direction: How to Achieve More of Your Goals This Year