5 Tips to Design Your Life l Tips to be Happy l Making Good Choices l Live Better l Life Changing Steps

If you are in a rut, feeling unhappy, or have the case of the “blahs,” there is hope by getting a start on where you are in life. We know the journey can seem like a collision course rather than a journey. When we think of a journey, we envision a smoothed out road ahead of us, right? Let's be real, even the most thought out plans go awry. The key is being adaptable, and having other choices when those goals are not reached. When we design our lives, we have a vision, a back-up plan, and a resilience. A designer, according Merriam-Webster is a “person who plans the look or workings of something before its being made or built.” Building the life you want will take work, and a designer's approach in making this come to fruition, is not a bad idea as it helps see the bigger picture. You will become re-energized by reorganizing any mental clutter, like negative thoughts, words, and changing course when needed. Here are 5 ways to design a life that fits you, and no one else.

Become Unstuck

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Bill Burnett and Dave Evans authored a book called Designing Your Life about getting out of a rut. We all know what it is like to be stuck without seeing any hope ahead. People get stuck chasing their first ideas or plans and that puts on too much pressure. What happens is they end up chasing their tails. Brainstorming other ideas for example is the way to get out of a place where you are treading water. If you are not getting anywhere in selecting a major at school or a career path, write it down, or draw an idea map of what you are good at. Once you see it written down you can work towards solutions. Maybe you need to change direction. With only one idea, or one solution, you might feel stuck.This will help you think outside-the-box.

Create Your Own Happiness

We need to own our happiness and not rely on things or others to keep us going. For example, if you think that material possessions will only make you happy--think again. You will always need your next fix by buying something new. If you think people are keep you happy, they will disappoint. Redesign thinking to focus on the good in life not just the material items or relying on outside influences to keep you happy. Create your own happiness by focusing on the good no matter how bleak it may be. Choose healthy thoughts, and actions, not ones that are negative. That is right, pick and choose. By looking within, we can find the power in ourselves to find bliss.

Be Positive

Did you know that speaking positive words activate brain cells that help with depression, and self-esteem! Speaking positively activates the frontal lobe and the motor cortex. However, "hostile words shutdown the functioning ability of the frontal love," Dr. Josh Axe wrote. This cognitive healing and usage of positive self-talk impacts the way you approach problems. Affirming that there is hope and you can achieve success is a framework to happiness. Activate the power of positive words is both edifying to you and for others. If this is a struggle for you try talk therapy. Talking to a trained counselor can be a powerful tool the can help fight the blues, and help you change unwanted behavior and habits.