Are You Drifting or Designing? Two Approaches to Life
Ever found yourself drifting through life, letting the current take you wherever it pleases? It never turns out well, does it? You almost always drift to destinations you would have never chosen.
I experienced this firsthand years ago while snorkeling with Gail in Hawaii. We were so mesmerized by the beauty around us that we didn’t notice we were slowly drifting far from the shore.
When we finally looked up, we were shocked by how far we’d gone. The shore was barely visible, and we had to swim hard to get back to it. Thank God we made it. Things could have turned out much differently.
This experience was a vivid reminder of what happens when we drift through life without purpose or a plan. We don’t notice how far we’ve strayed until we’re in a crisis—a crisis that could have been avoided with a little foresight.
Drifting vs. Designing: The Two Approaches to Life
The truth is, most people drift through life. They take it as it comes, without a clear plan or purpose. They hope things will just work out.
This approach often leads to unintended consequences—a life crisis, dissatisfaction, or missed opportunities. One Harvard report linked the anxiety of young adults to a lack of meaning, purpose, and direction. That means even before the crisis hits, drifting is hurting us.
On the other hand, those who design their lives intentionally set a course for their future. They know where they want to go and how to get there. Even when life throws curveballs, they have a framework to get back on track.
Signs You’re Drifting
How can you tell if you’re drifting through life? Here are a few telltale signs:
You feel like life is happening to you and lack a strong sense of agency.
You don’t have clear goals or direction.
You frequently feel overwhelmed or lost.
You’re stuck in a cycle of reacting rather than proactively planning.
If any of these resonate, it’s time to consider a new approach.
The truth is, most people drift through life. They take it as it comes, without a clear plan or purpose. They hope things will just work out.
The Benefits of Designing Your Life
When you design your life, you experience clarity, direction, and a sense of control. Here’s what that looks like:
Clarity: You know what you want in every area of your life.
Direction: You have a plan that outlines how to achieve your goals.
Control: You’re not at the mercy of circumstances. You have a framework to respond to changes and get back on track.
This is why we created LifeFocus. It’s a fun, gamified approach to creating a life plan that covers every domain of your life: body, spirit, love, family, community, money, work, and hobbies.
It’s not enough to plan only for our career, finances, or end-of-life care. In order to create a life we love, we need an inspiring vision for every part of who we are.
The Elements of a Life Plan
A solid life plan, as detailed in LifeFocus, includes:
Core Values: The core principles and beliefs that guide your decisions and actions. Your values define what matters most to you and serve as the foundation for your life plan. They influence every aspect of your trajectory and ensure that your actions align with what you truly care about.
Mission Statement: A personal mission statement that reflects your purpose in life. This mission is your "why"—the driving force behind your goals and decisions. It provides clarity and direction, helping you stay focused on what’s most important.
Current Trajectory: The path or direction you’re currently on. Progress begins when we acknowledge the truth of where we are now. This is why I created our free LifeScore Assessment, which I talked about in Issue 2 of this newsletter.
10-Year Vision: A vivid picture of where you want to be in the next 10 years or more, encompassing all areas of your life—career, health, relationships, personal growth, and more. This is your vision of success, providing a clear destination for your journey.
These elements together create a life plan that not only guides your daily decisions but also helps you stay true to your core values and mission while moving toward your desired future.
Challenging the Myths
Many people hesitate to create a life plan because of these common myths. Maybe you’re one of them.
I’m too old. Gladys McGarey, author of A Life-Well Lived, had a 10-year plan when she passed at the age of 103!
Life is too unpredictable. The unpredictability of life is exactly why you need a plan. It provides a framework for adjusting when things don’t go as expected.
I’d rather trust God and live one day at a time. Planning doesn’t mean you’re not trusting God. It means you’re stewarding the life He’s given you by making intentional choices.
Don’t let these myths hold you back from designing the life you want.
In the next several weeks, we'll dive deeper into what it means to design your life. We'll also explore the components of LifeFocus. Stay tuned as we break down the process of life design into actionable steps that will empower you to take control of your future.
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In pursuit of the Double Win,
Michael Hyatt
Founder & Chairman
Full Focus
P.S. Did you know I have a podcast? It’s called The Double Win Show. I host it with my oldest daughter, Megan Hyatt Miller, who’s also the CEO of Full Focus. We interview bestselling authors who are also living out the Double Win. Check it out. It would mean a lot to me if you would rate it and provide a brief review.
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