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Life Plan with Eric Townsend

Pursue purpose
Plan APlan B (Just in case)
?

1. Hope/Expectations:

What are your hopes and expectations for our two days together? I want you to think about this across the five domains we will be looking at:

  • personal
  • family
  • vocational
  • church/faith
  • and community

Personal

Some sample text
self-esteem
integrity
confidence
well being
physical health
I could use some more hair 😉
Am I reaching my full potential?
2 bottom teeth

Vocational

Some sample text
love most of what I do
commute is pretty close
get along with everyone I work with
I am responsible for too much
Spread too thin
Job security due to small company
the future of this company?
benefits, health insurance…

Community

Some sample text
good relationship with neighbors
serving at ACTS
I’m admittedly a little anti social these days
priorities
could be more social

Family

Some sample text
relationship with wife and son
restored relationship with mom (my aunt)
I could spend more time with them. We definitely spend time together, but more would be better.
Parenting. You have to wonder sometimes if you’re handling certain situations correctlly.
nothing really

church/faith

Some sample text
my understanding and relationship with God
a little bit of drinking and a little bit of smoking occasionally
See “What’s wrong?”
More time in prayer

Turning Points

Identify and list 10-12 important turning points in your childhood, teens, young adult years, and adult years until now. Describe the turning point briefly, in 2-6 words. For example, “changed careers” or “first baby” or “fixed first computer.” You should also note, for each turning point, the age and year when the turning point took place and the impact, be it good or bad, that the turning point had in your life. We are looking for events or relationships that “turned” your life direction.

Mom Commits Suicide, 1975

My mom took her life with a ,gun.

Dad Commits Suicide, 1975

My dad took his life the same way a few months after my mom.

Orphonage, Children Homes, 1976

My brother and I lived in a couple different children homes for kids without parents.

Moved in with Aunt and Uncle, 1977

Our aunt and uncle took us in when I was 6 and my brother was 4.

As a family we moved to Scottsdale, AZ 1979

Life was going pretty good at this time.
Both Aunt Barbara and Uncle Greg Prian officially became Mom and Dad and we moved to Scottsdale into a huge house on Camelback Mountain full of exploring opportunities and adventures. We had family and a home.

Moved to Hawaii, 1982 – 1985

There is so much here but looking back I think the most significant occurance was my introduction to Jesus and accepting Him into my heart. I still had an adventurous path ahead of me full of lessons and danger until at a final rock bottom I would surrender to Him and start following Him in earnest.

Put Back into Foster Care, 1986

My brother and I had moved back to Scottsdale with “mom” and “dad” and I had become quite a handfull. Experimenting with drugs, partying, etc… I held bad feelings about this for a long time, but I was put into foster care and the adventures began.

Went to Prison for Attempted Murder, 1990

After being on the run from the law for who knows how long I was finally picked up in Tacoma, Washington with an Attempted Murder charge to throw on top of a long list of other felonies and found myself at a high security prison on McNeil Island in Tacoma Washington.

Went to Florence Prison in Arizona, 1993

This wouldn’t be my only visit to Florence prison in Arizona, just my first. This had become who I was and I accepted it, and unfortunately even excelled at it. I had respect, acceptance, and as strange as it sounds… family.

Monica Pregnant with Erik, 2006

We even quit drugs… sort of.

Went Back to Florence Prison, 2006

This trip was actually unexpected. An old warrant from an undercover stolen car ring sting I got caught up in a year and half prior.
At this time I was actually working and trying to prepare to be a dad.

Re-Accepted Christ, 2007

Nothing else was working. I gave in and everything changed.

Talent Search

Identify 1-2 words or attributes or activities that define you for each of the words listed below.
(Click “+” sign to expand for more details).

Passions:
Passions make work play. Examples include designing, creating, composing, gardening, painting, cooking, practicing medicine, preaching, etc. Ask: What do you love to do? What can you not imagine living without? What makes a day or an experience more complete to you? If you happen to get paid for it, work becomes play.
Designing, creating, art, helping others, and cool cars!
Needs:
Beyond the basic needs of life, we have needs that are related to us being us. Examples include affirmation, other people to work with, appreciation, encouragement, new challenges, sufficient personal space, being outdoors, love, etc. Ask: What do you need to have to feel as if you are able to function fully? What types of rewards do you need? What makes something worthwhile or valuable to you? What makes you more happy and content versus unhappy and unfulfilled?
Love (we all need to be loved!), gratitude, acceptance, and security.
Oh yah, and trust. That’s a big one for me. I understand it has to me earned, but having earned it, it becomes a need.
Drives:
Drives are compulsions not passions. Drives set us in motion and are the motivators behind why we do what we do. Examples are being results oriented, getting things in better order than you found them, performing well, turning a penny into a dime, creating new things, solving problems, comforting hurting people, etc. Ask: What motivates you to do your best? What causes you to choose right over wrong? What gets the gears going for you?
Success (I know that’s cliche’ but it’s true), accomplishment, beating something that can’t be beat, doing something that can’t be done, and overcoming something that can’t be overcome.
And my integrity. That is a huge drive for me.
Obsessions:
An obsession is something a person feels compelled to do or have. It is something one can’t help but think about. Examples include fame, counting things, organizing, power, control, wealth, meaning, usefulness, and contributions. Ask: What do you seek to possess, do, or give at all costs (may be material, spiritual, intellectual, or emotional)? To what do your thoughts and desires inevitably seem to turn again and again?
I am obsessed with accomplishment. I know that is both good and bad… ;). Being useful and a valued contributer too.
Characteristics:
Characteristics are traits that others see immediately in us – both inner (emotional, spiritual) and outer (physical, behavioral). Examples include being talkative, energetic, laid-back, quick-witted, slow talking, or self-righteous. Ask: What about you do strangers or acquaintances seem to notice first? What are their initial conclusions about you? If a person has had only a few hours of contact with you, how are they likely to describe you to others?
This would probably be better answered by a close friend or colleague, but I’d like to believe one of my characteristics is dependable and caring. I know I can be pretty driven too.
Qualities:
Also called character traits, innate in us, and the product of what we have become or are becoming. They are our inner core, like giving 100 %, being a family man, exhibiting integrity, being trustworthy, outgoing, and a team player. Ask: If one of your closest friends were to describe your character in one word, what is the word your friend would choose? What trait do you look for above all others in a friend or associate?
Family man, Christian, and I would say pretty reliable.
Yearnings:
These are longings, often unexpressed deep desires or whispers of secret prayer. Examples include the yearnings to be free, to be self-determined, to complete a college degree, to feel accepted, to be respected, and to be a part of a specific group. Ask: What do you most wish you had in your life that you do not presently have? If you could add just one accomplishment to your life, what would it be? What would you most like to do, change, or try?
For Phoenix Online Media to be a huge success. It carries a lot more meaning than just a “successful career’. It would be a story of success after overcoming many obstacles and not giving up. Sort of accomplishing the impossible.
Achievements:
Personal and vocational accomplishments of which we are proud of are oftentimes reflections of what we are innately equipped to do, like starting successful companies, chairing a task force to accomplish a mission, a track record of growth, employee of the year awards, etc. Ask: What is your foremost accomplishment to date (in your opinion)? What have you done that you believe is worthy of distinction and honor? This is not what others have told you to be most proud of; it is what you are most proud of as you reflect on your life.

Bachelor’s Degree graduating Suma Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA
Alpha Chi Honor Society
Google Analytics Certification
BrightEdge Certified Professional
Google Trusted Photographer
Coached the Silver Wolves flag football team to championships… and won!
Getting my dream car
Being a great husband (most of the time :))
Being a great Dad is #1

Assessing Your Heart

“great work of life”

What Do You Dream About?

What do I dream about… hmm… In the literal sense, I rarely remember my dreams. It’s actually kind of weird. I wish I did remember them. There are a few instances in the bible where God speaks to men in their dreams. I hope I’m not missing out any important messages from God. Although, I’m sure that if He was speaking to me in a dream I would remember that one. I hope so anyway.

In the figure of speech sense, I dream about many things. I actually have quite a vivid imagination. I know when I was younger I dreamed of being a lead singer of a Heavy Metal band like Metallica or Megadeath. Hah! Who am I kidding? I still dream about that!  Now, it’s important to mention here that I have no singing voice whatsoever. I was pragmatic enough to realize this when I was younger so I never pursued this rock and roll singer dream any further than in my head.

Confession. When I do a run and have my music going I’ve caught myself imagining I was up on that stage singing that song.

Update Jan 26, 2018: I remembered my dream last night. I think I would like to start my own Digital Marketing Agency.

What Do You Care About?

This one is easy. I care about my wife and son. I care about my Church and Faith. I care about my friends and work colleagues. I care about my Cadi… 😉

I care about myself. Not in an arrogant or weird way, but in a healthy way. I care about my teeth so I brush them. I care about my health so I eat pretty good and work out and run. I care about this life so I don’t take unnecessary risks. I care about my eternity and am grateful to Jesus for that every day.

I recently lost a dog that I cared about a lot. So much, she makes this list. Her name is Valkyrie, she was a red nose pit bull, and was the most loving and full of character animal I have ever known. I care about her and she is missed.

What Do You Want to Be Remembered Most For?

Heck, if I’m even remembered at all that will be an honor! Especially if I’m remembered for the things that are important to me and that I strive to exemplify like integrity, and being a good husband and dad, and being someone you could trust and are proud to call a friend.

I hope one of the things that come up in conversation once I’m gone and assuming I even come up in a conversation is, “Well, we know he’s up in Heaven. He was a Christian”. 

I don’t go around preaching all the time, but if you know me, you know I’m a man of Faith. I think that’s important. When I was in prison and had my “God” experience and gave my life to Jesus, it was challenging for me and I felt weird and self conscious walking across the yard with a Bible. Trust me. For everyone that knew me… it looked weird too. Then I read this verse: “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:26

I began to walk with my head held high and my Bible in plain sight for all to see. I make sure I never hide my belief that Jesus is the Son of God and died for our sins, and Him I follow.

Your Core Values

Take some time to reflect on your core values. Another approach is to think about a person or two (personally and/or professionally) whom you hold in high regard. Write down 3-5 words which describe them. Do those words resonate with you as core values for you.

Loyalty

Honesty

Integrity

Consistency

Belief in God and Jesus

‘Merica!

Your Vision

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? This should be a vision that gives you hope and energy.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Is it wrong to say rich? I am generous to my church and people in need, and would continue to be the same, but in 10 years it would be nice to not have to worry about bills and financial matters. 

Honestly, what I hope, and see, is not too different than now (other than the rich part of course). I see still working out and running, being healthy, hanging out with Monica and Erik, helping small and medium businesses succeed, and serving at my church.

10 years from now I will be 58. Thes days that isn’t even old yet. 

Your Use of Time

Think about how much time you spend each week across the five domains. Start with your vocation, then personal, faith and community. Roll the balance into family. For this exercise we assume 12 hours per day to live your life plan for all seven days in the week. So your total hours should add up to 364 hours. (Wouldn’t this add up to 84?). I did this with 16 hour days (I sleep 8), for 7 days.