CHAPTER 12
YOU ARE THE ARCHITECT
Imagine for a moment that your life is a house. Each decision you’ve made, each fear you’ve overcome, each risk you’ve taken—they’ve all laid the bricks, built the walls, and designed the framework of where you are today. Now, ask yourself: Is this house one you love living in? Or is it one you’ve settled for?
If the walls feel too tight, the foundation is a little shaky, or the layout is not quite right, here’s the truth you need to hear: you are not stuck with it. You are the architect. You can remodel, rebuild, or redesign your life in any way you choose.
But architects don’t build without a blueprint. And that’s the next step in your journey—drafting your future design for your life with intention, clarity, and boldness. This chapter is your foundation. We’re not talking about putting up drywall or painting over cracks; we’re starting at the root of what makes your life uniquely yours.
Too often, we’re conditioned to think small. We’re taught to aim for what feels safe or reasonable rather than what truly excites us. But if you could build your life without limits, what would it look like? What would your dream life feel like?
This is where your role as an architect becomes critical. You need to stop thinking about what’s merely possible based on your current circumstances and start asking what’s desirable. What kind of career would energize you? What sort of daily routine excites you to get out of bed? What does financial freedom mean to you?
Dreaming is one thing; clarity is another. An architect doesn’t scribble vague ideas on a napkin and hopes for the best. They create detailed plans, calculate measurements, and ensure every element has a purpose.
You need to do the same. Vague dreams won’t carry you forward, but clear, specific goals will. What do you want your income to look like? How much time do you want for your family, passions, or rest? What would success feel like—not just in numbers but in quality of life?
Clarity transforms your dreams from abstract hopes into actionable plans. When you know exactly what you’re working toward, it becomes easier to map the steps.
Before construction can begin, demolition is often required. That means identifying and dismantling the barriers keeping you stuck—whether they’re fears like those addressed in the previous section, limiting beliefs, or outdated narratives about what you’re “allowed” to have.
Are you clinging to the idea that financial success is for other people? Do you secretly believe you’re not “qualified” to lead or build something of your own? Are you staying in a role that doesn’t serve you because it feels like the “safe” thing to do?
These walls don’t protect you; they confine you. And as the architect, it’s your job to knock them down.
Grab a cup of coffee. This section aims to be personal and profound.
Chapter 14
GRATITUDE IS NOT SYNONYMOUS WITH SETTLING
It was late December 2021, and the air had that familiar weight it always carries at the end of the year—like the entire world was collectively holding its breath, waiting to exhale into the new beginning of January 1st. I had booked a business consulting call with an attorney-client who specialized in helping law firms grow. I asked him if he'd ever be open to helping me with my business, and he offered me a complimentary session. He was sharp, successful, and someone I deeply respected. So, when he offered me a free session to help me map out the next year of my business, I jumped at the opportunity.
The session was scheduled for late afternoon, just a few days before New Year's Eve. I remember sitting at my desk in my cold basement office, a cup of lukewarm coffee next to me, my notebook open and ready, and my three-year-old napping upstairs. I had prepared for this call—or so I thought. I had written down some general goals, revenue projections, and things I wanted to "work on" in 2022. But I quickly realized that nothing on that piece of paper was as sharp or as focused as the man on the other side of the Zoom call.
He started with a question that seemed so simple, so obvious: "What is your revenue goal for 2022?"
Without missing a beat, I said, "$400,000."
It was a confident answer—or at least, I thought it was. The number felt bold but achievable, like something an ambitious entrepreneur would say.
He paused momentarily, tilted his head slightly, and then asked again: "Why?"
I blinked. "Well… because I want to double my revenue from 2021."
He nodded with a smirk but didn't seem satisfied. "Why?"
"Because it sounds like a really exciting year of growth?"
Another pause. Another tilt of the head. "Why?"
At this point, I was squirming in my seat. I could feel my cheeks getting warm. My throat tightened. "I—I don't know."
His face softened slightly, but his voice stayed firm. "That's a huge problem, Jaclyn. And because you don't know, I can almost guarantee you'll fall short."
The silence hung heavy between us. I wanted to argue, disagree, and say, "No, I'll figure it out. I'm motivated. I'm driven." But deep down, I knew he was right. I had set that number because it sounded good. It felt impressive. But I hadn't actually thought about why I wanted it—what that money was supposed to do, how it would change my life, or what goals I tied it to.
He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his desk. "Listen to me. If you don't know why you're aiming for a financial goal—if you can't see it, feel it, taste it—you're far less likely to hit it. The clearer you are on your reasons—the more specific, vivid, and urgent they are—the more power you give yourself to achieve them. You need a reason that feels like oxygen. A reason you can't ignore."
He continued, "Here's what I want you to do. Take the next few days—before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve—and write down every single one of your “whys.” What debts do you want to pay off? What savings goal do you want to hit? What dreams do you want to fund? What do you want for your family? For yourself? Don't leave anything out. Don't censor yourself. Write it all down—the vacations, the home renovations, the monthly self-care rituals, the donations you want to make, the freedom you want to feel. Then, attach a financial number to each one. Calculate exactly how much money it will take to make those whys a reality—down to the penny. Don't write numbers that feel 'reasonable.' Write numbers that feel true."
I nodded, scribbling his instructions into my notebook. But inside, I felt uneasy—like a knot was slowly tightening in my chest. Shit. I haven't thought about any of this. Where do I even begin? I want security, freedom, comfort, and adventure, but how do I balance those desires with my current reality? How do I set goals that feel both ambitious and achievable? My mind raced with questions, and for a moment, I felt paralyzed by the weight of it all.
The call ended shortly after, and I closed my laptop. That night, I stared at my blank notebook for a long time.
The following day, I woke up determined to do the exercise correctly. I sat down with a fresh page in my notebook, a hot cup of coffee, and a sense of raw honesty I hadn't allowed myself to feel in a long time.
I started writing. I listed out everything I wanted.
I wanted to pay off a massive credit card bill that felt like a boulder tied to my ankle.
I wanted to build an addition to our home, something that had previously seemed like a distant, unachievable dream.
I wanted a thick savings cushion so financial emergencies wouldn't send me into a tailspin.
I wanted to help my family through a rough period of time.
I wanted to be able to take days off without guilt.
I wanted to donate to a specific non-profit that mattered to me.
I wanted freedom.
When I finished, I added it all up. The number wasn't $300,000. It wasn't some arbitrary "nice" number plucked out of thin air. The revenue goal was $435,670.89. Down to the penny.
While a little intimidating, that number wasn't just a financial goal—it was electric. It buzzed with possibility, like a live wire I couldn't let go of. It wasn't about survival or desperation; it was about more. More freedom, more opportunity, more space to breathe and dream. It felt deeply personal, deeply connected to the life I wanted to build—not just for myself but for my family, my future, and the version of me I was striving to become.
And let me tell you—everything changes when you know and feel your number. When you understand why you're doing this—when your financial goals become deeply personal—they stop being abstract. They become real. Tangible. Something you can feel in your chest.
When I wrote down my number, I felt something shift in me. It wasn't just about the money—it was about what the money represented: security, peace, freedom, and giving.
And you know what happened? In 2022, my business didn't just hit that number—it blew right past it. We ended the year with over $500,000 in revenue.
But the most incredible part wasn't the number itself—it was what that number allowed us to do.
We didn't just build an addition to our home like I had initially dreamed. We built an entirely new house from the ground up—a home designed with intention, with space for my family to create memories and feel safe. The same bank that once told us "absolutely not" when we requested a small addition now approved a mortgage that allowed us to build something I had once considered impossible.
I was able to extend financial support to my family during a tough time when cash was thin, and stress levels were high. I was able to contribute to my family member's non-profit, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence. Sending that donation wasn't just about the number on the paper—it was about knowing I had the power to make a tangible difference in someone else's life. That's a feeling no salary could ever give me.
And yes, I paid off that credit card debt that had been suffocating us for years. I still remember the feeling of pressing "submit payment" on that final balance. It was a release—a tangible exhale—a moment of pure freedom.
But beyond the material milestones and the checked-off goals, the most potent thing I earned that year was peace. I could breathe deeper. Sleep better. Dream bigger. I wasn't making decisions out of fear anymore—I was making them out of possibility. That's what happens when you set financial goals that are deeply rooted in your "why." It's not just about hitting a number. It's about what that number unlocks.
And here's the truth: that girl who sat in her cold basement office, clutching her notebook and feeling overwhelmed by the question, "Why?"—she's the same girl who, just a year earlier, was opening foreclosure notices with trembling hands, praying for a miracle that never seemed to come. She was the same girl who stared at her bank account, watching numbers dip below zero, feeling the weight of failure resting heavily in her chest.
But she's also the girl who built this. Who clawed her way out of survival mode, turned her desperation into determination, and proved to herself and everyone watching that she was capable of so much more.
If she could do it, so can you.
I know there are other paralegals out there right now sitting in their version of that basement office. Maybe you're staring at a stack of unpaid bills. Maybe you're scrolling job boards, wondering if you'll ever find something better. Maybe you're trying to convince yourself that "just enough" is okay, even though it doesn't feel okay deep down.
And if anything of this applies, I want you to know: You can change your life. You can build something extraordinary. But it starts with clarity. It begins with deciding what you want and why you want it.
Wanting More
I need to address something important here. As I was writing out my goals, I felt a twinge of shame.
Who are you to want this much?
Isn't what you have enough?
Shouldn't you just be grateful?
You say you have Christian values, but here you are chasing money.
I know I'm not the only one who has felt this way. If you're reading this and you’ve felt that knot in your stomach, hearing a quiet voice whispering those same doubts in your mind, I want you to know—you're not alone. We don't talk about this often, but many of us feel it, especially if we have been conditioned to believe that gratitude implies settling and that ambition is somehow at odds with humility.
There's this unspoken rule for so many of us: Be grateful for what you have. Full stop. Don't ask for more, don't want more, don't dream bigger. Because if you do, somebody might view you as greedy, materialistic, vain, or ungrateful.
But here's the truth: There is nothing inherently noble about only wanting just enough to get by.
I read something in You're a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero that has stuck with me ever since. She defines “rich” as being “able to afford all the things and experiences required to fully experience your most authentic life.”
Let that sink in. Your version of rich might not look like mine, and mine might not look like yours. And that's okay—in fact, it's the whole point.
For some people, an authentic, rich life might look like designer handbags, luxury vacations, and a penthouse overlooking the city skyline. It might mean first-class flights, fine dining, and closets filled with couture. And if that's your vision, lean into it. Own it. There's nothing wrong with wanting that.
For others, an authentic life might mean living in a peaceful countryside home with a wrap-around porch and a sunset view every night. It might mean debt-free living, modest spending, and a slow, intentional routine. It might mean having the ability to take a random Tuesday off just because you want to. If that feels true to you, then own it. Build toward it.
The point is that neither version is better, more moral, or more admirable than the other. Our versions are simply different. And they're both valid.
What's not valid is convincing yourself that wanting just enough to scrape by is somehow more righteous than wanting more than what you have. There is no gold star handed out for suffering unnecessarily. There is no moral trophy for barely getting by when you have the ability and the desire to create more.
People say things like, "I don't need that much. There's more to life than money. I want enough to pay my bills and have a little left over. That’s it." And if that's genuinely what brings you peace and joy, then by all means, embrace it. But too often, this mindset isn't actually about authenticity. It's about self-worth or the lack thereof. It's about not believing you deserve more. It's about being afraid to admit your bigger dreams because you worry what others will think.
Nothing is righteous about intentionally shrinking your dreams to avoid judgment from others.
I want you to hear me clearly: Gratitude and ambition can coexist. You can be deeply grateful for everything you have while still dreaming for more. Those two things do not conflict with each other—they are partners.
Why I am Bringing Gratitude Up?
We're about to shift into talking about income goals, financial growth, and designing a life of self-defined abundance. As you start writing out those goals, there's a chance that you will feel that twinge of guilt. That little voice might ask, "Why do you want so much? Aren't you grateful for what you have?"
I want to address that voice before I walk you through an exercise. I've also sat with that feeling and wrestled with it, and while I can't promise it will completely disappear, I can tell you this: It doesn't have to control you.
When I sat down with my notebook after that consulting call and wrote out everything I wanted, I had to fight off those feelings. Who am I to ask for this? Is this selfish? Shouldn't I just be happy with what I have?
But I realized something important: The things I was asking for weren't rooted in greed or evil—they were rooted in love, security, freedom, joy, and a desire to make a meaningful impact both in the enjoyment of my own life as well as others. Which brings me to something deeply personal: my faith.
God is at the center of everything I do (yes, even in my business). One thing I've learned through my relationship with Him is the power of gratitude paired with trust in His divine timing. I know not everyone shares the same beliefs, and that's okay. Whether you see it as God, the universe, fate, or simply the natural flow of life, the principle I am about to share remains the same. My example comes from my personal faith, but I invite you to interpret it in a way that aligns with your individual values and beliefs.
Imagine you're at a store with your child. You buy them a toy, something you know they've been wanting. You're met with two possible reactions as you hand it to them. In one version, they smile, hug you tightly, and say, "Thank you so much, Mom. I love it! Can I also get some candy?" You gently explain that you aren't going to buy them the candy this time. They nod, maybe slightly disappointed, but they're okay with it. They start playing with their new toy, thoroughly enjoying the gift they've been given. Their gratitude feels warm, sincere, and unforced.
In the other version, they furrow their brow, cross their arms, and yell, "But I wanted candy too! Why couldn't I get candy?" They pout. They focus on what they didn't get instead of what they did. They stare out the car window in silent anger the entire drive home, barely touching that new toy in their lap.
Now, as the parent, which reaction makes you feel more inclined to give them something extra the next time? Which child do you feel more naturally drawn to reward—maybe with that piece of candy or even something bigger down the road?
It's not about whether they asked for the candy. Asking isn't the problem, and wanting isn't the problem. It's about how they responded to what they were given.
The same dynamic exists in our relationship with money, gratitude, and, for me personally, with God.
Gratitude unlocks more. Not because it's some transactional formula—like, "If I'm grateful, I'll get what I want"—but because genuine gratitude creates a natural flow of abundance. It makes you receptive, open, and joyful. And joy? That's a magnet for more.
But here's the key: Gratitude doesn't mean settling.
My son can be genuinely thankful for the toy while also wanting the candy. His desire for the candy doesn't mean he's ungrateful. It means he's human. He has wants, desires, and hopes—and that's okay. Candy is delicious, and we can all agree to craving it just as he does.
It's the same for you. You can be deeply grateful for your job, the roof over your head, and your current life—but still desire more, still dream of more, and still ask for more. Wanting more doesn't negate your gratitude for what you already have.
Sometimes, after seeing my son's genuine gratitude, I'll surprise him later with that candy. It could be when we get home, or it could be the next time we go to the store. And sometimes, I'll hold onto the candy—not because I'm being cruel, but because I know he needs a nutritious meal first. I know his little body needs balance, energy, and sustenance before sugar.
The same goes for financial blessings. Sometimes, you'll ask for more and not receive it right away. Not because you're undeserving, not because you didn't "manifest" hard enough, not because you're ungrateful, but because it's not the right time. Because there's something you need to learn, build, or experience first.
It could be a lesson in discipline. Maybe it's about learning to manage what you already have well. It could be about growing into the version of yourself who can handle the thing you're asking for.
And sometimes, the answer is just "not yet."
This is where trust comes in. Gratitude is about recognizing and fully appreciating the blessings you already have. Trust is about believing—deep in your bones—that what you're asking for is on its way, even if you can't see it yet.
When you pair gratitude with desire, you step into a place of peace and power. You're no longer begging or grasping for abundance—you're preparing for it. You're positioning yourself to receive it fully when it comes.
So let me repeat this because it's important: Gratitude does not mean settling, shrinking your dreams, or suppressing your desires. It means holding your current blessings with both hands, looking up with a smile, and still having the spirit and curiosity to ask, "Is there more?"
If you don't fault a child for wanting candy after they were just given a toy (and aren't little brats about it), why are you faulting yourself for wanting more?
Here's what I know to be true: When your gratitude is genuine, your trust is steady, and your actions align with your intentions, more will come. Maybe not in the exact way you imagined, maybe not on the timeline you had hoped for, but it will come.
When it does, it will feel even sweeter—like that piece of candy after a nutritious meal—like a reward that feels fully earned, fully savored, and fully aligned with the version of yourself who was ready to receive it.
Be grateful, dream as big as you authentically and unapologetically desire, and trust the timing. You are allowed to want more—and you are worthy of receiving it.
CHAPTER 15
DESIGNING YOUR AUTHENTIC LIFE
If a genie appeared before you and said, "I am here to grant you the exact amount of money you want, but you need to tell me exactly why you want it first," what would you say?
Would you stumble over your words? Would you blurt out an arbitrary number that sounds impressive but feels disconnected from your desires? Would you freeze, suddenly afraid of asking for too much, worried the genie might look at you sideways and say, "Seriously? That's what you want?"
Or would you meet the genie's eyes, take a deep breath, and confidently say:
"I want $187,655.22 because I want a home with space for my family to thrive, where every corner feels like peace. A mortgage payment on my dream home costs $3,500 a month, including taxes and insurance, giving us a space filled with light, comfort, and security. I want to pay off my debt so I can feel light and free every time I check my bank account, allocating $1,000 a month toward paying down loans and credit cards until they're gone. I want to give $300 a month to my favorite charity—not because I have to, but because I can and want to see my contributions making a real difference.
I want a savings account so cushioned it feels like a safety net made of clouds, setting aside $1,200 a month into a dedicated savings account. I want to treat myself to a massage every month—not because I need it, but because I deserve it—and at $150 per session, it's a non-negotiable act of self-care. I want to book a family vacation every summer where we eat ice cream at sunset and laugh until our stomachs hurt, budgeting $6,000 annually (or $500 per month set aside) for travel, accommodations, and memories that last a lifetime.
I want health insurance and peace of mind, so I budget $1,000 monthly for a comprehensive family plan. I also want to contribute $500 monthly to an investment account, ensuring long-term security and the freedom to enjoy my later years. I want to have $500 a month to spend freely—on spontaneous date nights, concert tickets, or whatever little luxuries bring joy in the moment.
I want to drive a reliable, safe car that I love, with a monthly payment of $600 and another $200 for gas and maintenance. I want $1,200 monthly to cover groceries and household expenses, ensuring my family is nourished, and our home has everything we need. I want an extra $200 monthly for my kids' extracurricular activities—sports, music lessons, or anything that sparks their passion.
And let's not forget the less exciting but very real expenses: $500 a month for utilities and home maintenance, $200 for phone and internet bills, and $100 for miscellaneous costs like subscriptions, birthday gifts, or unexpected purchases.
When I add it all up, these expenses total approximately $15,655. Multiply that by 12 months, and it equals $187,860 annually—close enough to the number I started with, and every dollar has a purpose.
This isn't just about money in my bank account—it's about peace in my mind, freedom in my choices, and joy in my everyday moments. It's about creating a life where money is a tool, not a stressor, and financial limits don't cap my dreams. Most importantly, it's about living a life that feels true to me—authentic, abundant, and purposeful."
That clarity—that confident, specific list—is what we aim for in this exercise.
Here's the thing—most people can't answer that question with clarity. They've never permitted themselves to dream that boldly, to connect numbers to desires in such a personal way. And if you don't know your number—if you can't see it in your mind and feel it in your bones—it will be much harder to reach it.
But today, we're changing that.
This exercise isn't about vague dreams or wishy-washy plans. It's about getting crystal clear on what you want—not just in terms of money, but life. It's about designing your ideal day, month, and year, holding nothing back. It's about crafting a life that feels entirely and authentically yours and allowing yourself to believe wholeheartedly that it is within reach.
And let me tell you something important: If you do this exercise honestly, courageously, and without guilt or doubt holding you back, it should feel really, really good.
Your stomach should do that tiny, excited flip—the kind you feel when you're on a rollercoaster as it crests the top of the hill, right before the rush of the drop. That feeling? That's called a visceral reaction. That's your body and soul saying, "Yes. This is it. This is true. This is for me."
Anne Lamott once wrote, "Your soul rejoices in what it already knows."
When you define your goals, desires, and the financial roadmap to get there, you might experience that moment—where your soul rejoices because it already knows. It knows this vision is true. It knows it's aligned with the future that is calling you. It knows you're capable.
It's going to happen for you.
That feeling, that spark that flutters in your chest—it's not lying to you. It's your deepest self saying, "Yes, this is possible." And it's your job to trust it, to lean into it, and to allow yourself to dream without holding back.
In You're a Badass at Making Money, Jen Sincero writes, "If you have a desire, it's because the Universe can fulfill it. Desire literally means 'of the Father,' and whether or not you believe in God, your desire was bestowed upon you because it is meant for you. It's not random, it's not frivolous, and it's certainly not impossible."
Let that sink in for a moment. If you have a dream, a vision, and a number that feels profoundly true to you—it's because it's meant for you.
It didn't land in your heart by accident. Life isn't teasing you with an impossible fantasy. That desire exists because the path to fulfilling it exists, too. Your job isn't to question whether you're worthy of it—it's to start walking the path toward it.
Ready to take some action and get honest with yourself about what your version of "rich" looks like? Not what your parents told you it should look like, not what your family, friends and peers think it should look like, and not what society says is "good enough." Your true, authentic version of rich.
Step 1: Write Out Your Ideal Day in the Life
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine this: It’s an ordinary day in your dream life.
What time do you wake up? Are you in a bustling city apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking skyscrapers? Are you in a cozy countryside home with sunlight filtering through linen curtains and birds chirping outside?
What’s the first thing you do in the morning? Do you head to your private gym for a workout? Do you sip coffee on your porch while journaling? Do you immediately check emails because you’re excited about your work, or do you spend the first few hours of the day disconnected from screens?
Now, walk through your entire day—from breakfast to lunch, work hours to leisure time, afternoon errands, and evening routines.
What does your workspace look like? Are you in an office you designed just for yourself?
Are you working a full 8-hour day, or are you taking Fridays off entirely?
What are you doing for fun? Are you traveling frequently, dining out often, or spending weekends at home with family?
How do you end your day? Is it with a glass of wine on your balcony, a family dinner, or a quiet evening with a book?
The goal here isn’t to create a fantasy—it’s to create a vision. Write it in vivid detail, as if you’re writing a scene in a novel. This is your life. It deserves clarity.
Step 2: Write Out Your Ideal Year in the Life
Zoom out now. What does an ideal year look like for you?
How many vacations do you take, and where do you go?
Are there seasonal rhythms to your work and life? Maybe you slow down in the summer and take more client calls in the fall.
What milestones are you hitting in your career or business?
Are there special purchases you make throughout the year—a new car, a home renovation, or maybe that designer bag you’ve been eyeing?
Are you funding college savings accounts, paying off debt, or making charitable donations?
Get specific. What does winter look like? What about spring, summer, and fall? What moments make up the highlights reel of your year?
Step 3: Attach a Dollar Amount to Each Piece of Your Vision
This is where the rubber meets the road. Take everything you’ve written down and start attaching numbers to it.
For example:
Housing: A mortgage or rent payment ($3,000/month)
Vehicle: A luxury SUV payment ($1,000/month)
Savings: $1,500/month into retirement, $500 into emergency savings
Travel: Two luxury vacations per year ($10,000 each)
Monthly Experiences: Spa days, dining out, concerts ($1,200/month)
Childcare/Education: Private school tuition or extracurricular activities ($1,000/month)
Debt Payments: Paying off credit cards or loans ($1,000/month)
Donations: $500/month to a cause you care about
If you’re someone who wants a luxury lifestyle—penthouse living, frequent travel, designer brands—your monthly number might be $20,000. If you dream of a slower, quieter life—living mortgage-free in the countryside, working 20 hours a week, and prioritizing free time—your number might look closer to $8,000 a month.
Maybe you’re somewhere in between. Maybe you’re way above or way below. All are valid. All are beautiful. And all require clarity.
Add everything up to get a final monthly number. Then, multiply it by 12 to calculate your annual income goal.
For example:
$10,000/month x 12 = $120,000/year
$20,000/month x 12 = $240,000/year
Write that number down. Look at it. Feel it. Own it.
Step 4: Define Your Time Goals
Income goals aren't just about how much money you want to make—they're about how you want to make it.
This step is about designing your life with clarity and honesty—not what sounds good on the surface, but what feels aligned with your personality, your energy levels, and what lights you up.
On the surface, most people might say, "Yeah, I'd love to work one hour a week and make $500,000 a year." But if you pause and think about what that means—how you'd spend the other 167 hours in your week—does that vision still hold up?
For me, it doesn't. I'd lose my mind if I only worked one hour a week. I'd get bored. My brain thrives on activity, creativity, and meaningful conversations. My work isn't just about making money; it's about expressing myself, solving problems, building something that matters, and making a difference in people's lives. I'm not chasing a life of no work. I'm chasing a life of the right work.
And that's what I want for you, too.
Some people are energized by back-to-back Zoom meetings, leading teams, strategizing, and managing projects. They thrive in collaborative spaces by staying actively engaged throughout the day. Deep, focused work in short, powerful bursts energizes others, followed by long stretches of quiet time for rest, family, hobbies, or adventure.
Some people love routine: starting their day with coffee at 7 a.m., logging into work by 8, and finishing by 4. Others dream of flexibility: working intensively for a few weeks, then taking two weeks completely off.
There's no right or wrong answer here. The only "wrong" answer is one that isn't honest.
Take a moment and imagine this:
What does your ideal workweek look like? How many hours are you working? What time of day are you most productive and energized?
Do you crave structure or flexibility? Do you like routine or spontaneity?
How do you feel at the end of your workday? Fulfilled? Energized? Drained?
How much time do you want for yourself? For your family? For your hobbies?
Are you someone who needs regular long weekends? Summer months off? Or are you content with shorter breaks sprinkled throughout the year?
My dream work week is about six hours a day, four days a week. I like having Fridays open for family time, errands, home projects, or simply space to breathe. I love the mental stimulation of my work, but I also want space in my life for the other things that light me up. I also like the idea of unlimited vacation time, the ability to "not feel it" on a Monday morning, so instead, I organize my pantry and have no restrictions around scheduling doctor and dentist appointments, dates with my hairdresser, or trips to tractor supply for an emergency chicken feed refill throughout the week.
Now, your vision might look completely different. You may dream of logging in for just two hours a day and then spending the rest of your time outdoors, traveling, or diving into your passions. Maybe you'd instead work intensively in three-month sprints, followed by a month of complete rest and reset.
The point is—be honest with yourself. This isn't about creating an idealized fantasy; it's about crafting a lifestyle that supports your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As we start to explore different business models and services you can offer as a legal professional, this will help you make some real decisions about your next step forward.
If you're unclear on how you want to spend your time, you'll build a business—or career—that looks good on paper but feels empty in practice.
So grab your notebook again, and let's map this out:
Write down your ideal workweek. What does each day look like? How many hours are you working? What does your perfect balance between work and rest look like?
Write down your ideal year. Do you want extended time off during certain seasons? Are there specific months you'd like to scale back your workload?
Be honest about your personality and energy levels. Are you someone who thrives in short bursts of intense productivity? Or do you prefer steady, predictable hours every week?
Write down how you want to feel in your work life. Fulfilled? Energized? Relaxed? Secure? Creative?
When you get clear on your time goals, everything else starts to fall into place. Your income goals become more tangible. Your business model becomes more aligned. And you stop chasing someone else's version of success because you've defined your own.
This isn't about working less or working more. It's about working right. Working in a way that feels meaningful, aligned, and deeply fulfilling.
Your time is your most valuable resource. Protect it. Honor it. Design your life around it.
Because here's the truth: You're not building a business just to make money. You're building a company to build a life.
So, take this exercise seriously. Write it all down. Get crystal clear.
Because when you know what you're building toward, every step forward will feel intentional, aligned, and—most importantly—yours.
Step 5: Write Your Number Down and Own It
By now, you should have two pieces of authentic, personal data:
Your annual income goal
Your ideal work schedule
Write them down. Post them somewhere you can see them daily.
This isn’t about manifesting a magic number into existence. It’s about clarity. About focus. About giving yourself a target to aim for every single day.
Step 6: Revisit and Refine
Your vision will evolve. Your dreams will shift. Your numbers might change.
Revisit this exercise every year—or even every six months. Keep it fresh. Keep it relevant. Keep it honest.
Here’s the thing: when you tie your income goals to real, meaningful, and specific reasons, they stop being abstract dreams. They become a plan. A blueprint. A roadmap.
And everything changes when you know your number, see it, feel it, and taste it.
You Are Worthy of Your Dreams Your dreams aren’t arbitrary. Your goals aren’t silly. Your vision isn’t out of reach. You are allowed to want more. You are allowed to build more. You can create a life that feels good to you—whatever that looks like.
So take your time with this exercise. Dream big. Get specific. And then get ready.
Because once you know your number and feel it in your bones—it’s only a matter of time before it becomes your reality.
What Comes Next
Now that you’ve clarified your income and time goals—the how and the why behind your vision—it’s time to start exploring what can get you there.
In the following chapters, I’ll walk you through each business model I believe paralegals should consider. These aren’t just random ideas but proven paths, each with unique strengths, opportunities, and potential pitfalls.