5 steps to designing the life you want | Bill Burnett | TEDxStanford

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore five actionable steps to help you design the life you want, inspired by Bill Burnett’s insights from his TEDx talk. By applying design thinking principles, you can create a fulfilling and purposeful life, whether you're just starting your career or considering a new chapter. This guide will provide you with practical advice and tips to navigate your journey effectively.

Step 1: Accept That You Are a Designer

• Recognize that you have the ability to design your life, just like a designer creates products.
• Understand that life is not a straight path; embrace the fact that you can iterate and redesign your choices.
• Approach your life as a series of prototypes. Experiment with different paths and learn from each experience.

Step 2: Build a Compass

• Identify your core values and what truly matters to you. This serves as a guiding compass for your decisions.
• Ask yourself:
  • What do I want to contribute to the world?
  • What brings me joy and fulfillment?
• Write down your values and refer to them whenever you face a choice or challenge.

Step 3: Generate Options

• Brainstorm multiple possibilities for your future. Don’t limit yourself to the conventional paths.
• Use techniques such as:
  • Mind mapping: Visualize ideas and connections.
  • Listing: Write down all possible careers, hobbies, or lifestyle changes that interest you.
• Encourage creativity; the more options you generate, the better chance you have of finding something that resonates.

Step 4: Prototype Your Ideas

• Select a few ideas from your brainstorming session and create low-risk prototypes to test them out.
• Examples of prototyping:
  • Volunteer in a field of interest.
  • Take a class or workshop to explore a new skill.
  • Shadow a professional in a career you’re curious about.
• Evaluate your experiences to see what you enjoy and what aligns with your values.

Step 5: Choose and Commit

• After testing your prototypes, narrow down your options based on your evaluations.
• Make a decision and commit to your chosen path. Remember that commitment doesn’t mean you can’t change later; it’s about giving your choice a fair chance.
• Set goals and create a plan to pursue your new direction actively.

Conclusion

Designing your life is a dynamic and ongoing process. By embracing the mindset of a designer, accepting your ability to create change, and following these five steps, you can build a life that aligns with your passions and values. Start today by reflecting on your core values and brainstorming options; the journey to designing the life you want begins with you.