The True Essence of a Life Plan: A Journey from False Self to True Self

A Life Plan is not merely a roadmap for achieving goals or transitioning from who you are today to who you wish to become tomorrow. Instead, it is a profound journey from the false self—the persona shaped by external expectations and societal norms—to the true self, the essence of who you authentically are. This journey is not just a segment of your life; it is a lifelong quest to discover your purpose, find your community, and leave the world better for having lived.

Discovering Authenticity and Integrity

Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse who authored The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying, identified that the number one regret among those nearing the end of their lives is not living a life true to oneself. Instead, many find that they have lived according to the expectations of others, conforming to a path that does not resonate with their true nature. This is the very essence of the false self—an existence based on the approval, expectations, and demands of others.

A Life Plan seeks to correct this path. It begins with self-inquiry, delving deep into your core values and beliefs. Through this exploration, you craft a Character Statement—an articulation of divine wisdom that reflects your true essence. This process is not just about identifying what you want to achieve but about understanding who you are at your core.

Uncovering Your Life Purpose

Beyond values, a Life Plan helps you uncover your unique gifts and talents, guiding you to consider how these can be used in service to others. This is your life purpose, your divine will. It is what gives you direction in life, serving as your North Star as you navigate the complexities of your existence.

Living with purpose is about aligning your actions, thoughts, and emotions with your true self. It’s about walking the middle way—a balanced path that respects and integrates your spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical dimensions. Through this alignment, you find not just success but fulfillment, living a life of authenticity and integrity.

From Passion to Action: Bridging the Gap

As part of your Life Plan, you must also identify your passions—those activities and pursuits that bring you joy and fulfillment. The intersection of what you are good at and what you love forms the foundation of your life’s work. Yet, passion alone is not enough; it must be harnessed through an action plan that addresses and overcomes the obstacles preventing you from being who you were born to be. For goals without plans are just dreams.

This is where the Game Plan comes into play: Goals, Actions, Means, and Execution. With clear goals, actionable steps, necessary resources, and guided execution, you can move from intention to manifestation. The Life Plan is a tool to dismantle the false self and build a life that is truly yours.

The Cycle of Creation and Manifestation

The ancient wisdom embedded in the cycle of creation to manifestation reminds us that our thoughts shape our beliefs, our beliefs influence our emotions, our emotions dictate our actions, and our actions, in turn, shape our thoughts. This cycle can either reinforce the false self or, when guided by a Life Plan, lead you to your true self.

A Life Plan is not about living your best life in a hedonistic sense, maximising pleasure and material gain. Instead, it’s about living your authentic life, where your physical, mental, and emotional well-being are managed in a way that allows your spiritual self to manifest your soul’s desires. These desires are not about self-indulgence but about taking your rightful place in the world and contributing to its betterment.

Living a Legacy

As Stephen R. Covey said in The 8th Habit: “Live, love, learn, and leave a legacy.” Your Life Plan is the greatest of all plans because it encourages you to combine what you are good at with what you love, what the world needs, and what it will sustain you for. This intersection is where your true self flourishes, where your life’s journey from the false self to the true self is realised, and where your legacy is born.

By embarking on this journey, you are not just planning your life—you are shaping it, aligning it with your true purpose, and making the world a better place for having lived.