Why Make a Life Design Plan?
The Life-Design Plan was made famous by Debbie Milmann, a renowned designer and educator, who has appeared on Tim Ferriss’ podcast several times.
You can find more details on the Plan here.
In a nutshell, the Plan makes you establish a direction for yourself.
Think about it. If you don’t know where you’re headed, you’ll never get to your destination.
By writing a detailed vision of your future life, you’re planting a mental seed. Yes, it will take time to grow that seed but it will also guide your actions and decisions in the years to come.
You’re also:
- making yourself feel good by clarifying and focusing on what you want
- practicing your English in a meaningful way
- telling your subconscious mind exactly what you want so that, just like your very own personal assistant, it can start working out ways and looking out for opportunities that can lead you there.
What’s the worst that could happen? You spend some time writing and practicing your English.
What’s the best that could happen? Well, you’ll have to sit down and write to find out!
Ready?
First of all, let’s brainstorm through these questions to help clarify your thoughts.
The 3 Preliminary Questions:
- Who do you want to become in the next 5 years? (what kind of person do you aspire to be? How do you want other people to describe you?)
- What do you want to become? (what kind of career/professional life do you desire?)
- What is the change you need to make? (describe where you are now and what you do. What changes do you need to make to achieve the vision of your future self?)
Ok, now you’re ready to start.
A Day In Your Future Life
Picture yourself five years from now, long after the crisis ends.
Write out in essay format, a day in your life from the moment you get out of bed until you fall asleep.
Think about all of your dreams and imagine that you have already achieved them. Everything has gone as you hoped it would.
Imagine what your life would be like if you pursue your goals with ease.
Be specific, write about your career, family life, health, and hobbies.
Dream big. Dream without any fear. Don’t edit.
Write about this day, this one day, 5 years from now. You don’t have to share it with anyone other than yourself.
Put your whole heart into it and write like there’s no tomorrow.
And then read it every week or more.
What could you do next?
- Write out the 5 main steps you feel you need to take to move towards your plan. We’ll call these your milestones. Remember to stay “big picture” here and don’t be tempted to go into too much detail otherwise, you’ll feel overwhelmed.
- Go to your first milestone and break it down into tiny steps.
- Start with your first tiny step.
- Enjoy!
Photos courtesy of unsplash.com