351 - What Will Your Life Look Like in 2026?

In this episode, Paul challenges the traditional approach to planning for the new year, urging listeners to stop setting goals and start setting aims. He explains that most people design their lives backward, focusing on career first and hoping life fits around it. Instead, Paul walks through a practical reframe: define the life you want, then determine the financial aims required to support that life, and only then plan your career or business strategy. He introduces the concept of "sufficiency" versus "surplus" lifestyles and explains why identifying both is essential to long-term freedom. Paul also explores the 13 Permanent Domains of Human Concern, encouraging listeners to anchor their planning in areas like health, family, and relationships rather than money. Through examples and clear steps, he shows how aiming allows for continual adjustment, new information, and a healthier relationship with progress. Ultimately, he invites listeners to design a future they can intentionally pursue, with clarity rather than pressure. -- Timestamps: 00:42 – The problem with traditional goal-setting 01:30 – How careers trap people into backward planning 02:13 – Start with life design, not income targets 03:00 – Sufficiency vs. surplus lifestyles 04:30 – Introducing the 13 Permanent Domains 06:36 – Turning lifestyle aims into financial aims 08:40 – Why aims beat goals (and how to use them) --   This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.