DESIGN YOUR LIFE

“What are your new year resolutions?” is a question we have all been asked. Growing up my teachers would ask us that question at the beginning of every year and although our answers sounded quite realistic like ‘I want to be the best student in class’, it was never backed up with an actual plan on how to achieve that. Years later, as an adult, this habit had become deeply embedded in me. Year after year I would create a detailed list of new year resolutions that were not backed up with an actual plan and before I knew it, the year was over and I would have done nothing to change my life.

We all have goals that we wish to achieve but do not know how to go about achieving them. Why is that? Well, some of us never really learnt how and some fear the accountability that comes with having to create an actual plan for their our ‘resolutions’. So, how about creating resolutions that help to design your life to be what you want it to be. No more sitting around waiting for things to happen by chance. Time to make it happen!

So, let's say you are in the process of building your house. You bought the land, you contract an architect or building company to actually start the project. The first thing they will ask you is what kind of house do you want? You have got to have a blue print of your house plan. How many bedrooms do you want? Where should your kitchen face? How big do you want your living area? You are not going to just say, “Surprise me!” No! You know exactly what you want. You have probably been dreaming about this for a while or you have at least done your research. You have a vision for your perfect house and the building team can only follow your vision. The same applies to life. You have to have a vision of what you want your life to be like. What kind of work do you want to be doing? What kind of family do you want to have? Do you want to be travelling? Do you want to own your own business? These things do not just happen by luck. You have to plan it. Now, although many of us trust a higher power to be in control of our lives, we have an ability to plan and design our lives the way we want it and live successfully.

As a teenager, I thought life happened on its own. I never understood how some people would say what they wanted, and it would happen. Although some people have the luck of things falling on their lap, most people just planned their life in a way that they would achieve their goals and live the life they want.

I have come up with an exercise that can help you with your design your life perfectly.

THE BLUE-PRINT

There are 3 things you need to draft in order to be successful. Your VISION, your GOALS and your HABITS.

VISION

where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years from today? What should have happened 5 years from now.

Example: I want to be the manager in my company in 5 years.

Your vision is your north star. When you get lost, looking at your vision should help get you back on track. They can be as many as you want. But about 3 should be enough, to keep you focused.

GOALS

What goals do you wish to achieve that are in line with your vision?

Example: Getting a diploma or degree to increase your chances of a promotion,

Increasing your knowledge of the industry and making yourself available to more responsibility.

You should have 3 goals for each vision.

HABITS

What habits are you going to develop or change in order to achieve your goals?

Example: Save a certain amount of money every month to put towards my education. Offer to help your supervisor with a responsibility once or twice a week depending on how long it takes to complete the task.

You should have 1 or 2 habits for each goal to help increase your chances of achieving them.

JOURNALING

A journal is a way of mapping your journey from where you started and were you are. Buy yourself a journal that can last you a year or 2. On the first page write your Vision and your goals. Update it at the end of each month on your progress as well as your setbacks. You can look back at it when you are feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. To help you find your way back. Also, get yourself a pocket book where you can scribble your thoughts to help your keep track of your habits that are supposed to help you achieve your goals. You can write in it anytime, projecting your thoughts and feelings.

HAVE A TRIBE

Accountability is everything. When you have someone checking on you to make sure you are keeping you word, you are compelled to stick to it. Have a group of friends or like-minded individuals that you can start this journey with. Each of them can create their own blueprint that is perfect for them. You can discuss your goals and visions and habits and help each other map a way. You can check on each other’s progress at least once a week or even at the end of each month to make sure you are all still on track.

Don’t let even a single day go to waste in 2020. It will be hard but after some time it will become effortless.

DESIGN YOUR LIFE AND SEE YOUR VISION COME TO LIFE.