A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM DARREN HARDY:

Here’s a summary of week four in our journey towards Designing the Best 10 Years of Your Life where I answer your questions and give you a course update.

I’ve also selected some of your questions and observations left in the comments sections along with some of my responses. I hope you find it helpful to peruse through the common questions and insights shared by others experiencing the process along with you.

Please watch the video:


Questions and Answers with Darren Hardy

From Jodi Renee:
Can a Core Value be something that is VERY important to you and that you want, but at the moment do not have? ie. confidence? It comes up everywhere for me but it’s something I lack…”

[DARREN HARDY] Yes and probably why you haven’t gotten the results you have been looking for. Good thing you have got your finger on this now!

From Laura B: “I have just completed the Worksheet #7. I have a question for you, Darren. I just started a new Full-time job on Monday, January 18, after being a stay-at-home mom for almost 2 years. A few of the questions I did not feel pertained to me at this time. For instance, “What are the existing problems your industry faces?” How long do you feel is enough time for me to allow to pass before answering these questions? When should I revisit this Worksheet to complete this process? Thank you in advance for your advice and opinion!!”

[DARREN HARDY] If a question doesn’t apply to you, skip it. The questions are there to prompt you from a variety of vantage points. If a vantage point doesn’t apply to your particular situation, move onto the next one that does.

From Kevin McEwen: “This is an amazing process that you are taking us through. The facets of the Goal setting puzzled me a little…Ie, I incoporate spirituality into Lifestyle, and family into relationships (for the most part) and have done so for years in my goal setting. Although, admittedly, haven’t done as good a job at achieving goals as I have of setting them. So I guess my question is, just how important do you think the specific segments are ?Thanks again for this process and your guidance”

[DARREN HARDY] That is a question you have to answer. The process is a guide, adjust as you see fit. If spirituality by itself is not important or you interpret it as lifestyle, that is OK. If you want to break out relationships from family, OK too. Go with what works for YOU.

From Mark: “Hi Darren, I am really enjoying this process and am finding each step very enlightening. Thank you for providing this opportunity to everyone that takes the time to do the work.
I am a bit confused though with one thing on the Grand Design worksheets, and hope that you can help me understand it better. In the guidelines section you ask that we “Suspend Reality” and “Think Big” when writing down our goals. Then in the SMART section you teach that we should take our head out of the clouds and make the goal Attainable, which causes me to go right back to setting the same old regular goals that I usually set that have kept me in the place I currently find myself. Could you help me understand what I am missing in these instructions please?”

[DARREN HARDY] Yes, it is meant to challenge you both ways. I want you to free flow with no limitations just to see what comes out of you. But then when it comes time to decide on what you are going to go for it is important to set reasonable timelines to make reasonable progress in the realization of what might be a BIG goal. The big goal however can’t be so big that even your inner self knows it is outlandish and will keep you from even trying, really. It is a balancing act. Take your BIG goal and break it down to the steps and achievements that need to be made to add up to your big goal. For instance, let’s say it is to make a million dollars this year. When you break that down to how much you need to earn each quarter, each month, each week and each day, you then have to ask yourself if you have the ability to do that. If not, then an unrealistic goal. If it is to write a book in a year, break it down and you might find you only have to write one sentence every 15 minutes. That is something you can do… even though the idea of writing a 300 page book sounds outrageous and daunting.

From Ken Saveth: “So far, this program has been a real eye opener for me & allowed me to be really introspective of my life, my actions & my place in life at this moment. Thank you for this. In the Worksheet 5 download, there is a “Wheel of Life” for us to complete but no instructions as to what scale to use. What are we supposed to do here? The earlier one had a scale to use.”

[DARREN HARDY] Simply evaluate your quantity and size of the goals in each area of your life and rate the emphasis on the Wheel and see if you are “rounded”

From Jeanne B.: Well, see, here’s the problem: I’m not employed, so the job questions don’t apply (and I haven’t had a boss since 2002). I have no business. I’m not interested in going back to my previous field so those questions don’t apply. In fact, the biggest problem I have is that I have no idea WHAT my next field is! That’s why I wanted to do this, to figure out what my field is. Spiritually, mentally, I’m great. I could use help with family and relationship areas, but they aren’t as urgent to me as finding my next career because the money I’ve been living off of likely won’t last forever. What I need most is a way to unblock the dream, and get on track with a field I’ll love and that will be quite lucrative.

[DARREN HARDY] Hi Jeanne! The questions are there to prod your mind. If some don’t apply, not to worry–skip those. The end result of each worksheet is what we are after. Pay particular attention to SWOT worksheet to help you align your next project with what you love to do, are good at and can be the best in the market at. Make sure what strengths or avoidance issues you might have are also covered and are not the constraints holding you back. Do the 360 Review as well - there might be some great insights others could share you might not be fully aware of or had thought of.

From Renatas&Vilma: “I need your help with the TOP TEN GOALS. Should i pick one most important goal in each part of the wheel of life. Or should i pick all 10 financial goals if they mostly fit my mission and my core values? Thank you”

[DARREN HARDY] Pick the goals that are most important to you, but be sure you don’t sacrifice the rest of your life (and priorities) for the sake of only one area of your life. Be focused and balanced. Tricky? Yes, but so is life.

From K. G.: “OK, Darren, I was with you up until the Magic Factor. Although I have a naturally strong work ethic and standard for quality in all I do, I seem to be bumping up against a similarly strong resistance against re-creating myself into a high performance machine. I’ve been there before, and am not itching to go back at this point. Yes, I have goals and every intention of maintaining healthy habits on all fronts, but I have no desire to get up at 5am, take on all sorts of new projects, and transform myself back into a schedule-driven maniac. All around me, I see people who are so busy they can’t relax and enjoy life, unless they’ve learned to specifically carve out off-time. I really value having the freedom to “goof off” whenever I want, just as I work whenever I want. And without a powerful “big why” pulling me to another place, I find that I’m having a tough time with this step. What now? Thanks for all you do, mate.”

[DARREN HARDY] Your goals are YOUR goals, not mine. You determine your core values in life. To me, life is about growing, learning, expanding, doing the most with what I have been giving, contributing, helping, sharing, etc.–that is what gives me “juice” in life. Mostly I’d rather be building, growing and “working” than laying on a beach. You have to figure out what gives you juice. If goofing off is what it is then set your goals to support how you can gain even more time doing that and still have the abundance you desire for yourself and your family.

From Jackie: “Darren, I am a little stuck on Worksheet 10. When I read the example that you had included for “Who I Need To Become”, I found that the majority are qualities I need to be and do to accomplish what I want to accomplish, ie my goals. But where I get stuck is that I am finding that the same qualities apply to all my goals. All the goals that I need to accomplish require that I am all those same qualities in order to accomplish any of my goals. Does this make sense? Is that possible? or perhaps I am missing something?

[DARREN HARDY] It is possible, at the same time I would challenge you to dig a little deeper into the specifics of who you need to become and how that person shows up. For instance, I have a relationship goal and a financial goal and a fitness goal. Some qualities are the same - a person of integrity, commitment, determination, etc. But some are different - affectionate, non-judgmental/accepting, servitude, masterful orator, intense, regimented, etc. The qualities and attributes I need to be are different for different goals and outcomes. Dig into more specifics of the behavior, disciplines, habits and character you need to cultivate for each goal.

From Justin B.: “This process has been really interesting up to this point. I seem to have an issue with over-analyzing things and taking longer than I should to complete the worksheets. I did note those things in the SWOT portion. I really have a strong desire to become a better, more effective person, but I seem to do all kinds of thinking and not enough doing. What do you think is the best way to gain confidence in myself and get more action-oriented?”

[DARREN HARDY] Nietzsche said, “Do the thing and you will have the power”. The power will be gained by doing. Take action, then more action, then more and more and more… and eventually you will get better and better and… the confidence will build and you will be what you want. Thinking idly will not. Go DO… that is my best advice. Don’t over think it, just do it.

From John Richards: “How many goals should you work on at a time?”

[DARREN HARDY] It is why I help you boil it down to the top 3. Three is my answer, others might suggest otherwise, three is mine.

From Anthony: “Thank you again Darren with the program. I am going through this program in addition to buying “your best year ever”. I’m having trouble with coming up with a BHAG outside of weight and finances, do you have examples? More importantly, do you have an example of what you do in week to week section? I feel like I’m to general in my actions/tasks. I really want to get this right.”

[DARREN HARDY] 1- Thanks for buying the book! 2- Your BHAG is your BHAG, something you have to decide. Ex. One of mine is my own successful and insanely profitable national TV show- that’s a Big Hairy Audacious Goal! 3- More info on weekly execution in upcoming installments.

From Roland: “I started this course and have found it difficult because of looking hard at the past ten years along with trying to figure out what I want for the next ten years. I have ideas and now have establish goals but, I always feel like I stay in that position and never move forward. My question is do I just jump in and start doing my ideas and goals and adjust has I move forward? How do you take that first step to move forward? Thank you.”

[DARREN HARDY] Yes, jump in and use the plan of action and next weeks’ Achievement Management System to get you started and guide you along the way.

From JBA: “Darren, thank you for opening up this type of learning forum; I have been challenged by the worksheets in every area of my life. I have been challenged to look at myself in a new light. Here is my issue: I know I have great qualities, I know that I am intelligent, beautiful, etc…; but it has been hard for me to use these attributes to further myself in my career. How do I do authentically? I am ready to move to the next level but how do I catapult myself there?”

[DARREN HARDY] Who you need to become and the actions you need to take should become apparent by end of this week… and additionally supported next week.

From D Van Driel: “Darren, thanks again for this opportunity, as I go through the exercises I’m excited to plan my next ten years, I turn 60 in Feb, and I have noticed a few other people in that age group that are going through the same period in their life.
As I move out of the false safety of corporate life and looking forward to starting my own business this process is the best I’ve have ever found, thanks. I would like to connect with people in similar situations; do you suggest any ways that may be helpful for all? Thanks”

[DARREN HARDY] They are all here on this blog and on SUCCESS.com. We focus on supporting, inspiring and empowering the small business entrepreneur so there isn’t anywhere I know better than right here.

Notable Comments

“Hi Darren - I want to say thank you for your tools - the last few stages have particularly helped us get past a step that we would typically fall backwards. Creating goals was never a problem - killing myself and everyone so I burned out was a problem for my marriage & my life. So keeping this focused on the 3 BIG but specific goals allows me to filter all the stuff that would kill the dream. All in all - the tools have been particularly helpful this week - we completed a huge task - in the past I would sabotage the success. I would not take in the goal and appreciate myself for getting there. I would mess it up so I would have to start again. I did not this week - Friday came - the goal was completed - I hit the target and I was very proud of myself. We had dinner with a friend - I followed our financial goal - still celebrated - I than rewarded myself - still staying par to the course. By staying focused- I than saw that many other things were being accomplished the goal snowball. We get it - the ah ha moment came on when we took all these goals - dreams - all these tasks now and in ten years - our integrity - our strengths and applied it to the mix. The plan is solid - and the simple “tweaking” that needs to be done - once it turns into a new positive habit - you add another. Thank you - It is really nice to sit with the man of my dreams and build the next ten years together. We share our dreams, our goals , I learned so much about Jim in the last few days - this takes date nite to a new level. Gratitude” -Tracy, DYB10 Video Update, Week 3

“My biggest problem is that I like the idea of doing everything if you know what I mean. I feel as though I have an entrepreneurial mind-set but its like I hear and think about all these great/cool/fun ideas that I would love to bring to life but I never act on them (up until now that is). The Grand Design part of this series helped me to focus on my top priorities and harness my imagination. One of the things that I will be working on is brainstorming, writing down all my ideas and choosing the top few or one that I feel has the best potential. There’s so much (success) that I would like to get my hands on and bring into my life and along the way to give and help others achieve the same! Oh I can’t wait!!” -Keith, DYB10 Part 7

“Hello Darren, Finally, I caught up. I joined last week, but I have done all my homework. The 360 view was very helpful, although it caused mixed reactions. One of the answers from a friend was “WHY are you asking me these questions?” I explained, but never got an answer. Anyways, I learned something from that too. I have never done anything with enough passion and I have invested a lot of time trying to “find” my passion/purpose in life. I’m 43. I wrote as my top goal: to live my passion, give purpose to my life and make a living at it. I can’t stand working at something that is not fulfilling. I had troubles trying to be S.M.A.R.T. with that one. One behavior I have to change to achieve this goal is to stop trying to solve my problems going solo and start surrounding myself with motivating, supportive and like-minded people. I found hope and inspiration in Success magazine and this program. Thank you Darren!” –Daniel Guzman, DYB10 Part 6

“Thank you, I am so moved by all the comments, and it is also empowering. This is a real challenge with myself, and I don’t feel alone. This sharing is very inspiring! Thank you all of you for being so open and sharing your thoughts in such a personal process, it’s helping me to keep going and play it big! Darren, you definitely deserve all these great comments. Just another manifestation for me! As I was looking for a mentor! Here you are! The magic factor continue! I just begun a ‘Manifestation list’ today, to acknowledge what I desired in my life. It doesn’t always appear the way I expected it, but it’s manifesting! I am very grateful. Thank you!” –Nathalie Bonnard-Grenet, DYB10 Part 6

“Finally I think I am beginning to learn what life is all about. OTHERS! I don’t think I have ever been happier than taking the focus off myself and offering encouragement and motivation to others. To see them encouraged and helped has helped to create a self confidence within, a challenge that I have dealt with all my life. The more I give to others, whether it’s time, money, etc., the more I can see myself growing and developing a new confidence within. Thanks for this article as it confirms the way to happiness!!” –Nelda Thompson, DYB10 Part 7

“It sounds like Shane is telling my story. I get so excited when I am encouraging others to accomplish their dreams and goals. This have been my strengths throughout my life. I just get stuck when it comes to encouraging me. My thoughts tend to wonder after a while. I am learning to become the type of person I want to attract. Success Magazine has been amazing, still one on one support would help even more. I put procrastination in my past. It’s just not back far enough. If I was working with someone who had my issues, I would suggest a daily schedule and have them check off the things they have accomplished at the end of each day, rewrite the unfinished things on the schedule for the next day. Why can’t I follow through with my own advice? I am tired of leading from behind. I too could use a partner. Ten years from now, I would like to look back and say to myself, “Job well done.” I AM COMMITTED to the next ten yrs the very best!” –Yvonne Green-EL, DYB10 Part 7

“Thank you Darren for this awesome course you have put together for us. I just want to offer encouragement to the person who may read this. Success is right around the corner and sometimes if you just push that one extra minute, second, thought, word, or decision this is what makes results. We often don’t go the extra mile or take the road less traveled because of more work we see ahead. But it takes steam to power a train and a made up mind to get what you want out of life. So my thoughts to you is live life without limits. Take off the chains that bind you in your situation, speak out, uplift and stay ENCOURAGED. Stick with this program even when you don’t want to and watch the magic, true magic that is unveil itself. I am a single mother of two, I work and attend school for Nursing and if I can do it so can you. Be inspired today ” -Joanne, DYB10 Part 7

Now that we are half-way through, tell me what one part of the process has been most eye-opening, inspiring or transformative to you. Tell all of us in the comment section below.

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