Thank you everyone who participated in our What Would You do if Time and Money Were No Concern Contest. I know that I felt inspiration just reading your answers, so I can’t imagine how good it felt to write these.

In coming up with a Top 3, I faced a daunting task. If it were possible, we would make you all winners.

Let’s be very clear here, if your response isn’t in the top 3, you should know that just about everyone of them was a tie, and the ones chosen as winners had some points for a different way of saying things that others also said, or had an idea that no one else mentioned. So here they are:

First Place and Winner of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Audio CD Set is response #30 – Kathy Kyriakou

Wow, thanks for the inspiration. Now that the kids are grown and established on their own….
1. Cut loose….Buy a world class sailing yacht, full hydraulics and navigation tech of course, and sail the world for 5 years with my husband and soulmate. The people we would meet, the adventures…joy, joy, joy.
2. Buy acreage the size of a small state in a secluded spot, which included a private lake, and build a 20,000+ sq foot earth-friendly house overlooking the water, where we could provide an oasis for family and friends to pursue their answers to this question too.
3. Get into space. I want to see the sweet, sweet Earth from out there – not just in pictures. Tickets are available now!
4. Establish a school for kids that nurtures self-worth, supports self-expression, and that teaches responsible entrepeneurial thinking. Our future world needs enlightened thinkers and leaders with integrity and old-fashioned guts.
5. Set up a foundation that fuels leading edge thinking, research and innovation in the development of higher consciousness, human potential and human relationships. Politics is not the answer. “Imagine”

Kathy had the biggest house of all responses AND she made it “earth-friendly.” She also went the farthest in terms of travel as she “went into space.” Loved her school and foundation idea as well.

Second Place and Winner of an Expect Success Book is response #35 – Rebecca Laffar-Smith

1. I’d spend more time reading and learning.
There is so much I want to read, from inspirational books, fiction novels, newsletters, magazines, newspapers, and everything on the internet. There is an abundance of information and education available but never enough time to read everything of interest.

2. I’d travel around the world.
I would really love the opportunity to visit Ireland and explore more of the USA. I have friends around the world I’d like to visit; cultures I’d like to experience; climates I can only imagine; exotic foods to taste; and so much more!

3. I’d establish a write colony.
I’ve always dreamed of creating a haven for writers. I see a small community-style resort setting designed to provide all a writer needs to immerse themselves in craft, creativity, and inspired purpose. I’d like to host workshops and social gatherings, provide scholarships, and play a part in the success of thousands of writers from around the world.

4. I’d experience more with my children.
There are so many things I want to share and show my little ones. I’d love to be able to give my daughter the horse riding lessons she craves and build the ranch of her dreams. I’d love to immerse my son in a range of activities to discover what he is truly passionate about and help him achieve his full potential. With existing time and money limitations the best I can do is provide unwavering support and encouragement which I suppose is good. It teaches them to put in the hard work to accomplish their goals for themselves. But it would feel incredible to be able to give them all they could desire from life, to make their lives remarkable and fulfilled.

5. I’d work more on my physical health and mental well-being.
I know the theory, eat healthy, balanced meals, get regular exercise, meditate, contemplate, and enrich your mental and spiritual self. But sometimes I’m just too exhausted to do more than toss a frozen meal into the oven and curl up for a nap. So much happens in every day that sometimes these simple, vital aspects of living well stumble down the list of priorities and are neglected.

Rebecca had a unique idea in the writer’s colony. Very cool. She also had many things that were similar to other entries but I enjoyed the way her ideas were explained.

Third Place and Winner of a Freedom Personal Development Water Bottle is response #38 – Dan

Wow, I love this question. I’ve been putting some thought this month, but since day 1 when I read it, my thoughts haven’t really changed. For starters, you should re-write the question to state, What 5 Things WILL You Do WHEN Time and Money Are No Concern? There, much better, now here’s what I’m going to do:

1. Build my dream home. 8 bedroom, many bathrooms, home theater, and the works. In addition, we’ll have a large 4 bedroom guest house seperate from the house for any guest that would come over, this way they can have some space to. It will also have a large/separate garage for all the toys that one needs. Also, because I love the north where I live, it will have a heated driveway so I will never have to shovel snow again.

2. As money will not be a concern, neither will having a job to create money. My wife and I will be able to be full-time parents and home-school our boys. This will also have its rewards and options. For example, when we are teaching them about ancient cultures, we can travel and see those locations first hand. Because we haven’t any jobs and no money concerns, we can stay as long as we need to in order to teach them about everything.

3. Of course, good people do good things with money. One thing I will do is start up a home for children that have abusive/troubled homes. This will be an extremely positive place full of excitement and strong leaders. A large focus will be put on growing one’s self. A few things about this home, 1) it will be free for all those that want to come 2) individuals will need to come on their own free will 3) everything will be privately funded by me with no government funding

4. I will also be doing things with other local children, namely high school boys to help keep them out of trouble. I love cars and working on them, as do many young men. I plan on starting a local garage where young men can come, hang out, work on cars, and also get influenced by real men of character.

5. I’ve always wanted to adopt some children, so I will also be adopting a few children to raise.

Now that I’ve got plenty of room, no stress, and I’ve made a difference, I know my work is done.

Thanks!

Dan also had ideas that were similar to others. Especially in regards to helping children. You will notice that helping children came up a lot, as did adoption, starting schools, scholarships and health care services. I thought that Dan did a great job of bringing a lot of those ideas together in a great blend.

Another thing that helped to bring these three to the top of the charts was that most of their 5 things were “hands on” or something that they would be involved with in the project.

Nonetheless, everyone one of you that entered has got a great mind and I’m impressed with how much Service to others was in people’s Top 5. Good for you! Good luck in making your Top 5 a reality.

Be Free!

Tom Weber
Instructor