The Three Numbers You Need to Know

A well-lived life is one in which you know the "answer" you are working toward. So how do you break that answer down into concrete, measurable terms? For most people, it comes down to having clarity about three important numbers.

1. Your "economic freedom" number. Once you know exactly what you're going to need for your retirement and for long-term obligations like your children's education, you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your future is secure. This is especially true once you know you're on track to achieving it by establishing monthly targets that are adjusted annually.

2. Your "ideal life today" number. What would it take to make a significant difference in how you feel about life right now? You'd probably be surprised at how even incremental changes can have a life-altering impact. It could be that $20,000 more a year, or even four weeks more of vacation time could be all it takes to make your good life great. This could be the difference to creating the kind of life where you don't ever want to stop working because you've found the formula that works for you.

3. The magic number. This is the hourly value of time you need to achieve to make your long-term economic freedom and ideal life a reality. Every dream life and dream practice, no matter how ambitious or modest, can be reduced to this key number. Achieving a goal of a 10 percent increase in production is not that meaningful unless you can put it in the context of a comprehensive life plan. This is more than a number; it represents the life you want. Find out what yours is and make it your guiding star.