The Principles of Life Design

Everyone has the potential to be the master designer of their life.

The art and science of life design is the deliberate crafting and curating of a life that meets your deepest desires.

To develop your ideal life, you can apply fundamental design principles.

Unity

Unity is the flow that connects various elements.

Each element of your design may be vastly different from the others. But, there should be a clear relationship with each element.

In life, we have many competing interests and values. Find the connections between all the elements to bring harmony to your overall design.

Pattern

The pattern is a predictable repetition of elements.

When used correctly, it brings comforting regularity and structure to your design.

Establishing patterns or routines can streamline your daily life. This will free mental energy for creativity and problem-solving.

Developing patterns reinforces key behaviors and minimizes stress.

Rhythm

Rhythm is the spacing between elements.

Music is about the notes, but it is also about the breath and pauses between notes. The space keeps the beat and directs the listener through the piece.

Set a pace for your life. Everyone has a different rhythm. Find and develop yours.

White Space

Also referred to as negative space, white space is the area of a design that has no elements.

This empty space is important for making a design uncluttered. It allows the important elements to stand out.

There is nothing negative about it. Build space in your life for reflection, thinking, and rejuvenation.

Movement

Movement is used to guide a viewer’s eye across the piece.

Effective positioning, emphasis, and alignment of the elements can lead the viewer from one element to another.

Your life should also have movement. A daily ebb and flow from element to white space. A steady progression and growth.

Stagnation leads to decay.

Variety

Variety is the use of different shapes, colors, textures, or other design elements.

When utilized properly, it prevents the design from being boring or monotonous. When used improperly, it will make the piece feel noisy with no coherent theme or objective.

Continually seeking new experiences and challenges will add energy to your life’s design.

Repetition

Reinforce an element or concept with repetition.

Building habits takes repetition. Improvement takes repetition. Learning takes repetition. Great health takes repetition.

See what I did there.

Hierarchy

Hierarchy, in design, is organizing elements according to their importance.

In life, establishing a hierarchy of values, priorities, and goals ensures your energy is spent on what matters most. An order of operation helps you move efficiently and effectively. Especially when you are busy.

This principle also aids in decision-making and alleviates stress by honing your focus.

Emphasis

Emphasis allows particular elements to stand out or to draw attention.

Focusing your effort on the areas where you can make the most impact. Pay attention to the parts of your life that provide you the most joy.

In your life design, you want to highlight and emphasize the key areas of your life.

Balance

Balance is the distribution of visual elements to create stability.

In life design, balance involves managing various aspects of your life. This ensures that no part is neglected.

You get to choose the appropriate balance. One element of your life may carry more weight than others. The importance of different areas may shift during new chapters of your life.

Proper balance allows you to enjoy all aspects of your life.

Contrast

Contrast is the use of opposing elements. Think light and shadow.

Life will give you various experiences and challenges, good and bad. Utilizing contrast is embracing a wide range of emotions and events.

The sorrow makes joy so much sweeter. The struggle makes the wins more satisfying.

Without the shadow, there is no light.

Use these principles as you see fit

All these principles can be used in isolation or in concert.

Art is subjective, and the same goes for life design. What looks like a beautiful life to one may not appeal to you.

You get to choose what principles to use and how to use them. The grand design of your life is up to you.

You are the master craftsman of your life.