The Parallels of Business, Religion, Relationships, and Personal Financial Success

In an office discussion this morning, our subject turned to realizing the amazing parallels on what is needed to do well in the 4 key areas of many peoples lives.

1. Religion (God)
2. Relationships (Family)
3. Personal Finance (Money)
4. Business (Work)

The interesting thing about all 4 key life areas is that they all require the same types of actions to be successful in them.

Commitment – Each key area need a form of commitment made to it. God needs your commitment, your family needs your commitment to them, your personal finances takes commitments, and of course your work needs your commitment to it. Be a person that takes commitments seriously.

Planning – All four areas need planning, yes even growing in your religion. Planning your future on how you want to grow in your church is as important as planning your family’s future. Proper planning of your finances for retirement and also how you want it to be structured for your heirs will prevent a lot chaos. With regards to business, you’re almost assured failure without a plan to go by. Put a plan together and commit to making it work in each area.

Communication – Growing in all 4 areas takes strong communication skills with others who are involved with each part of your life. Religion requires prayer and listening to God. Strong growth in relationships and family takes a lot of open communication. This means that listening is equally, if not more important than just speaking your mind and telling. Personal finance takes communication with all who have an effect on your finances. If you are married and have kids, they need to be involved in what is going on with the families finances. Lastly, in business, effective communication can be the key reason for success or failure. Employees, management, and everyone involved needs to be on the same page, which is done through good communication.

Sacrifice – All areas will require sacrifice for proper growth and success. God requires you to sacrifice your “fleshy” desires that are not in-line with him. Family and relationships require sacrifice of yourself to fulfill your role in the family (just ask any parent). To grow your personal finances and to secure your future requires you to sacrifice not buying everything you want today. Even if can afford it. Business requires sacrifice in all areas with regards to time and money. Many business owners sacrifice many hours to build a strong business foundation.

There are many other things that all 4 life areas can show a strong parallel. To me, these are just the beginning. Understanding the foundational concepts of PUDG (Prosperity Using Delayed Gratification) and PLUM (Preparing for Life’s Unexpected Messes) can help everyone in all aspects of our lives. Think about it…