By design, I have tried to show that the designer’s skills can be applied to a wide range of problems—and also that these skills are accessible to a far greater range of people than may be commonly supposed. These two school of thoughts sync up when we come together by means of applying them to one of the most challenging problems of them all: designing a life. There is a big difference, though, between planning a life, drifting through life, and designing a life.
I must confess that up until a couple of years ago, my every step was preplanned. I knew which university to attend, which practium would lead to a successful career, and at what age to retire at. Unfortunately, this never works out as planned. And anyway, if you know the winner before the start, where’s the fun in the game? I have learned that being in the race is far more enjoyable than finishing the crossing line.
Like any good design team, we can have a sense of purpose without deluding ourselves that we can predict every outcome in advance, for this is the space of creativity. We can blur the distinction between the final product and the creative process that got us there. We can learn how to take joy in the things we create. We can work within the constructs of our own natures—and still be agile, build capabilities, iterate. We can conduct experiments, make discoveries, change our perspectives.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with planning. However, we must come to a point to realize that plans are not near as effective as desiging our life in accordance with our goals and outcomes.
Think of today as a prototype. What would you change? Start to design a new plan that will have you enjoying the race of life more rather than to merely cross the finish line. Satisfaction is much more beneficial than mere organization. Design will open up many new venues and serve as a creative outlet that will make you much more of a better worker and person as opposed to being robotic and strictly focusing on organization.
Go ahead and design your life...you will be glad that you did!
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