Introduction
Welcome to another edition of our blog. Today, we’re diving deep into some groundbreaking concepts that promise to revolutionise the way we think about money, well-being, and life planning. We’ll explore the Japanese concept of “Kokoro,” the threshold hypothesis for consumption and well-being, and wisdom from the Stoic philosopher Seneca. All of these tie into the core mission of “Planning My Life”—to empower you to live a life that is not just financially secure but also rich in heart, spirit, mind, and self.
The Concept of Kokoro
What is Kokoro?
Kokoro is a Japanese term that encapsulates the heart, spirit, mind, and self. It’s a holistic approach to understanding human existence, going beyond mere financial metrics to touch upon the very essence of what makes us human.
Why It Matters
Incorporating Kokoro into financial planning offers a more nuanced, holistic approach. It aligns perfectly with our mission to provide a balanced life for everyone, focusing on financial security and emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.
The Threshold Hypothesis
What is the Threshold Hypothesis?
This concept suggests that there’s an optimal range of consumption that maximises well-being. Below this range lies poverty, and above it lies excess.
Why It Matters
Understanding your comfort zone of consumption can help you make more informed financial decisions. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you have enough to meet your needs and some of your wants, without tipping into the realm of excess or scarcity.
Seneca’s Wisdom
What Did Seneca Say?
Seneca, the Roman Stoic philosopher, believed that everything needed for our well-being is readily available to us. In contrast, the pursuit of luxury often leads to misery and anxiety.
Why It Matters
Seneca’s philosophy urges us to focus on what truly matters for our well-being, steering clear of the anxieties and miseries that often accompany the pursuit of luxury and excess.
Merging Concepts: Living Your Kokoro
The Game Plan
The aim is to integrate these transformative concepts into a comprehensive planning model. We’ve developed a unique metric called the “Kokoro Score,” which measures how well you’re balancing the four key pillars of life: heart, spirit, mind, and self. To get started, you can assess your current state by completing our Kokoro Life Balance Scorecard.
The Ultimate Goal
The ultimate aspiration is to have just enough to live your Kokoro. This means leading a life that is not only financially secure but also abundant in heart, spirit, mind, and self. By aligning your financial metrics with your emotional, intellectual, and spiritual goals, you can achieve a life that is genuinely rich in every sense.
Conclusion
“Planning My Life” is committed to pioneering these concepts in our services, offering you a truly holistic approach to financial planning and personal growth. It’s not just about having enough money, but about having “enough” in every aspect of life to live your Kokoro.
For more details, visit www.planningmy.life.
Academy of Life Planning 