Live a life you want instead of just making a living in 8 steps

Are you making a living, just going through the motions, or are you living the life that you want? Are you living an intentional life based on your choices and a life that you designed? What’s the difference? Making a living is only about survival. It’s making enough money to live, regardless of whether your dreams and needs are met. It’s muddling by.

Designing a life is about creation, making choices and plans to get what you want. You are consciously choosing a life that is tailored to your dreams, interests, and preferences. It might involve living in the environment that you choose, for example choosing between living in the city or the country. Those that are merely making a living may be living a life that society considers to be successful and that others wanted for them. Those who design their life, are intentional, choosing for themselves how they want to live and then making it happen. Making a living can be easier but turn out to be not very enjoyable for you. Designing a life can be more work, and much more satisfying. What path will you choose?

If you decide to design your life, how can you design the life you were meant to live? You can be intentional about how you live and try the following steps:

8 Steps to Design the Life You Want

1. Envision Your Ideal Life.

Put all worries and concerns aside, and start making some choices. Start by asking yourself: What is your dream life? Brainstorm and do not be practical. Wild ideas are welcome at this stage. Think about your ideal life in detail and write it down. Consider these questions:

· How would you spend your day and evening?

· What would your work life be like?

· How do you want to spend your time away from work?

· Where would you live?

· Who else would be there?

· What would your social circle look like?

· Describe your ideal home.

2. Write Your Personal Mission Statement.

Companies have a mission statement. You should, too. What will your life be about? Accumulating wealth, relationships, adventure, contribution, a legacy? Decide the purpose of your life. What’s your why?

3. Find Inspiration.

Who is living the type of life that appeals to you? Maybe it’s a historical figure or someone in your social circle. If it’s a current figure, follow them on social media, read their biography, and read what they have written. Learn everything you can about them.

4. Determine Who You Need to Become.

Do you need to become a person that makes health, diet, and exercise a priority? Do you need to develop a high level of discipline? Do you need to become more sociable? More organized? Do you need to take more risks?

Think about the type of person living your dream life. You may need to make some adjustments. Who do you need to be?

5. Commit to Action.

Decide what you are willing to do. Are you willing to move? Write for an hour each night so you can write your book? Lose 50 pounds? Learn to speak another language? Consider everything your dream life will require for you to achieve and maintain it. What are you prepared to do?

6. Examine Your Habits.

Decide what you are willing to stop doing and start doing instead. Are you willing to give up drinking? Watching TV? Spending mindless time in social media? Procrastinating? Being afraid? Avoiding tough conversations? There will be things you must stop doing if you want to change your life.

7. Create Your Roadmap.

Without a plan, you only have a dream. A plan turns it into reality. Create a viable plan, commit, and get started.

8. Be Persistent and Consistent.

Change is hard. Don’t give up. If your plan is realistic, all you need to do is hang in there, taking action until your dream life becomes your reality. Get support as you move forward to take action.

Are you living a life that you want, chose and designed? It takes courage to choose the life you want to lead. It is easy to follow the herd and live like everyone else. You are a unique individual with a unique perspective. What will you design for your life?

As a lawyer, you possess unique skills and a mindset capable of extraordinary achievements. But are you using your strengths to their fullest by designing a life that resonates with your deepest values and aspirations? Remember, it’s not just about what you do, but how you live. If you find yourself needing guidance, try working with a coach (hint, hint). 😉 I help my clients to design their wellness and a life they want. See our Programs page for more information.

Does the idea of designing your life resonate with you? The choice between merely making a living and designing a life of purpose and fulfillment is yours. What will you create?

Just for fun, I asked ChatGPT to give me an acronym to summarize the design steps above and here is what it generated for us:

D.R.E.A.M. P.A.T.H.

1. Dream – Put all worries aside and envision your ideal life.

1. Role Model – Find someone who embodies your ideal lifestyle for inspiration.

1. Essence – Determine the type of person you need to become.

1. Actions – Decide what actions you’re willing to take to achieve your dream.

1. Minimize – Decide what you need to stop doing and start doing instead.

1. Plan – Create a concrete plan to turn your dream into reality.

1. Adaptability – Be willing to adjust your plans as needed.

1. Tenacity – Be persistent and consistent in pursuing your goals.

1. Help – Consider getting support, like a coach, to help you along your journey.

I think this is a pretty good and easy acronym to guide us in this process.