Design Your Life and Maximize It!
Posted on July 07, 2025 by Hannah Voetberg MA, MSW, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
What kind of life do you want? Is the "status quo" with its mediocrity enough, or are you looking for something more whole and fulfilling?
Have you ever considered the idea of “normal”? That is what most people desire, even if it is a bit nebulous.
The “norm” actually comes out of research. It has to do with where the majority of subjects fall in data collection.
My question to you: Is this all you want, or would you like to go for something better?
The three problems with normal are:
- Each of us is unique, so fitting into this elusive category is impossible.
- Trying to fit into the norm is very limiting. In order to do this, we often have to lower expectations and deny our own strengths.
- “Normal” often amounts to mediocrity, nothing more.
For anyone who is gifted or lives with something like ADHD, hearing loss, blindness, a physical disability, chronic illness (whether physical or mental,) being outside the norm is especially challenging. Society perceives us as less capable; therefore, resources, expectations and opportunities can be more scarce. If we are to succeed, we will have to design our own lives and build from there. If you are new to chronic illness or disability, for example, and you look for help on the Internet, you will find plenty about how to get Social Security or cope with the stress of an illness. You will have to search very hard, however, to find what you need to maximize your life, condition and all.
For people who seem to fall within the parameters of “normal”, the challenge is a little different: It is like getting sucked into a soft, cushy spot that holds you in place when you try to get up. Comfort can act like an anesthetic, making you just happy enough …
So then, if you want to design and maximize your life, what is the plan?
Find a place to sit and ponder for a while, where you won’t be disturbed. If you want a glass of something without alcohol to drink that is fine. Avoid food for the time being: Research shows that we concentrate less when we are eating.
Personally, I prefer paper instead of electronics for this exercise.
Bring a pen, possibly some colored pencils and/or clay so that you engage both sides of your brain.
Now, answer the following questions:
1. List words that describe your ideal life.
2. Number your list, starting with 1 – The most important word.
3. In your ideal life, where would you live? What would you be doing?
4. What part of your ideal is most achievable? This is the “low hanging fruit.”
5. What would you have to do in order to accomplish this? If you don’t really know, this will be your first research project.
As you work through all of this, feel free to doodle, write thoughts down or work some clay with your hands to help with clarification. Often, it is the less cognitive side of our brains that hold the deeper secrets; taking a more creative approach helps to unlock them.
6. What is the cost of enacting your plan? What are the barriers or pitfalls? How can you solve or address them?
7. When you are ready, share your thoughts and plans with important people in your life. Choose your confidantes carefully.
Hiring a coach to come alongside you in the process can be very empowering and helpful. Our job: Help to build the vision, identify limiting belief or blind spots, assist in developing options, keep you on track.
A friend once told me that people who want to be whole and successful have to “climb the rocks.” Many people never go there because the journey seems to difficult.
One resource that you might enjoy is “The Dream Giver,” by Bruce Wilkinson. It is a short, easy read. There is also a journal you can get to go with it.
