Summary of How to Design Your Life (A Full Step-by-Step Process)

Summary of Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips from "How to Design Your Life (A Full Step-by-Step Process)"

Core Concept: Designing Your Life

• Designing Your Life means intentionally deciding what you want your life to look and feel like, then creating a plan to make it happen.
• It’s about focusing on what’s possible, not what’s probable or realistic.
• The process encourages dreaming big and dwelling in possibility without being limited by fear or self-doubt.

Step-by-Step Life Design Process (Debbie Milman’s Method)

1. Start by Starting
   • Just begin the exercise without waiting for the perfect moment.
   • Expect a range of emotions, including discomfort or fear.
   • Find a peaceful, distraction-free space to reflect and write.
2. Time Travel 10 Years Ahead
   • Imagine waking up 10 years from today.
   • Visualize your surroundings, home, relationships, daily routines, health, spiritual practices, and financial situation.
   • Don’t worry about how or if it’s realistic—just imagine what you want.
3. Answer Reflective Questions
   • Where do you live? Describe your environment.
   • What does your home look like?
   • Who do you love? Describe your relationships.
   • How do you take care of your health and yourself?
   • Do you have a spiritual practice? What is it?
   • What is your relationship with money? How much do you need or want?
   • What have you developed mastery of? (Remember mastery takes time.)
   • What are five things you would do if you knew you could not fail?
   • What are you telling yourself you can’t do but actually can?
4. Write an Essay or Journal Entry
   • Write a detailed narrative of your ideal day, from waking up to going to sleep.
   • Include sensory details and emotions.
   • Use prompts or questions to guide your writing (e.g., from the Remarkable Life Deck).
5. Read Your Vision Out Loud
   • Sharing your vision aloud makes it more real and integrates your intentions.
   • This can be done with trusted friends, family, or in a group setting for added support and encouragement.
6. Put It Away and Revisit Later
   • After writing, put the essay/journal away.
   • Revisit it in a year or at intervals to reflect on progress and adjust as needed.
   • Recognize and privately celebrate small signs of manifestation.

Important Mindsets and Advice

• Confidence is Overrated: Many people stop themselves before trying because they fear failure or rejection.
• Fear vs. Hope: When afraid, ask yourself if you have more hope or fear. Let hope guide your actions.
• No Realism or Probability: Avoid limiting your vision with “how” or “if” questions during the exercise.
• Make it Until You Make It: Instead of faking it, actively work toward your vision with intention and authenticity.
• Dwell in Possibility: Allow yourself to imagine immense possibilities without judgment.
• Create Opportunity: Don’t wait passively for opportunities; become the person who creates them.
• Mastery Takes Time: It’s normal for mastery to take years, especially if you pursue multiple interests.
• Sharing Amplifies Possibility: Hearing others’ dreams expands your own sense of what’s possible.
• Balance Between Dreaming and Doing: Dream big but show up daily for the “grueling, boring” work toward your goals.
• Permission and Privilege: Designing Your Life is about giving yourself permission to imagine freedom and possibility, regardless of current circumstances.

Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

• Getting stuck on process or realism: Focus on the outcome and allow yourself to dream without constraints.
• Self-sabotage and limiting beliefs: Identify and challenge the stories you tell yourself about what you can’t do.
• Fear of wanting or admitting desires: Recognize that wanting and admitting your desires is a necessary step toward fulfillment.
• Pressure and overwhelm in uncertain times: Double down on what you can create and control.
• Social and cultural expectations: Balance respect for family or culture with honoring your own desires and identity.

Additional Tips

• Use tools like the Remarkable Life Deck (or free downloadable prompts) to guide your reflection.
• Engage in creative projects (e.g., a 100-day project) to build confidence and a body of work.
• Reflect on jealousy or admiration as clues to what you truly want.
• Recognize that happiness often comes from contentment, presence, and creating.
• Remember that your vision can evolve; redesigning your life is part of the process.

Presenters / Sources

• Mel Robbins – Podcast host, motivational speaker.
• Debbie Milman – Designer, professor, artist, writer, and brand strategist;

Category

Wellness and Self-Improvement

Video