Alex: Hey everyone, welcome back! I want you to think about something for a second. Have you ever looked around at your life and thought, "Am I just… existing?" Like you're just being swept along, instead of actually deciding where you're going? Michelle: Ouch, Alex. Little too close to home, isn't it? I think most of us have those moments, right? That "how did I even get here?" feeling. Are you saying there's, like, an instruction manual for life or something? Alex: Well, not exactly an instruction manual, but close! Absolutely! That's exactly what we're talking about today. We're diving into Living Forward by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy. It's all about grabbing the steering wheel, creating a Life Plan. To actually live with intention, you know? Instead of bobbing along in the river of life. Michelle: A Life Plan, huh? Sounds... intense. Do I need to get, like, spreadsheets involved? Maybe a vision board? Alex: well, you could! Though I think it's really more practical than that. The book talks about "Life Accounts" – things like your relationships, your health, your career. It helps you really look at where you are now, figure out where you want to be, and then map out the steps to get there. Michelle: Okay, less “wishful thinking,” more “actual strategy". I can dig that. So, what are we breaking down today? Alex: We're going to look at three key things. First, we'll talk about "drift"—that feeling of just aimlessly floating along when life happens to you. Then, we'll get into the nitty-gritty of building a Life Plan that actually works, step by step. And finally, we'll talk about staying on track, how to stick with your plan, and reflect and hold yourself accountable to keep moving forward. Michelle: Drift, planning, and sticking to the plan - that's the whole shebang. Alright, let's see if this roadmap actually leads somewhere.

Alex: Exactly, Michelle . So, this book “really” hits on something important: drift . The authors, Hyatt and Harkavy, define it as basically slipping into a passive way of living, just reacting to stuff instead of actually steering your own course, you know ? Like, the opposite of living intentionally . Michelle: "Drift"... sounds almost romantic, right ? But seriously, what are we talking about here ? Is it just people being lazy, or is there more to it ? Alex: Oh, way more . It's not about laziness at all . It's more about feeling overwhelmed, constantly distracted, or just not “really” thinking about where you're going . Think about it: you're working crazy hours to pay the bills, notifications are blowing up your phone constantly, and before you know it, years have flown by, and you haven't even stopped to ask yourself, "Wait, is this really what I want ?" That's drift in a nutshell . Michelle: So, life becomes this… unintentional hamster wheel ? You're running like crazy, but maybe not towards anything that actually matters to you . Alex: Exactly ! It's that feeling of just being carried along by the current – maybe societal expectations, or family obligations, or just the general chaos of everyday life . The book has some good examples, like Sarah, a recent college grad drowning in student loan debt, right ? She completely put her passion for writing on the back burner, always saying, "I'll get to it later ." But “later” just kept getting further and further away . Michelle: Let me guess... "Later" turned into a total burnout ? Alex: You got it ! Sarah only realized she was drifting when she hit this wall of exhaustion and unhappiness, you know ? And her story is so relatable . It's what happens when we don't take the time to actually reflect and figure out what's truly important to us . Michelle: Okay, but hold on . I mean, a lot of people, like Sarah, don’t have time to sit around and contemplate their passions . Everyone's juggling work, kids, family, all that stuff, right ? Alex: That's a fair point, and Hyatt and Harkavy aren't saying life isn't demanding . What they're emphasizing is that without a clear idea of your values and priorities, those demands will just take over . Think of it this way: if you don't have a destination in mind, any road will do . But the wrong road can cost you a lot of time, energy, and ultimately, that feeling of fulfillment . Michelle: Wait, so we're talking about consequence management here ? You get caught up in distractions and overwhelm, and you miss out on what’s “really” important ? Alex: Precisely ! The consequences of drift can be huge – missed chances, a lost sense of who you are, and, yeah, regret . Hyatt even shares his own story about being a CEO during the Great Recession . He was so focused on work that he let his health, his family, basically everything else slide . Michelle: Sounds like a recipe for disaster . Alex: It was . He started having health problems and realized he was about to lose what mattered most, like his family and his sense of purpose, you know ? It was a wake-up call that came just in time, but not without some regrets along the way . Michelle: Regrets... that's a powerful word . I think it resonates because nobody wants to look back and think, "What if ?" Alex: Exactly ! That's why understanding this whole drift concept is so important . It's not just about fixing things when they're broken; it's about intentionally living in a way that prevents those regrets in the first place . Michelle: Got it . So, drift is this sneaky trap where you're just reacting to life, right ? But Alex, how do we even know we're drifting ? Sometimes, you're so deep in the chaos that it's hard to even see it happening . Alex: That's such a good question . I think one sign is just feeling overwhelmed or dissatisfied . Are you constantly busy but feeling kind of empty ? Do you have a hard time even explaining what you want out of life ? It's like, you know, when you realize you've been mindlessly scrolling through your phone for half an hour – you're just going through the motions without “really” thinking about it . Michelle: Okay, so recognizing drift means kind of auditing how we’re spending our days and energy . If we’re just spinning our wheels or feeling disconnected, that’s a warning sign . Alex: Exactly . And another big clue is whether your current life aligns with your core values . If it doesn't, if you're chasing goals that don't “really” mean anything to you, that's definitely drift . Michelle: Alright, so problem identified: drift is this sneaky, unintentional way of living that pulls people off course . So, next logical step... how do we fix it ? Or, even better, how do we avoid drifting in the first place ?

Alex: Great transition, Michelle. Recognizing that drift, that feeling of things just not being quite right, well, that naturally leads us to why we need a structured approach to life planning. And that’s where creating and implementing a Life Plan comes in—not just to correct course, but to give you a real compass for living intentionally. So, what we're diving into now is about practical application—how to actually build this solution and, more importantly, how to execute it effectively. Michelle: Alright, I'm with you. But let's get specific here. I mean, what does this Life Plan “actually” look like? Is it more than just a vague "get your life together" checklist? Alex: Oh, it's “way” more comprehensive than that! At its heart are what we call "Life Accounts." These represent the key areas of your life where balance and intentionality are absolutely crucial. Think of them as distinct categories, like health, relationships, career, finances, and personal growth. Each of these areas needs dedicated attention, almost like you're managing a portfolio of financial accounts. Michelle: So, sort of like budgets, but instead of dollars, we're allocating our energy and our focus? Alex: Exactly! And a tool like the Life Assessment Profile™, for example, can really help people take stock of these accounts. It helps you identify the areas where you're really thriving and the areas where you might be struggling a bit. It's a structured way of asking yourself, "Am I happy with where things stand in these important areas of my life?" And if the answer is no, well, then it's time to redistribute some effort toward what truly matters most to you. Michelle: And let me guess, this is where a serious reality check usually happens, right? Alex: Absolutely! You know, take Sarah's case, for example. She was a corporate professional in her mid-thirties, and her Life Assessment Profile really revealed some pretty serious imbalances. Sure, her career was absolutely thriving—she'd nailed all her professional goals—but it came at a personal cost. Her health and her social connections had really taken a back seat, and she was heading straight for burnout. Michelle: So what did she do? Did she drop everything and, like, start doing yoga with her friends or something? Alex: Not quite! Though, she did decide to prioritize two key areas. First, her health—she started with daily exercise and focused on getting better sleep. And then, her relationships—she dedicated weekly time to reconnect with her family and her friends. Just by making those tangible commitments to those specific Life Accounts, she found a renewed sense of fulfillment and balance in just a couple of months. Michelle: Hmm, I see the logic there. But isn't it really hard for people to actually figure out what to prioritize? I mean, everything feels urgent when you're right in the middle of it all. Alex: That's where tools like visual prioritization can come in handy. Some people like to simply number their Life Accounts, while others use color coding. This way, you can really focus your attention on what's been neglected the most. And typically, honestly, areas like health or relationships often demand immediate action because their absence tends to create the most visible cracks over time. Michelle: Kind of like fixing a leaky roof before you start obsessing over what color to paint the house. Makes sense. Alex: Exactly, Michelle. But the plan really doesn't stop at just identifying your priorities. It also asks you to really reflect on your legacy. And this is where the eulogy exercise comes into play. Michelle: Ah yes, the infamous "imagine your funeral" activity. I've got to say, that sounds...intense. Alex: It “can” be intense, absolutely, but it's also deeply illuminating. The eulogy exercise really pushes you to take a step back and think long-term. Like, "What do I really want people to say about me when I'm gone?" "What truly matters in the end?" It's not about thinking about death; it's about gaining clarity on life. Michelle: So, we're basically getting rid of the false priorities. Like, if your grand vision of success is retiring as CEO, but you're barely connecting with your kids “now”, then you might realize you've been chasing the wrong trophy all along. Alex: Exactly! There's a brilliant case study in the book of Jack, a very successful entrepreneur who actually went through this exact exercise. His first eulogy draft was completely dominated by all of his professional accolades, but it totally sidelined his personal relationships. And “that” stark realization was the real wake-up call he needed to redesign his Life Plan to focus more on his family. Michelle: And let me guess—he traded in those extra hours chasing deals at the office for some quality time with his kids? Alex: That's right! Jack started prioritizing those family dinners and intentionally scaled back his work commitments. And the result? Far more fulfilling relationships and a legacy that he was actually proud to start building right then and there, in the present. Michelle: Alright, I'll admit, that imagining your legacy thing is pretty powerful, even if it sounds a little heavy. But how do you actually bring all this down to earth? I mean, what stops this from just being another list of really great intentions that completely fall apart the moment life gets, you know, hectic? Alex: Well, that leads us right to Action Plans—structured, step-by-step strategies for each Life Account that you have. These plans are actually broken down into five really important components to make sure that your intentions actually translate into consistent action. Michelle: Five components? Okay, lay them out for me. Alex: Alright, so first, you start with a Purpose Statement. This statement defines the core essence of each Life Account. For your Health account, for example, someone might write, "To nurture my body so that I can live an active and vibrant life." Michelle: Alright, so it's like defining “why” this particular account even matters to you specifically. What's next? Alex: Okay, next you move on to your Envisioned Future—so, visualizing where you want to be with that Life Account in, say, three to ten years. For Health, this could be picturing yourself hiking or, you know, maybe playing sports with your kids. Michelle: Yeah, I'm guessing this future vision can really help you stay motivated on those tough days when you want to just skip the gym, right? Alex: Exactly, and that leads perfectly to step three: your Inspirational Quote. A meaningful mantra, something like, "He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything," can actually really reinforce your commitment when the going gets tough. Michelle: Okay, great, but let's be honest here. Motivation only lasts so long. Is there kind of a reality check somewhere in this process? Alex: Absolutely! And that's step four: Current Reality. This is where you take a hard, honest look at exactly where you are right now. For instance, it could be identifying unhealthy patterns or, honestly, just admitting that you've been neglecting your doctor's visits. Michelle: And I suppose step five is where the rubber really meets the road—defining specific and measurable actions? Alex: Exactly. Step five is all about defining your Specific Commitments using the SMART framework—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. So, take David as an example. He really wanted to improve his health, so his commitments became things like exercising four days a week, replacing junk food with fruits and vegetables, and scheduling those annual check-ups. Michelle: It's like connecting all the dots between that big aspiration and the actual execution. But you know what they say, planning is easy, it's the “follow-through” that's really tough, right? Alex: You're absolutely right, Michelle. That's why implementation is such a critical step all on its own. It's about really integrating these plans into your daily life, seamlessly and sustainably. And the book has some fantastic strategies for just that. Let's talk about them.

Alex: So, once you've got a Life Plan, it's all about keeping it alive and kicking. Hyatt and Harkavy “really” stress that making the plan is just step one. The “real” work is maintaining it and letting it grow with you. That’s where regular reviews come in – daily, weekly, quarterly, the whole shebang – to keep you on track and ready for whatever life throws your way. Michelle: Okay, Alex, but let's be honest. Daily, weekly, quarterly… isn't that a bit much? How am I supposed to squeeze all those reviews into my already crazy life? Alex: I hear you, it sounds like a commitment. But think of it like car maintenance. Daily is like glancing at your dashboard for warning lights, right? Weekly is topping off fluids, and the quarterly or annual ones? Those are your tune-ups and scheduled servicing. Each one has a purpose, and they all work together to keep things running smoothly. Michelle: Alright, I'll roll with the car analogy for now. So, let’s dive in, what about these daily reviews then? What do they actually involve? Alex: Daily reviews are about setting the tone for your day, intentionally. Before you get bombarded with emails and meetings, you take a few minutes to read your Life Plan, reconnect with your priorities, and remember why you're doing what you're doing. Michelle: So, it’s like a daily compass recalibration! I have to admit, that's way better than just stumbling blindly into the morning. Did the book have examples of people actually doing this? Alex: Absolutely, there's Lisa, a businesswoman, who started every day by reading her Life Plan. It helped her avoid getting bogged down in low-value projects and focus on high-impact things that lined up with her long-term goals. That clarity led to better results across the board. Michelle: Okay, daily alignment is good, but it's what you do the rest of the week that “really” matters, right? So, what's the purpose of these weekly reviews? Alex: Weekly reviews are like stepping back to see the bigger picture. It's your chance to think over what worked, what didn't, and how well your actions matched your Life Plan. Ron, another example from the book, used Sunday evenings for this. He had a demanding career and a family, so those weekly sessions helped him spot where he was drifting and make corrections – like spending more time with his wife and kids. Michelle: So it isn't just a matter of ticking off items on a to-do list. Instead, you're asking yourself if you allocated your time effectively, correct? Alex: Exactly. And it’s also about getting ready for the week ahead. Think of it like watching game film: what went wrong, what went right, and how can I win the next game? Michelle: Okay, makes sense. Now, what about these quarterly and annual reviews? Do we “really” need all these layers? Alex: Quarterly and annual reviews are all about looking at the big picture and making strategic realignments. Daily and weekly check-ins keep you on track day-to-day, but, you know, life changes, priorities shift, curveballs get thrown. Like, Michael Hyatt shared that he uses his annual reviews to evaluate major shifts with family, career, and health. One year he realized his teenage daughter needed more attention, so he adjusted his work schedule to prioritize mentoring her. Michelle: I suppose that's beneficial when you're dealing with bigger changes. But here's what I'm wondering – how often do people actually stick to this kind of thing? I can imagine a lots of people giving up after the first quarter, or even sooner. Alex: You're spot on, sustaining it can be a challenge. That's why the book emphasizes consistency and simplicity. Start small, maybe just with the weekly reflection, and build from there. Connect the review to something you already enjoy, like your morning coffee or Sunday meal prep. The more natural it feels, the more you'll do it. Michelle: Alright, the idea is growing on me. But let's shift gears slightly, there's another huge part of this puzzle - what about organizations and communities? Alex: Good question! Hyatt and Harkavy say that the good effects of Life Planning don't have to stop with individuals. Organizations and communities can get a lot out of using similar ideas. Michelle: So, now we're talking about bringing Life Plans to the workplace? What does that even look like, though? Am I going to hand my boss my eulogy? Alex: Not exactly! It starts with leaders setting an example. They can share parts of their Life Plans. For example, Hyatt talks about a CEO who shared how his Life Plan helped him balance work and caregiving for his aging parents. That vulnerability inspired his team to think about their own lives and priorities. Michelle: I can see how that builds trust – they’ll show that you're a person, not just a productivity machine. But what about regular employees, how does that trickle down? Alex: Organizations can hold workshops and give you tools, like Life Plan templates or dedicated reflection days. The book talks about an engineering company that encouraged employees to review their Life Plans monthly. Job satisfaction and teamwork improved. Michelle: Hmm, I can see that employees feel supported when workplaces invest in them personally, not just professionally. Is there a point where it feels like overreach, though? Alex: Absolutely, and choice is key. Employees should never feel pressured – it's about giving them tools and space, not orders. Some organizations even offer planning days as paid leave or flexible hours for reflection. It's about the opportunity, not the obligation. Michelle: Alright, fair. If organizations do this, what's the long-term gain? How does it benefit the company, not just the individual? Alex: Well, the idea is that people who are aligned and intentional make for strong, motivated teams. Reduced turnover, better morale, and increased productivity are key benefits. And culturally, it creates a workplace where people feel valued as whole individuals, not just employees. A win-win all around. Michelle: So, Life Planning isn't just a personal thing – it's also a leadership and culture strategy.

Alex: Okay, let's quickly recap what we've discussed today. We started by talking about "drifting"—that unintentional, reactive way of living that so often throws us off course. Then, we looked at how Life Planning can be a really powerful tool to regain that direction, using things like Life Accounts, legacy exercises, and making actionable commitments. And finally, we touched on how to sustain that plan with regular reviews, and even scale it out to impact organizations and communities. Michelle: Yeah, and what "really" struck me is that this isn't just about ticking off boxes or achieving goals. It's more about intentional living, making sure your daily actions actually align with your core values, you know, to avoid major regrets later on. Alex: Precisely! Life Planning isn’t just another productivity trick; it’s "really" a framework for building a life that's deeply meaningful to you. So, here’s a challenge for our listeners: take a moment, just pause and ask yourself honestly—am I drifting along, or am I living intentionally? And if you don’t particularly like the answer, what’s that one small, actionable step you can take today to start steering your life back toward a more purposeful direction? Michelle: Right, whether that's just blocking out some time for what truly matters to you, maybe redefining your priorities, or even just spending a few minutes reflecting on what you want your future to look like—you now have some of the tools. So, I guess the question is, is it finally time to start charting your course? Alex: Absolutely, we definitely think it is. After all, life’s "really" too short to just drift along, don't you think?