You will notice a theme running through a lot of my writing about changing the course of your life - it is the process of designing.   As an undergrad, I minored in Architectural Design which meant planning the spaces that make up a building or a home. The goal was to design a home with the most useable space for the least cost. Later, I moved into the specialty of kitchen design which requires a practical approach to how a kitchen is arranged. The priorities in kitchen design are adequate, orderly storage and the ability to move around the food preparation area efficiently. 

 This field appealed to me since I seem to have a natural gift for organization and an innate interest in understanding how various elements of things relate to each other.  I have a very practical nature and approach changes in a sensible, orderly manner.

When I decided to change careers and work to help people find a happier and more meaningful way to live, I named my web-site Life & Work By Design for a reason.  Designing a home or a kitchen requires following a step-by-step process and I believe that changing our life course does also. 

 

The first step to home design is to assess which spaces are required, the importance of each one and what furnishings will be needed. The next step is to determine how large the house will be and how it will be shaped.  Then an architect starts to sketch these various spaces until they begin to work together in an integrated whole that fits within the walls.  A creative designer researches new ideas and products, and constantly checks details and dimensions.  Eventually a completed floor plan provides the homeowner with a picture of the final goal and he/she can begin to build a house. 

Designing your ideal life is a very similar process.  As you read through the various articles and tip sheets on my website and blog, you will see that I use a step-by-step approach to help my clients define the various parts (or spaces) of their lives, decide which ones are the most important to change, and then start sketching a vision of what a re-designed life and career might look like.  

I use the many resources that are available to me to find creative ideas, and will help you check the details to make sure the final plan can work.  Then the process of building a new life can begin. 

 

Changing the course of your life is not an easy process and every client will not decide to become self-employed. But I hope that each one will come away from the coaching experience understanding how to create a life that brings greater rewards and fulfills his or her special dream.