Welcome back to another Wellness Wednesday segment!

 

Today, I'm thrilled to dive into a topic that's been making a difference in my financial planning sessions: the Miracle Question. It might sound a bit cheesy at first, but bear with me. As some of you know I'm always fascinated by psychology and love finding ways to weave what I learn into my financial planning discussions. Having a partner who is a psychotherapist definitely comes in handy for this! Borrowed from the realm of positive psychology, this question has been instrumental in helping my clients dream big and plan effectively.

 

The Conundrum

It's always intrigued me how the question "What are your financial goals?" tends to make people uncomfortable. Yet, it's crucial for starting any financial plan. The challenge has been finding a way to ask this in a less intimidating, more engaging way. Often, responses I get are mor along the lines of what clients think I want to hear, rather than their true desires, leading to plans that are at best forgettable, and at worst, ineffective.

 

Enter the Miracle Question

In my journey to bridge the gap to meaningful conversations about dreams and aspirations, I've embraced the Miracle Question. Imagine you're snug in bed, and as you sleep, a miracle occurs: all your financial worries disappear. What does your life look like now? This question is a beautiful tool for helping people break free from current concerns and envision their ideal financial future.

 

Meeting with clients, I love to introduce this sprinkle of 'miracle dust' into our financial planning discussions. It's heartwarming to see their eyes light up as they describe futures where they're debt-free, funding their children's education, retiring comfortably, or owning that dream vacation home in Europe.

 

This question is more than just a fun thought experiment; it's a potent goal-setting tool. It allows clients to identify what they truly desire, beyond societal or familial expectations. From there, we can tailor a financial plan that aligns perfectly with their unique dreams.

 

The Miracle Question transforms our sessions from mere number crunching to heart-to-heart conversations about hopes, dreams, and actionable plans. This not only makes our discussions more enjoyable but also ensures the financial plan we devise is genuinely tailored to their aspirations.

 

Here's a touching example: I was working with a couple stuck in the "save more, spend less" mindset. And it was hard to get them to look beyond the day to day. After asking the Miracle Question, they revealed their dream of world travel with their children. That became their focus in our session. We developed a financial plan to make this dream feasible, significantly impacting their approach to finances and family bonding.

 

The Miracle Question resonates deeply because it taps into our universal longing for a brighter future. It fosters hope, optimism, and the empowering realization that, with the right plan, your ambitious dreams are achievable.

 

Wrapping Up with a Bow

Incorporating the Miracle Question into financial planning has opened the door to authentic, meaningful conversations. It's about setting significant goals, engaging in heartfelt discussions, and embarking on a transformative financial journey. So, why not ask yourself the Miracle Question? You might discover dreams you never knew you had, and with a bit of planning, see them come to life.

 

Until our next Wellness Wednesday, keep dreaming BIG and planning smartly! I'm always here to chat about your financial planning adventures. The Miracle Question is a fantastic way to unlock your deepest desires and set you on a path to fulfillment. If you're curious or want to share your experiences, I'm all ears.

 

For those interested in learning more about the Miracle Question, I found this article incredibly insightful: [The Miracle Question in Therapy: 3 Examples](https://positivepsychology.com/miracle-question/).