Designing Your Life
Self-management
Build your prototype life

Build your prototype life

from Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life by Bill Burnett, Dave Evans

How to Apply This

  1. Review your three Odyssey Plans
    Go through your 3 alternative life plans and review the questions you wrote down for each plan.
  2. Have a conversation with someone who’s lived the life you’re imagining
    Let’s say that one of your Odyssey Plans involves starting an Italian deli. Find someone who has real experience in this area and get them to share their story. Ask them questions from your Odyssey Plan, such as: What is the business like? How did you go into this industry? What do you love or hate about running an Italian deli? Most importantly, treat it as an informal conversation rather than a job interview.
  3. Get some first-hand experience of what it’s like to live out your plan
    If you want to open an Italian deli, you can ask to shadow someone who works in a deli. You can also get a 3-month internship in a restaurant or start a small catering business for 1 week to learn the ropes.
  4. Brainstorm with others to identify prototype ideas
    Look for the version of your Odyssey Plan that was most likable, coherent, and exciting. Identify any questions you may have about this plan and use them as the focal point of your brainstorming session. Let your group give you feedback and actionable prototype possibilities.

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