January 2, 2012 | 11:00 pm

Redefining Rich. Defining Your Intentions in 2012.

Posted by Samira Asemanfar

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Rich by Webster’s definition means ‘having abundant possessions and especially material wealth.’ Socially we use it to indicate that one has a great amount of money. But when you think about it what does money bring… it brings more choices. The option to choose from a larger pool. It takes away many limitations. When people say, “I want to be rich.” I wonder if they mean they want to have more specific options or if they just arbitrarily want a certain amount of money. It’s a good question to ask and here is why.

When you go after a goal that is very clear it is easier to attain. The test would be to pretend that a stranger was asking you to perform what you are asking from yourself. In imagining the stranger asking you to complete the task, do you say, “sure!” or do you stop and think “what exactly does this person want for me and why?”

Example: a stranger asks you to put a box in their trunk. This is very clear. As a person walking by you may actually help them. But a stranger if a stranger asks you, “can you please organize my boxes?” You will most likely be confused. You may even laugh and say, “yeah right!” He may mean put one box in the trunk, but he was not clear.

Be clear with yourself about your intention… use the stranger test.

In redefining rich, if you want more choices, ask yourself which choices you deeply desire that are not an option for you at the moment and make those your intentions. If you want more more money for financial security, ask yourself what financial security means to you and what it looks like. If you simply walk around all year saying I want to be richer [and in most cases in LA, skinnier]... you may still be saying that in 2013.

When setting intentions for this new year, really define what it is you are asking for. May 2012 bring you joy and may you bring yourself your best strategy yet!