Next-level: Designer life hacks for 2025.
By Slavica Zlatar-Banika
Table of contents
Designer life hacks for 2025.
→ 1. What’s the big idea?
→ 2. Walk the walk.
→ 3. Feel more, think less.
→ 4. Discover Divine Beauty.
→ 5. Do it now.
Conclusion
Back by popular demand…
Here are the next 5 designer life hacks in our series to make your 2025 — next-level.
These continue to build on the philosophy that we’re all designers of our own lives.
But wait, who is the best designer ever* — any ideas?
I think you may know (hint: see #4.)
These hacks work for sure — the secret is to just do them.
Read on, and all will be revealed.
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1. What’s the big idea?
Every great design starts with a ‘big idea.’
For 2025, you need a clear, big-picture goal.
Pick ONE big idea or theme for 2025.
Remember, you’re the creative director here.
Go with your gut. What do you want?
Visualize it. Make sure it is crystal clear in your mind.
Where do you want to be at this time next year?
Don’t worry too much about the how.
Let your subconscious — and the best designer ever* — take it from here.
Pro tip:
Write down your big idea in a journal or digital planner.
Add a few images that inspire your big idea — like a mini vision board.
Review it weekly to stay focused on the mission.
2. Walk the walk.
Designers know that even a great idea
without great execution — isn’t worth much.
To make your big idea a reality, your actions must align with your goals.
No matter how small, every decision should move you toward your vision.
So, this year — walk the walk.
You are defined by your actions, not by what you say.
Make sure the actions you take authentically speak for you.
Consistent action brings you closer to your goal, and you’ll build momentum with each step.
Pro tip:
Start a new daily habit that supports your ‘big idea.’
Then, add a few more. Replace old habits with new, improved ones.
Ensure every action you take in 2025 circles back to your big idea.
3. Feel more, think less.
Do you know what causes anxiety? Taking actions that don’t align with your values and goals.
So, pay attention to how you feel — it’s an important signal.
You’ll sense it before you understand it.
For example, experienced designers often create based on their intuition.
There is a rationale, yes, but emotions and intuition are faster and guide them.
They trust their instincts to guide their choices. You can do the same.
Stop overthinking every decision. Trust your gut. Tap into the energy around you.
Your body knows what aligns with your values, so listen closely.
Overthinking can take you in circles — and paralyze you from taking action.
In 2025, start by feeling more and overthinking less.
Pro tip:
Practice speeding up your decision-making process.
Rely more on your instinct or gut reaction.
Success loves speed.
4. Discover Divine Beauty.
In a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, Nayib Bukele, the President of El Salvador, explained that when he didn’t know how to fix his country’s problems, he turned to prayer.
He said he prayed for guidance and strength, which helped him find clarity and take bold actions — like his ‘war on gangs’ to address violence and corruption. He isn’t alone.
People worldwide are returning to prayer.
Why is that?
The truth of the modern world is that people are starved for beauty.
Indeed, working towards developing your aesthetic sense puts you on a great path.
That innate hunger for beauty is a hunger for perfection — for the Divine.
Without true beauty and God, we will always feel something is missing.
Believing in God connects you to truth, perfection and the eternal.
In 2025, seek, and you will find.
Take time each week to reflect on what is beautiful to you.
Rediscover God. And learn to pray.
Pro tip:
Try prayer, try going to church — or get an app or prayer journal.
Make it a new habit to attend church weekly or use a prayer app.
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5. Do it now.
Ideas are everything — but so is the execution.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment.
The perfect moment is now.
Success comes from taking risks and acting boldly.
Whether it’s launching a new project, starting a fitness routine, or pursuing a passion — start.
Procrastination only leads to missed opportunities and undermines your confidence.
Pro tip:
The bigger the goal, the more overwhelming it can feel. Start with one small step.
Add a new one and build momentum.
Conclusion.
2025 is your year to design.
Start by defining your big idea, walk the walk, feel more and think less, discover Divine Beauty — and most importantly — take action.
These 5 simple designer life hacks will help you create a year filled with beauty, clarity, and purpose.
Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and a next-level 2025!