E0066 - 5 steps to designing the life you want (S0004)

• Bill Burnett encourages the audience to apply the methodology of design thinking to create their own life's path. Design thinking is an innovation methodology that encourages curiosity, a broad range of ideas, and bias towards action. Burnett argues that a life can be the most interesting design problem.
• To find meaning in life, Burnett suggests connecting 'who you are', 'what you believe', and 'what you do in the world'. If these three elements align, your life is likely to feel meaningful. It's about creating a coherent narrative, connecting the dots, and embracing work and life views.
• Burnett warns against "gravity problems", problems which are immovable and unchangeable. Instead, he recommends reframing the problem into something workable. Accepting things that cannot be changed and focusing on those that can be is a key part of life design.
• He suggests that people should prototype multiple life plans rather than sticking to one. This involves imagining three different lives, including the life you're currently leading, a life if your current situation isn't viable, and a wildcard life if money and judgement weren't factors. It's about creating multiple narratives and exploring possible outcomes.
• Burnett concludes with a four-step decision-making process: gather and create options, narrow down choices, make a decision, and then move on without regret. He argues that this is a useful process for designing a well-lived and joyful life. This encapsulates Burnett's message: to design one's life, get curious, talk to people, and try new things.

Author: Bill Burnett

Keywords:

• Design Thinking
• Personal development