Design the Life You Desire with a Life Plan

Live life on purpose!

When you live life with clarity, intention, and engage in active planning, you’re extremely likely to be more successful in life. You know what you want, why you want it, and how you intend to get it.

Perhaps you already have your life all mapped out. Perhaps you don’t. Regardless of your reality, these tips will help you devise or tweak your life’s plan so you can move forward toward realizing the joy and fulfillment you desire and deserve.

Invest some time to reflect and respond to the following questions about what you most desire. Who knows, if you don’t already have one, you may have a detailed blueprint before the week is done! Have something handy to take notes and let’s dive in.

1. What are your dreams?

Allow yourself some time to clarify to yourself what you really want. Clarity is key. Be as over-the-top as you like. Do not place limitations upon your life. Then, write them down.

There's no limit to the number of dreams or how large they are. Life provides opportunities to pivot, to let go of certain goals and add new ones that better align with who you are and your purpose on this earth. Make sure your Life Plan is reflective of all your dreams and goals.

2. What's important?

Whatever you feel is crucial to you should be reflected in your Life Plan. Maybe you've always wanted to have more education, gain a new skill. Perhaps you've wanted to travel but couldn’t find the time or money to do it. If you grew up in a rented home, owning a

home might be the single most important thing in your life. If it’s important to you, include it.

3. What do you want to accomplish?

What deeds do you want to achieve? Are your goals value-based? Do they reflect the things you value at your core? Now's the time to write down what you want to do with your life. Think about your passions and your purpose. Is working on a church mission something you aspire to do? Do you want to win an award in your career for your work performance?

List what you want to attain in the personal, professional, and educational areas of life.

4. What standard of living do you desire?

Your answer will describe the life you want to live. Do you want to live in a high-rise apartment in the city? Do you want to own your own farm in the country? Maybe you prefer to live simply and pick up and go wherever you want. How do you desire to live? Maybe you want to earn more money, live in a larger house, drive a luxury car, and enjoy wearing pricey clothes. In essence, you seek the high life.

Thoroughly investigate what standard of living you want so you can include it in your blueprint. Search your soul. There are no “wrong answers” when you're developing your Life Plan.

5. Do you have fun?

Maybe, to you, having fun means locking yourself in your study to write poetry all day. You might find training and running a triathlon to be the time of your life. Activities such as bowling, practicing yoga and traveling to also qualify – whatever brings you joy.

If you answer this question with a "no," it's time to get serious about your fun. You'll require some time to think about activities you might enjoy. Sometimes we get so consumed with the responsibilities of life that we forget what it feels like to enjoy ourselves in the process. When was the last time you kicked up your heels? List activities that you love to do, things that you bring you joy. What is life without some fun?

6. Are you spending time with friends and family?

Generally, those who are the happiest make time for their family and friends. If this is important to you, include it in your plan.

7. What do you do for your community?

Giving back to your community cultivates feelings of gratitude, satisfaction, and fulfillment in your own life. Donating money, time, or energy for the good of others enables these positive feelings to be an inherent result when you write them into your Life Plan.

8. Are self-improvements high on your list?

Striving to excel helps keep you moving toward your life goals. Include short term achievements for many areas of your life. Consider the identified areas: spirituality, health, finances, career, relationships, and education.

Develop your blueprint soon and feel free to change it as your desires evolve. Having a Life Plan keeps you focused on all your goals, keeps you grounded, and will motivate you to reach for the stars.