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Designing the Best 10YEARS ofYour Life Your Personal Strategic Plan for Achieving Lifelong Goals by Darren Hardy

Copyright ©2010 by Darren Hardy All rights reserved. Published by SUCCESS Media no part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the express written permission of the publisher. Exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews. Editing by Erin Casey Copy editing byWhitney Allen and Peter Tepp Online editing byYasminWaring The author has made every effort to provide an authoritative study on this subject but is not providing any form of professional advice. It is highly recommended that the reader seek the assistance of a trained medical professional where there are any concerns as to a new program aimed at physical improvement and excellence. Designing the Best 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 BY DARREn HARDY DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com2

COMMITMENT PLEDGEI, , being of sound mind and body, do hereby pledge to commit to no longer allowmyself to be subject to inconsistency, lack of follow-through and perseverance. I will not stifle my opportunities for growthand improvement and inhibit my access to the miraculous and incredible potential lying inside me, ready to be harnessed,incited and set free, that will lead me expediently in the direction of my greatest dreams, desires and ambitions and allow meto make a profound difference in my life, the life of my family and the world around me. I do hereby commit to completingmy Personal Strategic Plan, as outlined in the Designing the Best 10 Years of Your Life program. I will participate ineach installment by reading the posts and participating in each exercise by completing the worksheets.Signature of CommitmentDate “Commitment is doing the thing you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you.”Designing the Best 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 BY DARREn HARDY DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 3

WORKSHEET NO. 1—REVIEW 10 YEARSList the 10 biggest milestones of the past 10 years:1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.I am most proud of these three things from the past 10 years:1.2.3.The three most significant ways I am different and have improved over the last 10 years:1.2.3.If I could go back and do it again, I would do these three things differently over the last 10 years:1.2.3.The three greatest lessons I’ve learned over the last 10 years are1.2.3.The three greatest influences (products, people, environments) on me over last 10 years have been1.2.3. Designing the Best 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 BY DARREn HARDY DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com4

List the 10 greatest victories of the past year:1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8. Designing the next ten years of your life. Giving you a perspective in life9.10.List the five greatest defeats of the past year:1.2.3.4.5.Three personal improvements I have made in the past year are1.2.3.If I could go back and do it again, I would do these three things differently from the last year:1.2.3.The three greatest lessons I’ve learned from the last year are1.2.3.The three greatest influences (inputs, people, environments) on me over the last year were1.2.3.The 3 best decisions I made last year were1.2.3. Designing the Best 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 BY DARREn HARDY DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 5

Three risks I took last year were1.2.3.The three greatest contributions I made to others over the last year were1.2.3.The three most important relationships to me over the last year were1.2.3.Three habits/disciplines that have worked well for me over the last year were1.2.3.Three habits/disciplines that have not worked well for me over the last year were1.2.3.Three things I need to do less of in the next year are1.2.3.Three things I need to do more of in the next year are1.2.3.Three things I need to stop doing altogether in the next year are1.2.3. Designing the Best 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 BY DARREn HARDY DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com6

WORKSHEET NO. 2—GRATITUDEThree amazing people in my life are1.2.3.Three great things about my physical body are1.2.3.Three great things about my home and where I live are1.2.3.Three great things about where I work and what I do for a living are1.2.3.Three great gifts of unique talent and skill I have been given are1.2.3.Three great gifts of knowledge and experience I have been given are1.2.3.Three ways I have experienced “luck” in my life are1.2.3.Three ways in which my life is wealthy, abundant and prosperous are1.2.3. Designing the Best 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 BY DARREn HARDY DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 7

WORKSHEET NO. 3—CONTEMPLATIONLast-Day ReflectionImagine that your doctor told you that you have only 24 hours to live. I know this is a morbid thought—and ascary one (that’s part of its effectiveness)—but it’s one very worthy of contemplation. It would be worse to die nothaving given it thought.Take this seriously. If you were to die in 24 hours, how would you feel? Now, take the timenow to reflect deeply on the following questions.Three regrets, things I did or didn’t do1. 2. 3. Three risks I wish I would have taken1. 2. 3. Three people I wish I would have loved more expressively and vulnerably1. 2. 3. Three major loose ends that will burden those left behind1. 2. 3. If I could live my life over again, what would I do differently? Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 1

If your life is going to be summed up in a single speech or newspaper clipping, what is it going to say?Well, don’t leaveit, or your life, to chance. Pick it now, write it now, design it and your life now. Be sure to add not only your name,residence, education, hobbies and family members, but also what you achieved, who you impacted, how you impactedthem, what great contributions you made, and whose lives will be forever positively changed because you lived.My ObituaryAt the end of your life, if you and your existence had to be summed up in a single sentence, what would thatsentence say?My Epitaph Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 2

WORKSHEET NO. 4—CORE VALUESYour values are your GPS navigation system for life. Getting them defined and properly calibrated is one of themost important steps in redirecting your life toward your grandest vision.The below series of questions willhelp you evaluate and refine what is truly important to you and what matters most in life. Answer each questionthoughtfully, and then I will help you select the top half-dozen values for your life.Who is the person I respect most in life? What are their core values?Who is my best friend, and what are their top three qualities?If I could have more of any one quality instantly, what would it be?What are three things I hate? (e.g., cruelty to animals, credit card companies, deforestation, etc.)What three people in the world do I dislike the most and why?Which personality trait, attribute or quality do people compliment me on the most?What are the three most important values I want to pass on to my children? Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 3

If I were to teach a graduating high-school class values that would give themthe best opportunity for success in life, what would those be and why?If I had enough money to retire tomorrow, what values would I continue to hold?What values do I see being valid 100 years from now?The top dozen qualities of the “ideal” man or woman:Now take a look at your answers above. Do you notice any reoccurring themes? Taking what you’ve observed inothers, what others have observed about you, what you want for others, and things you would fight for or against,create a list of your top 10 values (in any order) below.Top 10Values: 6. 7.1. 8.2. 9.3. 10.4.5.Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 4

Now, let’s reduce it down to the half-dozen most important to you. Put a star by the values you’re sure about.Thentake the ones you feel are important but aren’t sure if they’re top-six material and put them in pairs.Think abouttwo of those values side by side, and ask yourself which of the two is more important, eliminating the other. Keeppitting the survivors against each other until you’re down to six. If some of the values you listed are just two wordsdescribing the same idea, combine them.Top 6Values: 4. 5.1. 6.2.3.Now prioritize your core values in order of importance, with the most important first. All are important, ofcourse, but which are the most important? If you had to choose between two values, which would you fight for, oreven die defending? Now which are your top three?MY TOP 3VALUES IN LIFE ARE:1. 2. 3. Memory Jogger of ValuesAbundance Cheerfulness Creativity Expressiveness Humility Order ResponsibilityAcceptance Clarity Curiosity Fairness Humor Organization RighteousnessAccountability Cleanliness Daring Faith Imagination Originality Risk-takingAccomplishment Collaboration Decisiveness Fame Independence Outcome RomanceAccuracy Longevity Delight Family Influence orientation SafetyAchievement Love Dependability Fidelity Ingenuity Outstanding service SecurityAcknowledgement Loyalty Desire Flexibility Inner peace Passion SelflessnessAdaptability Love Determination Flow Innovation Peace Self-esteemAdventure Making a difference Devotion Focus Insightfulness Perceptiveness SeriousnessAffection Mastery Dignity Forgiveness Inspiration Perseverance ServiceAggressiveness Maturity Diligence Fortitude Integrity Persistence SimplicityAgility Comfort Discipline Freedom Intelligence Personal growth SincerityAlertness Commitment Discovery Friendship Intensity Pleasure SkillAmbition Communication Discretion Frugality Intimacy Poise SpeedAnticipation Community Diversity Fun Intuitiveness Positive attitude SpiritAppreciation Compassion Drive Generosity Inventiveness Power StabilityAssertiveness Competence Duty Giving Investing Practicality StrengthAttentiveness Competition Eagerness Going the extra Joy Precision StyleAudacity Concentration Education mile Justice Preparedness SystemizationAwareness Confidence Effectiveness Goodness Kindness Presence TeamworkBalance Connection Efficiency Grace Knowledge Preservation TimelinessBeauty Consciousness Elation Gratitude Leadership Privacy ToleranceBelonging Consistency Elegance Growth Learning Proactivity TraditionBlissfulness Contentment Empathy Guidance Liberty Progress TranquilityBoldness Content over fluff Encouragement Happiness Logic Prosperity TrustBravery Continuity Endurance Harmony Meaning Punctuality TruthBrilliance Continuous Energy Hard work Merit Quality UnityCalm Improvement Enjoyment Health Mindfulness Quiet VarietyCandor Contribution Enthusiasm Helpfulness Modesty Rationality Well-beingCarefulness Control Equality Heroism Money Recognition WisdomCaring Conviction Excellence Holiness Motivation RelationshipsCertainty Convincing Excitement Honesty Nonviolence ReliabilityChallenge Cooperation Experience Honor Openness ReligionChange Courage Expertise Hopefulness Opportunity ResourcefulnessCharity Courtesy Exploration Hospitality Optimism RespectDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 5

WORKSHEET NO. 5—MISSIONA personal mission statement provides clarity and gives you a sense of purpose. It defines who you are and how you will live.Your mission statement should be able to guide your actions, spell out your overall goals, provide a sense of direction andguide decision-making.When completed, it should provide the framework or context from which all ideas, strategies andgoals are formulated.Here is a template to get your creative juices flowing, but certainly don’t limit your thoughts and ideas to this template only:“To [what you want to achieve, do or become] so that [reasons why it is important]. I will do this by [specific behaviors or actions you can use toget there].”“I value [choose one to three values] because [reasons why these values are important to you]. Accordingly, I will [what you can do to live bythese values].”“To develop and cultivate the qualities of [two to three values/character traits] that I admire in [an influential person in your life] so that [why youwant to develop these qualities].”“To live each day with [choose one to three values or principles] so that [what living by these values will give you]. I will do this by [specific behaviorsyou will use to live by these values].”“To appreciate and enjoy [things you want to appreciate and enjoy more] by [what you can do to appreciate/enjoy these things].”“To treasure above all else [most important things to you] by [what you can do to live your priorities].”“To be known by [an important person/group] as someone who is [qualities you want to have]; by [some other person/group] as someone who is[quality]; [quality]; [quality]; and [other qualities].”MY MISSION STATEMENT Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 6

You now have the beginning of a mission statement built on a foundation of your values.You have more clarity into who youwant to be and what you want to do in your life.You can also start to detect the values and principles upon which your lifeis based.You can continue to write and revise your mission statement until you feel it reflects what you live for. Once we reachthe end of this process, you will have more insight to yourself and your big goals, helping you further refine yourmission statement.Your mission statement will evolve over time, just as you will. My mission statement at age 20 was not as refined and wiseas it is now. It’s good practice to review your mission statement annually to be sure it still aligns with your highest and mostimportant values, goals and desired outcomes for your life. Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 7

WORKSHEET NO. 6—VISIONA vision statement is your COREVALUES and MISSION in life rolled up into one to three sentences. It’s a vivid, idealizeddescription of a desired outcome that inspires, energizes and helps you create a mental picture of your target.Your vision statement should describe the best possible outcome of your life. In fact, you might want to declare andenvision something even grander than the best possible outcome. Remember, the purpose of your vision statement is toinspire, energize, motivate and stimulate your creativity, not to serve as a measuring stick for success; that is the job of yourobjectives and goals (to follow).To inspire and incite your own creative imagination, here are a few examples of companies you are familiar with and theirvision statements:MicrosoftTo have a personal computer in every home running Microsoft software.Ford Motor Company (early 1900s)Ford will democratize the automobile.Sony (early 1950s)To become the company most known for changing the worldwide perception of poor-quality Japanese products.Boeing (1950)To become the dominant player in commercial aircraft and bring the world into the jet age.3MTo solve unsolved problems innovatively.MerckTo preserve and improve human life.IBMTo be the best service organization in the world.Wal-MartTo give ordinary folks the chance to buy the same things as rich people.DisneyTo make people happy.StarbucksTo inspire and nurture the human spirit, one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 8

Now review your obituary, epitaph, COREVALUES and the objectives in your MISSION STATEMENT, and write a VISIONSTATEMENT that includes your values and desired outcomes for your life in one to three enticing and inspiring sentences.MYVISION STATEMENTDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 9

WORKSHEET NO.7 – S.W.O.T. ANALYSISAn Interview with YourselfI have learned it is far more important to have good questions than good answers. In fact, many times the only wayto good answers is through thoughtful, insightful and probing questions.The series of questions below will help youidentify strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities you may not have realized before.The insight was alwaysinside you, but it takes the right questions to bring it to the forefront of your awareness.STRENGTHSIf we lined up 20 candidates for my job, what do I do better than any one of them? Why am I the best at what I do?Why would my boss say I am the best? What qualities and skills would they point out? (See it from their perspectiveand the experiences you have shared.)Why would my best friend say I am the best? What qualities and skills would they point out? (See it from theirperspective and the experiences you have shared.)Why would my mom and/or dad say I am the best? What qualities and skills would they point out? (See it fromtheir perspective and the experiences you have shared.)In my business, what makes me indispensable? What do I do, know or have that no one else does?What kinds of activities come very easily and naturally to me? (Even if you don’t think they are important oruniquely valuable, write them down.) Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 1

What do I love to do? What part of my current role or roles in the past have I really enjoyed doing?What holds my attention? What am I doing when I lose all track of time?What do I love to learn about?What talent, skill or knowledge has been responsible for most of my success and happiness up to now?What advantages do I have that others don’t? (e.g., skills, certifications, education, connections, etc.)What personal resources do I have access to?Which of my achievements am I most proud of?What values do I believe in that others fail to exhibit?What advantages do I have in my network? What connections do I have with influential people? Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 2

WEAKNESSESWhat tasks do I usually avoid because I don’t feel confident doing them?What would my boss point out as one of my weaknesses?What would my best friend point out as one of my weaknesses?What would my mom and dad point out as one of my weaknesses or shortcomings?Am I completely confident in my education and skills training? If not, where am I weakest?What are my negative work habits? (e.g., procrastinating, being late, disorganized, easily distracted, shorttempered, poor at handling stress, etc.)Do I have personality traits that hold me back in my field? (e.g., fear of public speaking, procrastination, lack ofpersuasive communication, poor time management, etc.)What is the main weakness I have in the area of my main goal in life that is unable to be avoided, delegated orcovered up? Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 3

OPPORTUNITIESWho is the very best in your field?Who do you know who has the attributes you strive to obtain?Who has theresults in the areas of life you desire improvement?Write down the ‘who’ to each of these questions as well as‘what’ they have that you want.Your task is to have them mentor you in that area, even if only over coffee or dinner(your treat).When it comes to achieving your main goal in life, what is your biggest weakness or obstacle?WHO WHAT What are the existing problems your industry faces? How can you help solve them?PROBLEMS POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS What is the biggest complaint you hear about your product, service or market?What can you do to remedy this?COMPLAINTS POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS What is the greatest and regular accolade you hear about your product, service or market?What can you do toaccentuate this?ACCOLADE ACCENTUATE What three things are your competitors failing to do that are important? How can you take advantage of these mistakes? Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 4

Do your customers or vendors complain about something in your company? If so, could you create an opportunityby offering a solution?What new technology can help you? Or can you get help from others or from people via the Internet?THREATSWhat errors did I observe about the relationship(s) my parents had? What am I doing to prevent this pattern in myrelationship?ERROR PREVENTION What errors in eating, exercise, stress management and overall well-being did I observe in close family and friendsgrowing up?What am I doing to prevent this pattern in my life?ERROR PREVENTION What errors did I observe about money growing up (spending, budgeting, saving and attitudes)? What am I doingto prevent this pattern in my life?ERROR PREVENTION If I didn’t earn any money for the next six months, would I still have enough reserves to cover all my expenses andmaintain my existing lifestyle? What are my total monthly expenses? (Make a plan to save six times this amount in aseparate reserve account.)If demand for my business instantly grew three times over, what systems, management, staff, cash flow, operationalprocesses or other capacity issues would be in most jeopardy? Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 5

If demand for my business instantly dropped to one-third its existing rate, what systems, management, staff andoperational process would have to be cut? (Consider how to make these as lean as possible now.)What is my job role (if you are employed) or business’s unique selling proposition? What do you do or does yourbusiness’s product or service offer that no one else does? Who could duplicate this? If they did, why would I or westill remain relevant?Who on my team is indispensable? What redundancies can I put in place that would protect me or the enterpriseshould something unexpected happen?What part of your supply chain are you most susceptible to? (e.g., cost of goods, sales, distributor or joint venturepartner performance, bank or financing terms, distribution, etc.)What changing technology could threaten your position in the marketplace? What technologies should youresearch, study or seek training on?What is my greatest personal weakness and how could this impede me achieving my goals? Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 6

360˚ VIEWOK, ready for the dare?You are now going to ask three people three poignant questions about yourself.A few tips:1. Only ask those who care enough about you to be (brutally) honest. Don’t waste your questions on someonewho doesn’t trust your relationship enough to not be afraid of hurting your feelings. I’ve always defined a friend assomeone who will tell you that you are being an A-hole to your face when you are being an A-hole.2. Give them permission to be candid.Tell them that you need their help and that help requires their frankfeedback.Tell them the more seemingly harsh, the more constructive it will be.3. Don’t be defensive, just listen—really listen—and encourage them to explain their answer so you can receive asmuch outside perspective as possible.4.Thank them sincerely for caring enough and feeling safe enough in the relationship to be completely forthrightand honest with you. It’s as risky and difficult for them to make their suggestions as it is for you to hear them.5. Select one suggestion to be one of your self-improvement goals for 2010. Check in with that friend every sooften for a progress report.The Questions:1)What do you think is my best quality? What skill or attribute do you think gives me an advantage in life?PERSON #1PERSON #2PERSON #3 Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 7

2)What is my worst quality? If I could improve just one thing about myself to help me better succeed with peopleand in life, what do you think it should be?PERSON #1PERSON #2PERSON #33)Where do you see me sabotaging myself? What behavior(s), lack of discipline or attitudes do you think hold meback the most?PERSON #1PERSON #2PERSON #3 Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 8

S.W.O.T. MATRIXSummarize the key points learned from the questions above and fill out your S.W.O.T. Matrix below.STRENGTHS WEAKNESSESOPPORTUNITIES THREATSDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 9

SUMMARYWhat three skills or talents will be most responsible for your future success? Make a list of all the ways you can study,practice, get coaching, learn and develop these three skills. If you dedicate yourself to developing these three talents,in three to five years from now you can achieve a level of performance others would consider genius.SKILL #1 STUDY, PRACTICE, DEVELOPSKILL #2 STUDY, PRACTICE, DEVELOPSKILL #3 STUDY, PRACTICE, DEVELOPWhat is the single greatest weakness I have identified that could keep me from achieving the progress I seek overthe next one to 10 years? What is my plan to strengthen or minimize this weakness?WEAKNESS PLANWhat is the single greatest opportunity I have available to me? How will I go after, take advantage of and expand onthis opportunity? OPPORTUNITY PLANDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 10

What is the single greatest threat I have identified that could prevent me from obtaining the goals and outcomes Iseek?What is my plan to eliminate this risk?THREAT PLANDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 11

WORKSHEET #8 – LIFE ASSESSMENTFace the truthThere are no wrong answers, there is no grade, no rating, not even an interpretation of your responses otherthan your own thoughtful assessment. Be honest and truthful with yourself. Even when the truthful responseis a little embarrassing or painful, remember that no one else need ever see it and that you never succeed bydeceiving yourself.Rate the following on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being Least True and 5 being Most True:Relationships & Family 12345I spend at least 10 hours of focused time with my family each week. 12345I get together with friends at least once a week. 12345There is no one in my life that I haven’t completely forgiven. 12345I am actively engaged in learning how to be a better spouse, parent and/or friend. 12345I actively look for ways to support and help advance the success of my friends and family. 12345I take complete responsibility for all relationship conflicts when they arise. 12345I easily trust those I live and work with. 12345I am 100% honest and open with all those I live and work with. 12345It is easy for me to commit to others and honor those commitments. 12345I recognize when I need support and am continually seeking help.Total Score:Physical 12345I do strength training at least 3x a week. 12345I do cardiovascular exercise at least 3x a week. 12345I do stretching and/or yoga type exercise at least 3x a week. 12345During a typical day, I watch no more than 1 hour of TV. 12345I eat breakfast (more than just coffee) every day. 12345I don’t eat fast food, ever. 12345I spend time outside for at least 30 minutes a day, every day. 12345I have undisturbed sleep for at least 8 hours each night. 12345I don’t drink more than 1 caffeinated beverage per day. 12345I drink at least 8 glasses of water per dayTotal Score:Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 1

Business 12345I plan my day out the day before. 12345My goals are written, prominently displayed and regularly reviewed. 12345I love what I do and enjoy getting up every day to do my job. 12345I am continually filled with feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction from my work. 12345I am constantly improving my professional strengths and weaknesses. 12345If I could, I would still do my job without pay. 12345I am home with my family on time every day.My current business/job has the realistic potential of accomplishing all my financial goals for the 12345next year.My current business/job has the realistic potential of accomplishing all my financial goals for the 12345next 10 years.My current business/job gives me a feeling of significance as it makes a positive difference in the 12345lives of others.Total Score:Financial 12345I have a completely detailed budget and unfailingly stick to it. 12345I have a professionally designed and diversified financial portfolio. 12345I save at least 10% of my income every month. 12345I am credit card debt-free. 12345I have a dedicated six-month reserve account completely funded and set aside. 12345I feel that I am compensated completely according to my worth. 12345I have an updated and complete last will and testament. 12345I have the needed insurance and financial plan in place for my family should something happen to me. 12345I have a detailed retirement plan that will accommodate exactly what I need to live as I desireafter retirement and for the rest of my life. 12345I live well below my means and never spend money imprudently.Total Score:Spiritual 12345I consider myself a spiritual person. 12345I take at least 20 minutes each day to meditate and reflect on my life. 12345Others who experience me would consider me a spiritual person. 12345I have a personal relationship with my spiritual source. 12345I study my spiritual beliefs daily.Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 2

I practice my spiritual beliefs daily. 12345I teach my spiritual beliefs daily. 12345I live completely in accordance to my spiritual beliefs. 12345I consistently use my spirituality to help resolve my problems. 12345I consistently use my spirituality to help others. 12345Total Score: 12345Mental 12345I read something instructional or inspirational for at least 30 minutes each day. 12345I listen to something instructional or inspirational for at least 30 minutes each day. 12345I stay completely current with my industry news. 12345I seek instructional information in my field every day. 12345I have a mentor whom I trust. 12345All my friends are a positive influence in my life. 12345I never engage in gossip. 12345I review my major goals every day. 12345I review what I am grateful for every day.I always say no to requests or obligations that don’t fit my core values or objectives. 12345Total Score: 12345 12345Lifestyle 12345I have hobbies outside of work that I enjoy and take part in at least 3 times a week. 12345I attend cultural events (e.g., opera, museums, theatre) at least 2 times a month. 12345I vacation at least once a year with no work communications. 12345I spend as much time as I want with my family. 12345I spend as much time as I want with my friends. 12345I am constantly seeking adventure, trying something new and creating diverse experiences. 12345I feel like there is enough time in the day to do what I both need and want to do.I live life to the fullest every day.I take time out to daydream every day.I am completely present in every moment of every day.Total Score:Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 3

THEWHEEL OF LIFETo determine your current balance sheet of your life, take your scores from the previous pages and plot them onthe wheel below. Start from the center and use the key to mark your current status.Then connect all the dots andyou will see how balanced your wheel is or isn’t. If it has serious deviations or flat spots you now know why yourlife doesn’t “roll” along as smoothly as you would wish.KEY: Score of 5 = 1 notch. Score of 6-10 = 2 notches. Score of 11-15 = 3 notches. Score of 16-20 = 4 notches.Score of 21-25 = 5 notches. Score of 26-30 = 6 notches. Score of 31-35 = 7 notches. Score of 36-40 = 8 notches.Score of 41-45 = 9 notches. Score of 46-50 = 10 notches. Use the same score for both Family & Relationship line. *The Wheel of Life is adapted from a concept employed by Success Motivation International®, Inc. Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 4

WORKSHEET #9 – The GRAND DesignGUIDELINESSubtle and seemingly inconsequential adjustments transform wishes and aspirations into results.1. Don’t Just Think It—INK ITThe weakest ink is stronger than the strongest mind. Unless you write down your goals, they are often lost in theshuffle and excitement of new problems, challenges and decisions. Eliminate outside interruptions.“Reduce your plan to writing.... The moment you complete this, you will have definitely given concrete form to the intangibledesire.” —Napoleon Hill2. Suspend RealityPretend it is only a game; play in fantasy for a while. Let the giant that lay dormant inside you out to play. If youhad every skill, resource or ability in the world, what would you do? What would you set out to accomplish? Don’tfilter, qualify or judge.“The same thinking that has led you to where you are is not going to lead you to where you want to go.” —Albert EinsteinRemember: Do not prejudge your ability or worthiness to have and achieve whatever your mind conceives. Letyour thoughts flow.**Understand—you are not committing yourself to everything, or anything, you write down at first. Youare brainstorming, letting your imagination take a stroll. There will be time to separate out the outrageous andabsurd, but to start, just play with reckless abandon. If a genie popped out of a lamp and could grant you 10 wishesin every one of these categories, what would you write down? Go for it, play full out!3. Think BigGive yourself permission to dream big, risk big. What would you go for if you knew success was guaranteed? If youcould write the script for your character’s role in life—and it could be anything—what role would you write foryourself? What’s your secret ambition? What have you always wanted to do, have, be, experience, but have beentoo afraid?What is your BHAG? Your Big Hairy Audacious Goal. What is that one thing that even the thought of it makesyour palms sweat a little?Expect little and, as a result, receive little.“The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we hit it.”~Michelangelo Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 1

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for” —John A. Shedd“Don’t set your goals too low. If you don’t need much, you won’t become much.” —Jim Rohn“Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.” —Johann von Goethe4. State in the PositiveDecide what you want to move toward, not away from.Examples:“I am my ideal weight of X lbs. by X date,” versus “I want to lose 20 lbs.”Or, “I have a positive net worth of X by X date,” versus “I want to get out of debt.”Or, “I have a loving, respectful and intimate relationship with my wife,” versus “I want to repair my marriage.”5. State in the “I am”State in the present first person. I am X, versus I want X. The latter only reinforces the wanting versus the having.If you write a goal like, “I want to be a millionaire,” your creative energy will only produce exactly more of thatoutcome—the wanting of being a millionaire. If you say, “I am a millionaire by December 31, 2014,” your creativepower will go to work on producing what you have declared to be true.6. Be Sure They Are YOUR GoalsMany people set goals that they think they “should” have, rather than what they truly want for themselves. Don’tlet your family’s, colleagues’ or society’s ideals or expectations dictate your ambitions. In fact, if your writtengoals are not from your true heart and inner ambition, your creative spirit will not work to produce them anyway.All it will do is frustrate you and give you the illusion that you are a failure and not capable, when in actuality yousuccessfully avoided (didn’t achieve) what your inner spirit didn’t really want anyway. Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 2

The GRAND DESIGNWe are now going to list goals in each of the eight priority areas of life. Again, you are not held accountable forwhat you write below. We will filter later. Write everything that comes to mind. Don’t just think through this,check your gut and listen to your heart. Whatever comes up, write it down.B – BUSINESSThought starters: Revenue growth, profit, position in market, major projects, brand reputation,customer satisfaction performance, team development, new skills, improved performance, finda mentor, mentor someone else, etc.10 YEARS 4.1.2. 5.3. 6.THIS YEAR 5.1.2. 6.3. 7.4. 8.$ – FINANCIALThought starters: Income, savings, total net worth, start savings plan, begin investing,become debt free, eliminate credit cards, buy a home, retirement account, save for collegeaccount, charitable giving, complete estate/trust setup, etc.10 YEARS1. 4.2. 5.3. 6.THIS YEAR 5.1.2. 6.3. 7.4. 8.Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 3

P – PhysicalThought starters: Ideal weight, run marathon, become flexible, increase stamina, elevate energy,reduce cholesterol count, improve BMI, start meditating, work with nutritionist, upgradeappearance, do make-over, schedule annual doctor exams, reduce sugar, caffeine, fatty foods, goto bed earlier, get up earlier, etc.10 YEARS 4.1.2. 5.3. 6.THIS YEAR 5.1.2. 6.3. 7.4. 8.M – MentalThought starters: Read 30 minutes every day, listen to instructional audio for 30 minutes every day,take new college courses, go to seminars, hire a coach, join a supportive organization, build newskills, incorporate more free time into my schedule, advance knowledge in special subject, etc.10 YEARS1. 4.2. 5.3. 6.THIS YEAR 5.1.2. 6.3. 7.4. 8.Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 4

F – FAMILYThought starters: Spend more time with family, be home for dinner every night, begin nightlyreading ritual with children, date night with spouse each Friday, review/discussion with spouseevery Sunday night, visit parents twice a year, forgive or make amends with a relative, planspecial outings, attract Mr. or Mrs. Right, spend one-on-one time with children, etc.10 YEARS 4.1.2. 5.3. 6.THIS YEAR 5.1.2. 6.3. 7.4. 8.S – SpiritualThought starters: Practice your religion more faithfully, volunteer at church, join spiritualgroups, read books on spirituality, live as example of my religious beliefs, teach others, studydeeper, etc.10 YEARS1. 4.2. 5.3. 6.THIS YEAR 5.1.2. 6.3. 7.4. 8.Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 5

L – LifestyleThought starters: Travel, adventure, luxuries, languages, hobbies, instruments you want tolearn, where you want to live, how you want to live, how you want your home, time freedoms,who you want to meet, etc.10 YEARS1. 4.2. 5.3. 6.THIS YEAR 5.1.2. 6.3. 7.4. 8.R – RelationshipsThought starters: Time with best friends, cultivate relationships with like-minded achievers,send birthday cards to all friends, spend time together with at least one friend, new relationshipsyou would like to build, organizations to expand your relationships, relationships to limit oreliminate, etc.10 YEARS 4.1.2. 5.3. 6.THIS YEAR 5.1.2. 6.3. 7.4. 8.Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 6

TOP TENFrom all the goals you wrote above, narrow them down to your Top 10 overall goals. Define the categories ($, P,R, F, S, M, L, B) in the box next to each goal and set deadlines next to each goal. TOP TEN – 10 YEAR GOALS DEADLINECat. GOAL TOP TEN – 2010 GOALS DEADLINECat. GOALDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 7

SCRUBBING—SMART and BALANCEDNow we have to check in and be sure what we decided on passes the due diligence. First of all, are the goals abovecompletely S.M.A.R.T.? Let’s check and adjust accordingly.S—Specific. Specific means well defined, something that would be clear to anyone else.Ex. Not specific—Become debt free. Specific—cut up my credit cards and pay off $27,000 bills and pay off$33,000 student loans.Adjust the above goals so that they are specific.M—Measurable. This is where we quantify our objectives so that we can measure our achievements against them.When you measure your progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilarationof achievement that spurs you on to continued effort required to reach your goal. To determine if your goal ismeasurable, ask questions such as, How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?Ex. Not measurable—Get fit. Measurable—lose 25 pounds, BMI of 20, cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL, ableto run 5 miles regularly.Adjust the above goals so that they are measurable.A—Attainable. This is the time to pull your head out of the clouds and put your feet back on the ground. Theground may be significantly elevated, but it’s solid ground nonetheless. You can’t have world peace tomorrow, solvehunger this month or become a millionaire in a year if that is 20 times your current net worth. Your goals needto stretch you, push you to go farther and faster than you ever thought possible. At the same time, you don’t wantthem to debilitate you because you know in your heart of hearts it is only a fantasy and not really possible even ifyou operated at your highest and best for the duration. Don’t rely on any extraordinary external luck having tohappen in order for you to reach your goal. What could you do and control the outcome to if you played at world-class level?Adjust the above goals so that they are attainable.R—Relevant. This is one of the most important criteria to scrub against. Are the goals you set above inalignment with the core values you outlined in installment No. 2? Do they align with your mission and support thevision you have for your life? You want to be sure the direction in which you focus your creative capacity is in thedirection of what is truly most important to you, your life and the legacy you intend to leave. If not, reconsider.Adjust the above goals so that they are relevant.T—Time Sensitive. You think, act and react with the urgency and appropriate energy defined by thetask. Just as your muscles prepare in one way when you stoop over to pick up the morning paper,and react in an entirely different manner when you prepare to lift a 100-pound barbell, so your mindprepares your body and your attitudes for responding appropriately to the deadlines you set for yourself. Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 8

Deadlines create a challenge, and you respond to the challenge. In sports, the tension mounts as timeruns out. The most exciting plays are often in the last few minutes, especially if it is a close game,because people respond in dramatic fashion to the challenge of deadlines.Adjust the above goals so that they are time sensitive.BALANCENow look back at your 10 goals and be sure they represent each area of your LIFE WHEEL. The grand goal in lifeis whole-life success—success, by your definition, in every area of your life. Don’t end up being the freaky guy inthe gym with big arms but skinny legs, or the man in the mansion with a garage full of cars but no joy or anyone toshare it with.Adjust the above goals so that they are balanced.*The Wheel of Life is adapted from a concept employed by Success Motivation Internatonal®, Inc. Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 9

BANNER GOALSI believe in focus, focusing on the most important and valuable priorities of our life. Sometimes we pursue toomuch and achieve too little. It’s hard to chase multiple rabbits. Let’s prioritize your goals into your top three goals,for the next 10 years and for 2010. MY TOP THEE 10-YEAR GOALS MY TOP THREE 2010 GOALSIn the coming installments, we put together the plan of action to achieve these big, valuable and important goals. Designing the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 10

WORKSHEET #10 – The MAGIC FACTORThe magic comes from becoming the person you need to be in order to attract the people or results you wish tomeet or achieve. Use the example below to determine the magic factor for achieving your goals.EXAMPLE:GOAL: Earn an extra $100,000 in income in 2010General description of WHO I NEED TO BECOME:• I am a disciplined master of time efficiency.• I focus solely on high-payoff and high-productivity actions.• I wake up an hour earlier and review my priority objectives each morning.• I fuel my body properly and exercise four days a week so I am energetic and highly effective each work hour.• I feed my mind ideas and inspiration that will support and bolster my passion.• I surround myself with peers and mentors who elevate my expectations and prod me to rise to greater levels of discipline, commitment and achievement.• I am a smart, confident and effective leader.• I seek and cultivate the strength and greatness in everyone around me.• I deliver excellence to my clients and continually find ways to ‘wow’ them, encouraging repeat transactions and abundant referrals.New habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to START:• G et up by 5am, feed my mind with positive material—30 minutes reading and 30 minutes of audio of something inspirational and instructional every day• 3 0 minutes of quiet thinking time• 30 minutes of planning time, eating a healthy fiber and protein rich breakfast• Exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week• Calling on 10 new major accounts per week, checking in, servicing and further developing 10 existing clients per week, planning each day the night before, remembering birthdays and anniversaries of employees and clients, following news, blogs and updates of target accounts…Existing healthy habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to EXPAND:Recognizing my teammates when they achieve, delegating administrative tasks, going into the office early, beingprompt, professional dress…Poor habits or behaviors I need to STOP:• Watching two hours of TV at night and listening to news in the car• Attending unproductive meetings and saying yes to projects in conflict with my highest priorities• G ossiping with colleagues, complaining about the economy, the market, team members or customers• Taking personal calls or spending time on Facebook or other personal social media sites during the day• E ating after 7:30pm, more than one glass of wine at night, extended lunches without clients…Top three modifications and how I will implement it into my daily routine:HABIT, BEHAVIOR OR DISCIPLINE IMPLEMENTATION IN ROUTINEFeed mind Read 30 min first thing in morning while coffee brews. Listen to audio on commute to and from office.Call on 10 new clients per week Tues 2pm-5pm, Weds 10am-12pm, Thurs 1pm-4pmSupportive associations Join and commit to bi-weekly mastermind forumDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 1

TOP THREE 2010 GOALS GOAL NO. 1: General description of WHO I NEED TO BECOME:New habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to START:Existing healthy habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to EXPAND:Poor habits or behaviors I need to STOP:Top three modifications and how I will implement them into my daily routine:HABIT, BEHAVIOR OR DISCIPLINE IMPLEMENTATION IN ROUTINEDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 2

GOAL NO. 2:General description of WHO I NEED TO BECOME:New habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to START:Existing healthy habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to EXPAND:Poor habits or behaviors I need to STOP:Top three modifications and how I will implement them into my daily routine:HABIT, BEHAVIOR OR DISCIPLINE IMPLEMENTATION IN ROUTINEDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 3

GOAL NO. 3:General description of WHO I NEED TO BECOME:New habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to START:Existing healthy habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to EXPAND:Poor habits or behaviors I need to STOP:Top three modifications and how I will implement them into my daily routine:HABIT, BEHAVIOR OR DISCIPLINE IMPLEMENTATION IN ROUTINEDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 4

TOP THREE 10-YEAR GOALS GOAL NO. 1: General description of WHO I NEED TO BECOME:New habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to START:Existing healthy habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to EXPAND:Poor habits or behaviors I need to STOP:Top three modifications and how I will implement them into my daily routine:HABIT, BEHAVIOR OR DISCIPLINE IMPLEMENTATION IN ROUTINEDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 5

GOAL NO. 2:General description of WHO I NEED TO BECOME:New habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to START:Existing healthy habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to EXPAND:Poor habits or behaviors I need to STOP:Top three modifications and how I will implement them into my daily routine:HABIT, BEHAVIOR OR DISCIPLINE IMPLEMENTATION IN ROUTINEDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 6

GOAL NO. 3:General description of WHO I NEED TO BECOME:New habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to START:Existing healthy habits, disciplines or behaviors I need to EXPAND:Poor habits or behaviors I need to STOP:Top three modifications and how I will implement them into my daily routine:HABIT, BEHAVIOR OR DISCIPLINE IMPLEMENTATION IN ROUTINEDesigning the BEST 10 Years of Your Life ©2010 by Darren Hardy DarrenHardy.SUCCESS.com 7