“Live by design, not by default”

In early 2018, I had the opportunity to read Mr. Shiv Khera's book "You Can Achieve More," and one statement, in particular, stuck with me: "Live by design, not by default."

I began to wonder if this was even conceivable for me, and I began to think seriously about it. When I delved deeper into this statement and understood that it had a deeper meaning, I realized that it meant "to live a purposeful life."

To put it another way, living life by "design" entails having a "meaningful objective" in life, devising "a strategy" to achieve the goal, and then "acting" on the plan to achieve the goal. As a result, living life by design entails having a dream, making a strategy to achieve the objective, and working (hard) to achieve the goal. This, in turn, leads to a fulfilling life.

Living life by default, on the other hand, is to live a "mediocre" existence devoid of any desires, objectives, or goals. It's akin to "going with the flow." It's possible that such a life isn't worth living.

When I compared this to my circumstance (in 2018), I recognized that I'm likewise living life by "default," with no precise aim or purpose, and doing work that has no value or potential for advancement. So many of us are victims of living a "default" life. But why is this the case?

The reasons are simple: we don't want to leave our comfort zones, we don't have the ability to accept life or career risks, and, most importantly, we are unwilling to invest in ourselves.

When I began working on those things that could assist me in living life by "design," I was able to pursue a professional path that I desired. Everyone can do it if they understand that they, not others, are in charge of their own fate.

Life is a single entity, and you are its CEO; it is up to you whether to live a life by "design" or by "default."

?"Winners don't mind losing, but losers don't like winning."