Life By Design Not Default

Life is a series of choices, but too often, people drift through it without realizing they have the power to shape their own paths. Many wake up each day on autopilot, reacting to circumstances rather than intentionally designing their lives. To truly live with purpose, fulfillment, and success, one must make a conscious decision to live by design, not by default.

My Own Journey From Rock Bottom to Thriving

Late 2021 to early 2022, I found myself at one of the lowest points of my life—homeless, lost, broken, and battling addiction. Every day felt like survival, with no clear path forward. I had let circumstances dictate my life, reacting to hardships rather than taking control. But deep down, I knew I couldn’t stay in that place forever. Something had to change.

I made the hardest decision of my life: to take full responsibility for my future. It wasn’t easy. It meant facing my demons, healing my mind, and rebuilding my body. Day by day, I fought for a better version of myself. Through discipline, intentional habits, and an unshakable vision, I climbed out of the darkness.

By 2025, my life looks completely different. I am no longer a prisoner of addiction and despair. Instead, I am thriving—owning multiple businesses, building wealth, and reclaiming my health in mind, body, and spirit. The transformation wasn’t a result of luck; it was a result of living by design, not by default.

The Default Mode: A Life of Reaction

Most people live by default, following the paths of least resistance. This can look like settling into a job that pays the bills but does not inspire, falling into routines that lack intention, or making choices based on societal expectations rather than personal desires. Living by default is easy—society lays out a pre-defined script: go to school, get a job, pay bills, and wait for retirement. But easy does not mean fulfilling.

A life lived by default often results in dissatisfaction, burnout, and regret. Without deliberate action, external forces dictate our experiences—family pressures, societal norms, economic demands, and fear of failure. Living in this reactive state means allowing circumstances to determine one’s path rather than taking ownership of one’s future.

The Power of Living by Design

Living by design means actively creating a life aligned with one’s values, aspirations, and purpose. It requires clarity, intention, and disciplined action. Instead of reacting to life, individuals who live by design take charge, setting clear goals and making conscious decisions to shape their future.

Living by design starts with self-awareness—understanding what truly matters. This requires deep introspection: What do I want out of life? What legacy do I want to leave behind? What excites me? What kind of people do I want to surround myself with? By answering these questions, individuals can define their vision and take proactive steps to align their actions with their purpose.

Steps to Live by Design

1. Clarify Your Vision

A well-designed life starts with a clear vision. In 2022 with nothing but a laptop and a crazy thought i started building my first business… Take time to map out what an ideal life looks like in different areas: career, relationships, health, personal growth, and contribution to society. Vision boards, journaling, or strategic goal setting can help bring clarity and focus.

2. Take Ownership of Your Choices

Living by design requires personal responsibility. I knew there was no use in blaming anyone but myself for getting to where I was back then… Blaming circumstances, upbringing, or luck keeps people stuck in the default mode. Acknowledging that every choice shapes the future is empowering—each decision, no matter how small, either moves one closer to or further from the life envisioned.

3. Cultivate Intentional Habits

Success is built on daily habits. Identify habits that align with long-term goals and commit to them. This could mean dedicating time to learning, exercising for better health, networking for career growth, or practicing gratitude for better mental well-being. Small, consistent actions compound over time to create massive transformations. It can start small… promise yourself a wake up time daily, make an effort to get 10,000 steps per day, stop drinking soda… anything.. . just START.

4. Eliminate What No Longer Serves You

A life by design requires letting go of what is no longer useful—negative self-talk, draining relationships, unproductive routines, or outdated beliefs. This step creates space for growth, opportunities, and aligned experiences. This was one of the most difficult things I had to do, getting id of the relationships that didn’t serve me anymore was hard, but so necessarry.

5. Embrace Fear and Uncertainty

Designing one’s life means stepping outside of comfort zones. Fear of failure and uncertainty are natural, but they should not dictate decisions. Every meaningful pursuit—starting a business, traveling the world, pursuing a passion—requires courage. Growth lies on the other side of fear.

6. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People

Environment plays a crucial role in shaping behavior. Seek out mentors, communities, and friendships that inspire and challenge growth. Being around people who live intentionally fosters accountability and motivation.

The Rewards of Intentional Living

Living by design leads to a life of fulfillment, purpose, and personal mastery. Instead of drifting through life, individuals who take charge experience greater satisfaction, deeper relationships, and increased confidence. They navigate challenges with resilience, knowing they are in control of their own destinies.

People who live with intention inspire others to do the same. They show that success and happiness are not random but the results of deliberate choices. They create meaningful contributions, leaving an impact on the world.

Final Thought

A well-lived life does not happen by chance—it happens by choice. Living by design requires awareness, intention, and action, but the rewards are immeasurable. The alternative—a life by default—leads to regret, stagnation, and unfulfilled potential. My own journey proves that change is possible, no matter how broken or lost you may feel.

Every person has the power to break free from autopilot and craft a life of meaning, success, and joy. The question remains: Will you live by design, or will you let life happen to you?

AN⚔️