Ever felt like you're drifting away from your life's purpose? Are you tired of missing opportunities and living with regret? What if you could alter course and take control of your destiny? Dive into this captivating journey exploring the concept of Life Planning, where we delve into the compelling narratives of Mike and Eugene O’Kelly, and learn how to shape our legacies. Let's explore how to create a proactive strategy that ensures a fulfilling life!

Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want

Imagine being caught in a riptide, feeling helpless as the current pulls you further out to sea. This is exactly what happened to author Michael's friend Austin when he went surfing for the first time. As Michael paddled out to rescue him, he realized that life often feels like this—being swept away, off course, and unsure how to get back.

Life's drift can happen to anyone. One might wake up one day in their forties, fifties, or sixties and wonder how they ended up so far from where they wanted to be. Health may be failing, marriages strained, or careers stalled. One might have become a victim of the drift.

Why does one drift? Sometimes it's because they're unaware, just like Austin, who didn't understand the currents. Other times, distractions pull them away, as it did for Michael when he got caught in a riptide while snorkeling. Overwhelm and deception can also lead them astray, convincing them that they can't change their situation.

The consequences of drifting are severe—confusion, lost opportunities, unnecessary pain, and deep regrets. Imagine getting to the end of life and lamenting, "If only I had taken better care of my health, nurtured my relationships, or pursued my dreams."

But here's the good news: it's never too late to change course. One can take control by creating a Life Plan. This isn't about a lengthy, cumbersome document. A Life Plan is a concise, living document that helps one identify where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there.

Take inspiration from Benjamin Franklin, who, in his twenties, drafted a simple plan for self-improvement, focusing on virtues like temperance and humility. A Life Plan will be unique to each individual, outlining their priorities and the actions needed to achieve their goals.

Writing a Life Plan starts with asking three powerful questions: How do I want to be remembered? What matters most to me? How can I get from here to where I want to be? These questions shift one's focus from the past to a future full of possibilities.

The benefits are immense. A Life Plan clarifies priorities, helping one make decisions that align with their values. It maintains balance, ensuring that one gives appropriate attention to all areas of their life. It filters opportunities, helping one say yes to what truly matters and no to distractions.

Facing reality is crucial. Just like Michael, who had to confront his financial meltdown, one needs to acknowledge their current situation to make meaningful changes. A Life Plan also allows one to envision a compelling future, drawing them toward their goals with pull power.

Finally, a Life Plan helps one avoid regrets. By being intentional and proactive, they can ensure that they live a life aligned with their values and aspirations, avoiding the drift that leads to disappointment.

So, don't wait. Start a Life Plan today. It’s not just about writing a document; it’s about creating a practice of constant, never-ending improvement. By doing so, one will navigate life with purpose, avoiding the drift and steering toward a fulfilling, meaningful destination.

Are You Victim of Life's Drift? How Can a Life Plan Help You Navigate?

All external expectations, pride, and fears fall away in the face of death, leaving only what truly matters. This powerful realization hit Michael's friend Mike, a vibrant and humorous man, during his battle with cancer. One day over lunch, Mike confessed how the disease made him acutely aware of life's fleeting nature and his regret over not spending more time with his loved ones, especially his wife, Gabby. “We all die,” he said. “I just didn’t fully realize it before.”

Months later, cancer had spread to Mike's brain. Michael flew out to see him on his thirty-eighth birthday, finding him a shadow of his former self, but still trying to be brave. During their heartfelt conversation, Mike poignantly noted, “Don’t feel sorry for me. I could outlive you. None of us know when we will go.” His words, alongside a stunning sunset Michael saw that day, reminded him that life is about what happens between the sunrise and sunset—our actions, our legacy.

Planning your legacy begins with envisioning the end. Just as a vacation destination shapes the entire trip, knowing how you want to be remembered shapes your life. Michael considers legacy not just as a grandiose concept reserved for the famous but as the sum of your beliefs, values, love, and service. Everyone leaves a legacy, whether they realize it or not.

To actively shape your legacy, Michael suggests writing your eulogy today. Imagine what your loved ones would say at your funeral. This exercise engages both the head and the heart, crucial for creating a meaningful Life Plan. Reflect on your key relationships—family, friends, colleagues—and write Legacy Statements for each, focusing on how you want to be remembered.

Eugene O’Kelly, a former CEO diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, exemplified this approach. With only three months to live, he aimed to create "perfect moments" with his loved ones, focusing on the present and excluding distractions. His intentional use of remaining time profoundly impacted those around him. Like Mike, Eugene’s story teaches us that we don't know how much time we have left, but we can start shaping our legacy now.

During the Great Recession, Michael faced a near-death experience for his company. To gain clarity, his business partner and he took a reflective day by the Deschutes River. This sabbatical led to the creation of a new product that saved their business. It taught Michael that being strategic with time and priorities, rather than reactive, is crucial.

Effective people are not necessarily the busiest but those busy with the right things. Michael advises determining what matters most to you by identifying your Life Accounts—spiritual, intellectual, marital, parental, vocational, and more. Assess the condition of each account and prioritize them. Remember, you can only take care of others if you first take care of yourself. 

Consider Eugene O’Kelly’s and Mike’s stories as reminders: life is short, but you can make a lasting impact by being intentional with your time and choices. Define your priorities, shape your legacy, and ensure your life accounts are in balance. This proactive approach can lead to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment, no matter how many days you have left.

Shaping Your Legacy: Intentional Living Inspired by Life's Fragility

In "Alice in Wonderland", Alice asks a Cat, "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here”? “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where—” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.

For the past sixteen years, Daniel has participated in Hood to Coast, the largest relay race in North America, spanning nearly 200 miles from Mount Hood to Seaside Beach, Oregon. When he first started, there were no apps or many volunteers to guide them, just a simple map. One night, Daniel followed three runners who confidently went the wrong way. After realizing their mistake, his panic set in, knowing he had let his team down. This experience taught Daniel the importance of having a clear plan, whether in races or life.

Charting a clear course is essential for your Life Plan. If you're not sure where you're headed, you might make decisions you later regret. One of Daniel's core exercises is helping clients craft a clear and compelling vision for their businesses and lives. This involves answering three powerful questions we discussed earlier, the third being: How can I get from here to where I want to be?

To create your Life Plan, Daniel suggests breaking it down into five sections:

1. Purpose Statement: Define your primary responsibility for each Life Account. For example, Jon’s purpose in his Health Account is to maintain and care for the temple God has given him.

2. Envisioned Future: Describe your Life Account at its best. Stand in the future and visualize it vividly. Use present tense to make it compelling. For instance, instead of "I want to be lean and strong," say, "I am lean and strong."

3. Inspiring Quote: Find a quote that resonates with your purpose. For example, John uses Joyce Meyer's line for his Health Account: "I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you."

4. Current Reality: Be honest about where you stand in relation to your envisioned future. For example, Michael wrote, "I feel great. My stamina is great. But I am not doing consistent strength training."

5. Specific Commitments: List actionable steps to move from your current reality to your envisioned future. Make these commitments SMART: Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-bound.

Incremental change can lead to significant results. Whether losing weight, improving health, or paying off debt, small daily actions add up. For instance, Michael lost eleven pounds in six weeks simply by recording what he ate each day.

Finally, Daniel suggests dedicating one full day to creating your Life Plan. History has often turned on a single day, and this could be one of the most pivotal days of your life. Block time on your calendar, choose a quiet place, and gather your supplies. Stay offline and focused. Approach this day with gratitude, anticipation, and openness. Trust the process, listen to your heart, and don’t worry about perfection.

Can Charting a Clear Life Plan Lead to Monumental Changes?

Mike Roach famously said, "Strategy without execution is hallucination!" So, after creating your Life Plan, it's time to put it into action. But how do you fit new priorities into an already packed schedule? Many of us are juggling work, family, and social commitments, often exceeding 70-hour workweeks. 

Michael Hyatt shares his own experience from 2012 when his book launch, a busy speaking calendar, and his daughter's wedding all converged. Overwhelmed, he turned to tried-and-true strategies that we can all use: triaging your calendar, scheduling your priorities, and learning to say no gracefully.

First, triage your calendar like a battlefield medic. Identify which commitments are essential and cancel or reschedule the nonessentials. This creates margin—time to breathe and focus on what truly matters.

Next, scheduling your priorities involves tools like the Ideal Week and Annual Time Block. The Ideal Week is a template for how you'd spend your time if you controlled 100% of it, ensuring that your daily activities align with your Life Plan. The Annual Time Block helps you plan significant events and commitments up to three years in advance, ensuring that the important doesn’t get lost in the urgent.

Lastly, learning to say no is crucial. Harvard professor William Ury suggests a "positive no," using a Yes-No-Yes formula. This starts with affirming your own priorities (Yes), clearly setting boundaries (No), and offering an alternative solution (Yes). For example, if someone asks Michael to review a book proposal, he politely declines while offering useful resources instead.

Remember, saying yes to one thing means saying no to another. Prioritize your most important commitments and learn to say no with grace to manage your time effectively. This way, you can stay true to your Life Plan and avoid living for others' priorities.

Mastering Time Management: Michael Hyatt's Guide to Prioritizing Life and Saying No with Grace

Self-discipline, as Andy Andrews notes, is doing what you don't want to do to achieve what you really want. This idea is foundational to maintaining a successful Life Plan, which requires regular review and revision to stay effective.

Years ago, Michael was in a fast-growing company without a strategic plan. The CEO eventually hired a consultant, and they crafted a detailed plan during a retreat. Despite its thoroughness, the plan was shelved and forgotten. This experience taught Michael that plans are useless without regular review.

Dr. Henry Cloud, in "Boundaries for Leaders," highlights the importance of attention in achieving goals. Michael recommends three review practices to keep your Life Plan active: daily, weekly, and quarterly reviews.

1. Daily Review: For the first 90 days, read your plan aloud each morning. This practice embeds your goals in your heart and mind.

2. Weekly Review: Inspired by David Allen’s "Getting Things Done," this review helps you manage your tasks and priorities. Both Daniel and Michael have found different times effective for this—Friday afternoons or Monday mornings. The key is consistency, not the specific day or time.

During your weekly review, follow a structured agenda: read your Life Plan, process loose papers and notes, review past and upcoming calendar events, and check your action and project lists. This process ensures you stay on top of your responsibilities and maintain focus on what matters most.

3. Quarterly Review: This more in-depth review helps you make strategic adjustments. Unlike the tree-level perspective of weekly reviews, this is like a hot air balloon view. Take time away from distractions to reassess your plan, tweak language, and set new 90-day goals.

At the end of each year, take a deep dive into your Life Plan. Evaluate the past year’s accomplishments, reassess priorities, and set goals for the next year. This extended review helps you stay aligned with your long-term vision.

When Michael's life circumstances changed significantly—his last daughter moved out, he transitioned careers—he adjusted his Life Plan accordingly. Regular reviews ensured he stayed on course toward a future he wanted.

In short, integrating Life Planning into corporate culture can have profound benefits. Companies like Chick-fil-A and Cornerstone Home Lending have seen employees flourish through Life Planning, leading to increased productivity and engagement. Dr. Melanie Lankau's research supports this, showing a positive correlation between life satisfaction and job performance.

To implement Life Planning in your organization, practice it yourself first, get leadership on board, provide training, and offer support. Encourage employees with time off to create their plans and highlight success stories.

Ultimately, Life Planning is about transforming lives and, by extension, organizations and communities. By living intentionally, we can create a ripple effect that leads to lasting change.

Can Life Planning Be the Secret to Increased Productivity and Job Satisfaction?

Life can sometimes feel like being caught in a riptide, pulling us away from our intended paths. This drift happens to everyone, often unnoticed until much later in life. It can lead to significant consequences like confusion, lost opportunities, and deep regrets. However, it's never too late to change course and take control through intentional planning.

Creating a Life Plan is a practical approach to steer back on track. This plan involves defining your priorities, setting specific goals, and making actionable commitments. The process starts with asking yourself crucial questions about how you want to be remembered, what matters most, and how to bridge the gap between your current reality and desired future.

Regular review and adjustment of your Life Plan are essential. Daily, weekly, and quarterly reviews help maintain focus and make necessary adjustments. This ongoing practice ensures that your actions align with your values and long-term goals, avoiding the drift of life.

Moreover, integrating Life Planning into corporate culture can enhance overall productivity and employee satisfaction. By being intentional with time and choices, both individuals and organizations can create a ripple effect of positive change. Prioritize what truly matters, shape your legacy, and ensure a balanced approach to all life areas. This proactive strategy leads to a fulfilling and purposeful life.

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Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want

Michael Hyatt

6 Key ideas

15 MINS

4.5 (579)

Ever felt like you're drifting away from your life's purpose?

Are you tired of missing opportunities and living with regret?

What if you could alter course and take control of your destiny?

Dive into this captivating journey exploring the concept of Life Planning, where we delve into the compelling narratives of Mike and Eugene O’Kelly, and learn how to shape our legacies. Let's explore how to create a proactive strategy that ensures a fulfilling life!