Career Goals vs. Lifelong Dreams

Nobody has told me their lifelong dream is to work forever. But I do know someone who has helped many people get to where they don’t have to.

?

In 2005, I co-authored a book with Dina Dwyer-Owens called Live R.I.C.H: How to build success in your company and your life with a proven Code of Values. In the book, Dina talked about a special course being taught at The Dwyer Group [now Neighborly? ] called “Design Your Life.” Everyone from the front desk receptionist to the newest franchisee was invited to take the course.

?

Over the years, Dina would go on to accept invitations to teach her “Design Your Life” class to other groups when her schedule would allow it. Other franchise networks. Religious non-profits. University students. Civic organizations. Women’s clubs. She even graciously gave it to our BizCom Associates team at our 2022 agency retreat. Not surprisingly, many team members still talk about their goals from that class.

?

Then last week, after much work behind the scenes, Dina announced that her course was now available online for the public at-large. You can access it at: https://designyourlife.podia.com/.

?

“My mission is to help people live their best lives by dreaming big, setting targets and making a plan to achieve them.” – Dina Dwyer-Owens

?

Below is an excerpt from her 2005 Live R.I.C.H. book that explains the thinking behind this course. Personally, it tells me why making it available to everyone makes such beautiful sense too.

?

Design Your Life

?

We teach a special seminar each month for future franchisees, new franchise owners, and new Dwyer Group associates. “Design Your Life” is a rigorous self-appraisal of defining one’s life targets. Because, let’s face it, even though most people don’t say it out loud, they don’t want to work forever!

?

Most people desire a comfortable and happy life. They want to enjoy what they do for a living. They want to provide for their families. They want to feel like a vital part of their community. They want to save money for their future. And they hope to achieve financial independence.

?

That’s the kink in the chain. Most people hope for financial freedom, but they don’t know what it will take to get there. In fact, it’s more like a dream rather than something people think they can actually reach. But I believe The Dwyer Group can make dreams come true. And our “Design Your Life” seminar is meant to jump-start that dream.

?

It’s a dream that starts with a math problem.

?

We simply ask people, what’s your number? How much money do you need to be financially free to do whatever you want, when you want? Think big! Do you want to retire comfortably? Do you just want to be able to make ends meet? Do you hope to travel the world someday? Do you want to be a philanthropist? Also, what needs to happen between now and then? Do you have kids to put through college? Do you have a mortgage to pay off? What are the hurdles you must cross on your way to reaching your number, and how can we help you get there?

?

Keep in mind this audience is typically just starting an association with The Dwyer Group, and we’re already asking them to figure out what it will take to achieve their biggest dreams. By using our company as a vehicle to help people realize their life’s dreams, not just their career goals, The Dwyer Group is helping people Live R.I.C.H.

?

The “Design Your Life” seminar is not an easy course. People struggle over what they want to achieve and how they plan to get there. But taking the first step is a big start. That’s when the real journey begins. They start to view their association with The Dwyer Group as a solution-provider. And that creates a newfound relationship, a partnership between our company and its members that translates into a mutual respect and a win-win situation. If you help people reach their targets, you will reap the rewards tenfold in the loyalty and appreciation they give in return.

?

People who have taken the “Design Your Life” seminar have approached us years later to thank them for helping them achieve their dreams. They set a target, and from that day forward, they always knew where they stood in relation to that goal. They could get excited when they were nearing the amount of money they had stipulated they would need to be financially free. Having a plan was half the battle. Then they could enjoy the ride, operating their business or going about their careers with something concrete in mind. And when they crossed the finish line, maybe that didn’t mean they wouldn’t work anymore. But if they planned correctly, the idea was that they wouldn’t have to work anymore. They had options. And having options is a wonderful thing.

Maybe they have a chance to spend more time with family. Maybe they can buy that second home on the lake. Or maybe they can build churches in other parts of the world. Whatever the goals, the "Design Your Life" seminar puts people in the driver's seat to Live R.I.C.H.

?

[Note: Dina Dwyer-Owens is a client of BizCom Associates.]?

?

?

?