This concept has been rattling in my head for the last few weeks. The choice, to default or design our lives.

When we choose to default in life (the action of inaction), we accept the present as unchangeable. As stoics, theologians, and many other wise people throughout history have pointed out, there are things that we have no control over. There are things that we have the ability to influence, and some that we have the ability to change.

“Change is inevitable. Growth is intentional.”

— Glenda Cloud

Telling it like it is rarely changes things. Telling it as it could be can inspire and influence growth.

When we choose to design our lives, we commit to developing a vision for the dreams we have, for the things we’d like to do and the world we’d like to live in.

I’ve spent much of my life thinking about what I’ve wanted to do. After I win the occasional war with impostor syndrome, I look to someone who is doing what I want to do and try to learn from their successes and miscarriages. This hasn’t guaranteed me any success, and in many cases, the initial idea progresses into something else through the process. However, these changes can only be realized once the process has begun. For me, this is the exciting part of choosing to design, versus choosing to accept the default. It’s hard to balance on a bike until you begin pedaling forward.

We have to take the first step. Make mistakes. Learn and re-iterate. 

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”

— Robert Collier

There are so many nominal things in life we try to control. We do have control of how we respond at every moment. Why not join me in the pursuit of intentionally designing the life we want to live? What is it? Let me know in the comments below.

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