A life we love Pt. 2

Last week, we started discussing strategies and tools for building a life we love. I particularly appreciate the Fast-Forward Test because it's a simple, quick and effective way to get a clearer picture of our current situation and to start reflecting on where we'd like to make changes or improvements. Combining this with an assessment of our satisfaction levels in key life areas sets a strong foundation for progress.

Another way to approach this is a modified version of the "Odyssey Plan" by Stanford professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. This exercise is a powerful way to reflect on our lives and where we want them to go. In essence, you're going to think ahead to the next five years and brainstorm three different scenarios for your life.

Number one: what will your life look like, personally and professionally, if you make no changes? Imagine it in as much detail as possible and give this scenario a title. Once you're done, sit with the results and take note of your feelings. Now move on to scenario number two: what would you want your life to look like five years from now? Again, write down the specifics, come up with a title, and compare this version to the first, including the emotions that come up.

Lastly, consider what your life would be like if you had no financial constraints and if you chose to completely ignore what other people may think about you. Not worrying about money is meant to encourage you to dream bigger, while not worrying about your image is meant to help you realize that you're probably too preoccupied with other people's judgment and you're letting that affect your plans. Once again, brainstorm, write everything down, decide on a title for this new scenario, and engage with your emotions.

By now, you'll likely have a lot of ideas and options. You'll also have had the time to reflect on how these possibilities make you feel. Another thing you can do for additional clarity is to seek out people who have who've pursued similar goals and ask them to share their experience and provide some advice and perspective. Use all the information you've gathered from this exercise to decide what your next steps are going to be. As we mentioned last time, you want to aim for a balance between impactful and manageable actions.

Now, it's time to experiment. Keep in mind that no plan survives first contact with reality. What that means is that things probably won't turn out exactly as you had dreamt they would. Embrace adjustments as part of the process, knowing that new possibilities can and will emerge over time. You'll also get to know yourself better in the process and explore further what resonates with you. The important thing is that you take that precious first step and start experimenting.

Next comes iteration. You take the results of your experimentations, identify improvements, course-correct as necessary and decide on your next few steps. Then you take action again, experiment and iterate once more. So, a sort of ideation-experimentation-iteration loop.

This exercise can also be done operating on a 10-year timeline, but I find such a long timeline to be quite daunting. Burnett also suggests choosing a symbol or logo that represents the journey you want to embark on. It can be inspirational, or it can be a symbol that captures the key goal or meaning of your plan. Another thing he suggests is writing a thank-you note to yourself. Imagine yourself at the end of your five or 10-year plan, and what you're doing is thanking the person who designed this life plan for you. Express gratitude for having given yourself the chance to live new experiences and achieve new results.

Next week, we'll cover final considerations and ways to maintain momentum. Whatever approach you decide to adopt to start designing a life that you love, it will be more effective if you share your plans with someone. Sharing provides accountability and validation, which will reinforce your resolve. Remember that a plan doesn't have to be perfect to be shared, and feel free to share your ideas here. I'd be happy to read and comment back. You can also book a call and we can discuss this in person.