Living Your Life by Design

Are you consciously creating your future or simply reacting to whatever life throws your way? I believe that "If you're not living your life by design, you are living your life by default."

This idea, inspired by my close friend Jodie Cook's book "Stop Acting Like You're Going to Live Forever," challenges us to take control of our narrative rather than letting circumstances dictate our path.

What Does Living By Default Mean?

Living by default means you're merely reacting to situations instead of creating them. It's falling into routines, letting others' opinions dictate your choices, and staying stuck in patterns that don't serve you. It's the path of least resistance—and often, least fulfillment.

The Power of Intentional Living

When you live by design, you step into the driver's seat of your life. You create a roadmap, decide how you want to feel, what you want to achieve, and how you'll get there. This doesn't mean everything will go perfectly—setbacks are inevitable—but you'll face obstacles with a plan instead of letting them derail you.

I've experienced this firsthand:

• When I tore my ACL on American Ninja Warrior, I could have accepted defeat. Instead, I designed my comeback.
• When told I was "too muscular" to model, I didn't let that opinion stop me—eventually gracing three fitness magazine covers.
• When criticized about my voice as a fitness instructor, I used that as motivation to become a speaker addressing hundreds worldwide.

How to Start Living By Design Today

Ready to take control? Here are four practical steps I've used myself:

1. Cultivate Awareness

Take time to reflect on where you are now. Ask yourself: Are you happy with your routine? Are you aligned with your goals? What do you truly want your life to look like? Write it down.

2. Create Your Roadmap

Once you're clear on your destination, design a path to get there. Start small—what tiny steps can you take daily to move closer to your vision? I always remind my Pull Up Revolution clients that progress is progress no matter how small.

3. Stay Aligned With Your Vision

Tools like vision boards, core values, and manifestation practices keep your goals front and center. They rewire your brain to focus on what's possible. My vision board sits where I can see it daily—not to obsess over, but as a constant reminder of what I'm working toward.

4. Build Consistency

Think of consistency as building the foundation of a house—you wouldn't want to rush it. Small, intentional steps create lasting change and a strong foundation for future growth.

Your Turn to Design

Living by design takes courage. It means facing the uncomfortable question of what you truly want and taking responsibility for creating it. But the alternative—waking up one day realizing life has passed you by while you were on autopilot—is far more painful.

Remember: You're in control of your story. Obstacles are not the end. They're opportunities to create something amazing.

What small step will you take today to start living by design?