The Blueprint to Your Best Life: More Than Just Being Successful at Work
An interesting thing happened to me yesterday.
Imagine this:
You’re at a bustling diner, enjoying your breakfast.
Next to you at the counter sits a fellow patron, a seasoned construction worker, and you share a pleasant chat while eating breakfast.
You tell him you were an electrician for 35 years, and enjoyed working in the field but hated working in the office.
He proudly recounts how his willingness to tackle paperwork in the office, away from the physical labor of the field, led him to have multi-million contracts under his belt.
Yet, a stark contrast emerges as he reveals he’s still working at 65, lacking a pension and the freedom to enjoy his golden years.
You, on the other hand, retired in your early 50s, with a solid pension and ample free time.
While impressed by his work ethic, a profound question lingers:
How can someone who builds blueprints for a living neglect to design and build their own blueprint for a fulfilling life?
It’s Not How Much You Make, It’s How Much You Keep, and How Much Freedom You Have
The answer, sadly, isn’t uncommon.
Many people, like this construction worker, dedicate years to meticulously crafting blueprints for construction projects, yet fail to apply that same dedication to shaping their own future.
They get caught up in the daily grind, chasing money and success at the expense of personal well-being.
But just as a building requires a blueprint to ensure its stability and functionality, so too does a life worth living.
Why is a life blueprint so crucial?
Think of it like a roadmap.
I Started My Blueprint in 1990
One day as a 3rd-year apprentice, looking over the blueprints, a thought occurred to me.
I asked my journeyman and foreman, “Do you have a blueprint for your life?”
I continued, “We use prints every day to build this project but what about our lives?”
They looked at me as if I was crazy and yelled at me to get back to work.
That was my first insight into the 80/20 Rule and learning who to learn from.
But it gave me my first insights into what kind of life I wanted to live and I started to design my first Life Blueprint.
With it, working as an electrician, I was able to
- retire early
- not work overtime AND take at least (1) 3-week international vacation every year
- be happily married for over 24 years
- train every day and earn two hapkido black belts
- teach kids and adult classes in hapkido
- take community and online classes for business and marketing
- helped my wife build a 6-figure home business
- continue to train in martial arts in my 50s and hopefully for decades to come
In my Life Blueprint, I outlined my goals, values, and aspirations, providing me with a clear direction and purpose.
It helped me:
- Make informed decisions: With my blueprint guiding me, I could evaluate choices based on their alignment with my long-term vision. This prevents chasing fleeting desires that ultimately lead nowhere.
- Prioritize effectively: When I knew what truly mattered, I could allocate my time and energy strategically. This way, I didn’t just work hard but worked smart toward what truly fulfills me.
- Navigate challenges: Life throws curveballs. A well-defined blueprint equipped me with a sense of purpose and resilience. When faced with obstacles, I relied on my overarching goals to guide me back on track.
- Track progress and celebrate achievements: My blueprint served as a personal yardstick. It allows me to measure my progress, acknowledge milestones, and celebrate victories, both big and small. This sense of accomplishment fueled my motivation and kept me moving forward.
- Live with intentionality: A blueprint fosters a conscious approach to life. I was no longer simply existing; I was actively creating a life that aligned with my deepest desires and values.
So, How Do You Build Your Life Blueprint?
The key to a solid blueprint is to have a solid foundation.
What are the values, principles, and priorities that you want your life to represent and experience?
Without these basic building blocks in place, it won’t matter what you attempt to build, because it will be built on swampy soil and will eventually collapse.
Here’s a starting point to build your firm foundation:
- Self-discovery: Take time for introspection. What are your core values? What kind of life do you envision for yourself? What brings you joy and fulfillment? Reflecting on these questions is the foundation for building your blueprint.
- Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals provide direction and focus within your blueprint. Define your desired outcomes in each area of your life, be it career, relationships, health, or personal growth.
- Create an action plan: Break down your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. This makes them feel less overwhelming and more achievable, fostering a sense of progress.
- Review and adapt: Your life is a dynamic journey, not a static destination. Regularly revisit your blueprint, evaluate your progress, and adapt it as needed. Embrace flexibility and growth as you navigate life’s ever-changing landscape.
Remember, building a life blueprint isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process.
Just like a building requires constant maintenance and improvements, so too does your life plan.
By dedicating time and effort to its creation and refinement, you take control of your future and pave the way for a life filled with purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.
As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
Don’t let your life be a haphazard construction project.
Start crafting your own blueprint today, and build a life that truly stands the test of time.
P.S. Even with the best-built blueprint, it won’t come to fruition if you don’t take control of your time, energy, and attention. You will need to know how to lead yourself if you want that plan to become a reality.
I’ve laid out my blueprint for personal leadership as a FREE 3-week 22-email course, you can get it here: Learn to Lead
