10 Qs to Reverse Engineer Your Rich Life

10 Qs to Reverse Engineer Your Rich Life

06.23.2025 - By: Anastasia Barbuzzi

What do you really want? It's a big question, and I'm almost positive everyone wants to be able to answer it without hesitation, but it's not so easy to do.

I was inspired to record a "Hone Your Habits" episode on this topic after my recent conversation with Kirsten Schmidtke, a dynamic sales coach, speaker, and expert in transformational leadership. Her approach to gaining clarity on goals is to work backwards, from big vision to present action. And when I tell you it makes tackling the big ones much less overwhelming, I'm not exaggerating.

"Working backwards" to gain clarity on your goals allows you to break things down into smaller, more manageable steps that keep you working towards them effectively and efficiently. It's the definition of working smarter, not harder— and cutting out the noise while doing it.

So, here are 10 questions to help you work backward towards your rich life. It's pretty exciting to think about designing it step by step! I recommend having a journal handy for this exercise, although it's just as nice to think it through.

Start with the end in mind, and this guided reflection will help you put a whole new spin on money and meaning.

10 Qs to Work Backwards Toward Your Rich Life

1. What do you want your life to look like?

Think long-term. Paint a broad picture of the life you're ultimately working toward.

2. What does your perfect day in the life look like?

Zoom in: from morning to night, what does your dream day feel and flow like?

3. How do you define a "rich" life – emotionally, socially, creatively, financially?

Richness isn't just about money— consider what makes you feel truly fulfilled in all areas of life.

4. What kind of support system do you want to have— and offer to others?

Think not just about the people in your corner and the kind of community you want to build or belong to, but the financial backing you want to build for yourself.

5. If you didn’t have to think about money, what would you be doing differently right now?

Strip away financial pressure— what would your instincts and passions lead you toward?

6. What are your non-negotiables? Think: things you're unwilling to compromise on regardless of income.

Get clear on the things that matter most to you: your values, priorities, and must-haves.

7. What would “enough” look like for you? Think: income, savings, lifestyle, etc.

Define your version of "enough" so you're not chasing someone else’s idea of success. What do you think will make you perfectly comfortable?

8. What would it take for you to feel financially secure? Can you put a number on it?

Ground your goals with specifics— what’s the financial baseline that brings peace of mind?

9. What do you want to be able to say "yes" to in the next year?

Short-term clarity can help prioritize where to focus your energy, time, and money now.

10. Do your current financial habits support your future self— or just your current self?

Reflect honestly: are your money moves helping you build the life you’ve envisioned?

The Last Word

Remember: your vision doesn’t have to be final. As you work through these questions, things might shift or become clearer, and that’s all part of the process.

If you’re interested in tuning into Kirsten and I’s conversation about gaining clarity on money, sales, negotiation, and success to figure out what you really want, tap or click HERE!

Whether you’re an ambitious sales professional, budding entrepreneur, or looking to gain clarity on what you want to achieve in your life and career, as well as your finances, this episode is for you.

P.S: Tap or click here to subscribe and receive a weekly #SundayScroll ☕, my thoughtfully curated newsletter!

Thoughts? Questions? Leave ‘em in the comments below.

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