Lifestyle Design 101: Design your dream life.

By Slavica Zlatar-Banika

Introduction

The purpose of design is to create solutions to problems.

Yes, we’re all designers.

And everything is designed — either intentionally or by default.

But we are also creatures of habit.

This can be a problem.

It means we don’t always act with intention.

Sometimes, we follow the pack — like sheeple. We all know it’s true.

This can prevent us from achieving our goals and designing our dream life.

So, time for a wake-up jolt.

Read on for what lifestyle design is and isn’t, and get some lifestyle persona examples and action items.

Time to design your life!

What ‘lifestyle design’ isn’t.

1.One-size-fits-all solution.

There is no one ideal lifestyle for everyone.

Lifestyle design is not about promoting the same lifestyle for everyone.

2. Escapism.

It isn’t a way to escape challenges in your life.

It’s not about avoiding difficulties — but designing a life that helps you work around them.

3. A magic pill.

It’s not about immediate results. It’s a process that takes effort — not for the lazy.

4. Ageist.

There are no age limits or minimums. Anyone can engage in lifestyle design. And you should.

5. Materialistic.

Lifestyle design is not about what you own — but how you live your life.

It isn’t about accumulating more stuff.

6. Irresponsible.

Lifestyle design considers practical aspects of life, such as finances and obligations.

7. Selfish.

Lifestyle design prioritizes personal fulfillment — but that doesn’t mean excluding those you love.

And the funny thing about being selfish is that if you focus on yourself first, you’ll be better able to help others.

8. Rigid.

Lifestyle design isn’t about adhering to strict guidelines but about flexibility and adaptability to change.

Any ‘rules’ are your own. And you can change them. You’re in charge.

9. Trends.

True lifestyle design is about creating a life that aligns with your values and goals, regardless of trends.

10. Status quo.

Lifestyle design challenges the idea that we should passively accept the default or conventional way of living.

What ‘lifestyle design’ is:

Lifestyle design is about consciously shaping your life to align with your values, priorities, and goals.

It’s about making intentional choices — in work, relationships, health, and leisure to create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful to you.

Below are 10 more characteristics of lifestyle design.

1. Personalized.

Lifestyle design is about creating a lifestyle tailored to your unique preferences, values, and goals.

2. Intentional.

It involves consciously designing your life to align with what matters most to you — the opposite of sleepwalking through life.

3. Flexible.

It allows for adaptability and change as your priorities and circumstances evolve.

Yes, sometimes life happens, and we need to pivot.

4. Empowering.

It puts you in the driver’s seat of your life. You determine where you want to go!

5. Holistic.

It considers all aspects of life — career, relationships, health, and personal development.

You can design it — 360.

6. Creative.

Lifestyle design encourages thinking outside the box — exploring new possibilities.

7. Balanced.

It seeks to create a balance between work, leisure, and other aspects of life.

8. Continuous.

It’s an ongoing process of reflection, adjustment, and growth.

9. Empathetic.

It considers the impact of your lifestyle choices on yourself, others, and your environment.

10. Original.

Lifestyle design creates a life that aligns with your values and goals — regardless of trends — and is unique to the brand of you.

Lifestyle design personas

Below are 10 distinct lifestyle design persona examples.

Think of these as thought starters — offering ideas and perspectives to help you prioritize what matters most in your life.

Remember that priorities change and evolve — depending on your stage of life.

But do keep your overarching life goal in mind. If it’s to have a family — don’t let that slip by while focusing on adventure, for example.

Whoever told you that you ‘have time’ was wrong. Keep your eye on the clock.

Whether you resonate strongly with one persona or find yourself drawn to elements from several, the goal is to design a life authentically yours, reflecting your passions, values, and dreams.

Let these personas spark your imagination, but remember, the ultimate designer of your life is you.

1. The Minimalist

Focuses on essentials, decluttering both physical and mental spaces.
Embraces simplicity in all aspects of life, from possessions to daily routines.
Values experiences over material possessions, seeking fulfillment in moments rather than things.
Prioritizes quality over quantity, investing in items and relationships that truly matter.
Strives for balance and mindfulness, avoiding excess and unnecessary distractions.

2. The Entrepreneur

Has a strong drive to create and innovate, often starting and managing their own businesses.
Embraces risk and sees challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
Values independence and flexibility, designing their work-life balance according to their goals.
Seeks to make a positive impact, not just financially but also socially or environmentally.
Is constantly learning and evolving, staying ahead of trends and embracing change.

3. The Nomad

Thrives on adventure and new experiences, often traveling or living in different places.
Values freedom and flexibility, preferring experiences that allow them to explore and discover.
Embraces diversity and cultural richness, seeking to learn from different people and perspectives.
Adapts easily to change, finding joy in the unknown and unexpected.
Seeks to create a home wherever they go, building connections and memories around the world.

4. The Creative

Expresses themselves through various forms of art, design, or creative pursuits.
Finds inspiration in everyday life, seeing beauty and potential in the mundane.
Values self-expression and authenticity, using their creativity to communicate their thoughts and emotions.
Seeks to inspire and evoke emotions in others through their work.
Is constantly experimenting and pushing boundaries, seeking new ways to express their creativity.

5. The Nature Lover

Feels a deep connection to the natural world, finding peace and solace in outdoor environments.
Values sustainability and environmental conservation, making choices that reduce their impact on the planet.
Seeks harmony with nature, incorporating natural elements into their living spaces and daily routines.
Finds inspiration and rejuvenation in nature, often seeking outdoor adventures and experiences.
Is an advocate for environmental causes, actively participating in efforts to protect and preserve the natural world.

6. The Wellness Enthusiast

Prioritizes physical, mental, and emotional well-being, adopting holistic approaches to health.
Values self-care and balance, incorporating practices like yoga, meditation, or healthy eating into daily life.
Seeks harmony between mind, body, and spirit, exploring alternative therapies and practices.
Embraces a positive lifestyle, surrounding themselves with uplifting environments and people.
Is proactive about health, taking preventive measures and seeking continuous improvement in their well-being.

7. The Sophisticate

8. The Socialite

Thrives in social settings, enjoying gatherings, events, and networking opportunities.
Values relationships and connections, building a diverse and supportive social circle.
Is charismatic and outgoing, easily engaging with others and making friends.
Seeks new experiences and adventures, often at the center of social scenes.
Balances social life with personal time, ensuring they recharge and maintain their well-being.

9. The Traditionalist

Prioritizes the well-being and happiness of their family above all else.
Values quality time and meaningful experiences with loved ones.
Is nurturing and supportive, creating a warm and loving home environment.
Seeks to instill values and create lasting memories with their children, shaping their family’s legacy.
Places a strong emphasis on religious beliefs and practices, incorporating them into family life and traditions.

10. The Urbanist

Thrives in city environments, enjoying the vibrancy and energy of urban life.
Values diversity and cultural richness, embracing the melting pot of city cultures.
Is forward-thinking and innovative, often at the forefront of urban trends and movements.
Seeks to create a sustainable and livable urban environment, advocating for urban planning and development.
Finds inspiration in the urban landscape, seeing potential and beauty in cityscapes and architecture.

Action items for you.

1. Define your values.

Identify what is most important to you and go from there. What are your non-negotiables for your life?

2. Focus on the big picture.

Ensure that your short-term goals align with your long-term vision for your dream life.

While setting short-term goals, keep your eye on the clock and focus on the big picture.

3. Set clear goals.

Establish specific, achievable goals that align with your values and prioritize them based on importance.

Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable milestones and set weekly, monthly, and yearly goals to keep you on track.

4. Create a vision board.

Visualize your ideal lifestyle by creating a vision board that represents your goals and aspirations.

5. Reorganize your priorities.

Evaluate your current priorities and reorganize them to align with your goals.

Focus on the ones that are on the path to your goals and adjust or eliminate those that are not.

6. Implement a routine.

Design a daily schedule that includes specific time blocks for your priorities.

If self-care is a non-negotiable for you (and it should be), prioritize that.

Other items can wait.

7. Delegate.

Delegate tasks to free up time for higher-value activities or personal pursuits.

8. Spiritual practice.

Incorporate religious or spiritual practices into your daily routine, such as prayer, meditation, or reading sacred texts, to deepen your spiritual connection and guide your lifestyle choices.

9. Establish boundaries.

Set boundaries with your time and energy to prioritize activities that align with your goals and values, and learn to say no to things that don’t serve you.

10. Practice gratitude.

Cultivate a daily gratitude practice by writing down 3 things you’re grateful for each day.

This helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life now and help you stay on your chosen path.

Conclusion.

If you live your life intentionally, you plan it — like a designer.

That means you can live your life exactly as you want it to be by aligning your actions with your real goals.

Of course, this takes a bit of self-analysis. It is worth it.

By integrating design thinking, you can approach your life as a creative project, making intentional choices that lead to —

A well-designed life.