Designing Your Life is a book written by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, both of whom are professors at Stanford University. The book is aimed at helping readers design their lives in a way that leads to a well-lived, joyful life. The book is divided into three parts, with each part focusing on a different aspect of life design. In Part 1, the authors introduce the concept of life design and explain how it differs from traditional career planning. In Part 2, they provide practical advice on how to design your life, including how to set goals, find your passion, and make a living doing what you love. In Part 3, they discuss how to maintain and evolve your life design over time.
Part 1: Introduction to Life Design
In the first part of the book, the authors introduce the concept of life design and explain how it differs from traditional career planning. They argue that traditional career planning focuses on finding a job that matches your skills and interests, while life design focuses on creating a life that is meaningful and fulfilling. The authors also emphasize the importance of experimentation and iteration in the life design process.
Part 2: Practical Advice for Life Design
In the second part of the book, the authors provide practical advice on how to design your life. They begin by discussing the importance of setting goals and providing a framework for goal-setting. They then move on to discussing how to find your passion and how to make a living doing what you love. The authors also provide advice on how to manage your time and energy, how to deal with setbacks and failures, and how to stay motivated and inspired.
Part 3: Maintaining and Evolving Your Life Design
In the final part of the book, the authors discuss how to maintain and evolve your life design over time. They emphasize the importance of staying open to new experiences and opportunities, and of continually re-evaluating and adjusting your life design as needed. They also provide advice on how to navigate major life transitions, such as starting a family or changing careers.
Conclusion
Overall, Designing Your Life is a thoughtful and practical guide to designing a life that is meaningful and fulfilling. The book provides a framework for goal-setting, advice on how to find your passion and make a living doing what you love, and guidance on how to manage your time and energy. The authors also emphasize the importance of experimentation, iteration, and staying open to new experiences and opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking for a mid-life reset, Designing Your Life is a must-read for anyone looking to design a well-lived, joyful life.