the million dollar question that is getting in your way

I was recently catching up with a friend, a millennial for context, while we were out for a paddle on the lake. The rhythm of our strokes and the flow of the water led us out on our path and it wasn’t long before we also fell into conversation. Despite being on open water, there is always a sense of serenity and intimacy when in nature, and as she updated me on work and life, I sensed there was more she wanted to share. My curiosity led me to ask her what was keeping her up at night.

The answer shocked me.

It nearly knocked me out of the boat. It was the big ol’ (and I mean old) ‘R’ word: retirement.

Fast forward to the weekend and I’m at a social gathering when it comes up again - except this time I’m speaking to people who are approaching the magical age of 65 when all work is to cease and life is supposed to begin. The fantasy of retirement is not at all what they thought it would look like; some wanting to work longer in fear of missing out, others unsure of how to come to terms with the fact that their employer won’t miss them when they’re gone (and as a result, delaying the retirement conversation altogether).

In both cases, the conversation fell into the old adage:

“If I had a million dollars…”

Then? Then what?

Regardless if you are 36 or 63, is $1,000,000 what’s stopping you from living your life? Is $1,000,000 the solution to releasing the repetitive thought pattern of retirement that we have been conditioned to believe? After all, it’s an antiquated system created by a German chancellor over 100 years ago.

It’s true that $1,000,000 doesn’t go as far as it did when The Barenaked Ladies wrote their iconic single back in 1992, but it’s likely not what’s getting in your way. Unfortunately, the system of retirement has caught us in a trap of working to live rather than living to work.

There is no doubt that there is value in covering the basics: pay off debt, contribute to your savings, and experiment with investing especially where there are tax benefits like in a retirement fund. Make your money make you money, and then move on.

Still hung up on that $1,000,000?

Reframe the question and ask yourself this:

What would be possible with $1,000,000?

This question can leave a lot of people stumped; doesn’t money solve everything? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

But it can help you to get clear on what it is you want, and the hard truth: why you don’t have it (it’s likely not money related).

In the world of coaching and conversations,

I love to dance in the space of possibility.

When we are willing to look behind a closed door, even the slightest opening allows us to see a peek of what’s possible. The best part is what awaits us on the other side: another door and another door offering a different way, an alternative action, a new choice.

I live for the moment when clients are willing to open a new door; I see them light up from within as they realize they’ve created a new opportunity for themselves.

The experience of new thinking restores choice and optimism;

It grounds you in knowing you are the creator of your reality.

The “million dollar question” can open your eyes, and your mind, to what is possible and help you identify what is really in your way. Is it the (lack of) cash in the bank or limiting beliefs? Is it saving for retirement or assuming what you want is impossible? Is it seeing money as a limited resource or available and abundant?

What are you telling yourself about money that isn’t true? If it’s an old story passed down over generations, it’s time to let go of that legacy. Return to sender. Move forward.

If you’re ready to step into the life of a millionaire,

What is keeping you from having $1,000,000?

It has nothing to do with what’s in your bank account and everything to do with what you believe is possible.

Kirsten Schmidtke is a professional coach, creator, and lover of lake life. She works with leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs to help them up-level their careers, businesses, and lives. Are you ready to explore what’s possible for you? Contact Kirsten to start the conversation!