In a rapidly changing world, planning your life and building the financial architecture to support it has never been more crucial. This is where the GAME Plan—Goals, Actions, Means, and Execution—comes into play. It’s a holistic approach that not only helps you envision an inspiring future but also equips you with the tools to turn that vision into reality.
Goals: Discovering Who You Are and Why You’re Here
At the heart of the GAME Plan is the idea that your greatest achievements lie ahead of you, regardless of your age. This isn’t just about wishful thinking; it’s about envisioning a future that excites and motivates you. Under the Goals section, we take the time to explore who you are and why you are here. This self-discovery process is about gaining clarity on what you are good at and what you love. It’s about finding that sweet spot where your passions, talents, and life’s purpose converge.
Living a life of crescendo means constantly building towards your peak, continually learning, and striving to achieve more. It’s about having the confidence that your best work, your most significant contributions, are still to come. This mindset is essential for creating a GAME Plan that is both inspiring and actionable.
Actions: Turning Vision into Reality
Once you have a clear vision of your future, the next step is to outline the actions needed to get there. This is where planning your life takes a practical turn. It’s about breaking down your goals into manageable steps, setting timelines, and identifying the resources you need. It’s also about being flexible and adaptable, ready to pivot as circumstances change, while keeping your ultimate goal in sight.
Means: Building Your Financial Architecture
Now that you have your goals and actions in place, it’s time to look at the Means—your financial architecture. This involves assessing your total wealth, which is a combination of your financial capital and human capital, minus your lifetime liabilities.
Human Capital is the present value of your future earnings, an often overlooked but incredibly valuable asset. It’s not just about the money you expect to earn; it’s about the intangible assets you possess—your skills, connections, character, and know-how. These are the qualities that make you productive, vital, and capable of transforming your life and the lives of others.
To maximise your human capital, we use a proposition development framework that aligns what you are good at and love with what the world needs and is willing to pay for. By conducting a PESTLE analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental factors), we can identify opportunities, especially in emerging sectors like technology.
Execution: Putting the Plan into Action
Finally, we come to Execution—where all the planning, preparation, and self-discovery come together. This is where you put your GAME Plan into action, making the most of your human and financial capital to achieve your goals. The key to successful execution is understanding that this is not a one-time effort. It’s about staying committed, continually learning, and adapting as you progress.
Let’s look at some inspiring examples of people who have successfully executed their GAME Plans by developing their human capital.
Case Study 1: John McKeown – From History Teacher to Tech Specialist
John McKeown, at 50, found himself in a tough spot as a history teacher with limited job security. Recognising the burgeoning opportunities in the tech industry, he decided to retrain as a coder. Despite the challenges, John’s dedication to learning and his willingness to embrace change allowed him to transition into a new career. Today, John, aged 62, works in IT support, managing digital resources and even creating his own digital games. He can see himself working another 10 years. His story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pivot and build a new future based on your passions and skills.
Case Study 2: Sam Cue – From Hairdresser to IT Support Specialist
Sam Cue spent decades as a hairdresser before deciding it was time for a change. At 53, she embarked on a journey to retrain in IT, a field that had always intrigued her. Despite facing age-related barriers, Sam’s determination and proactive approach to learning have set her on a new career path in technology. Her story illustrates the importance of resilience and the belief that with the right skills and mindset, you can transition into a new, fulfilling career at any stage of life.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Future with the GAME Plan
The GAME Plan is more than just a strategy; it’s a commitment to your future self. By taking the time to discover who you are, setting clear goals, and building the financial and human capital to support those goals, you are creating a roadmap to a life of purpose, passion, and financial security.
Remember, your best years are not behind you—they are ahead of you. Whether you’re considering a career change, looking to maximise your existing skills, or simply wanting to ensure that your future is as bright as possible, the GAME Plan provides the structure and support you need to make it happen.
It’s never too late to start. What will your GAME Plan look like?
Academy of Life Planning 