I wanted to build a life I don’t have to retire from…

Journaling in Bali 2024

One day I asked myself: what would my dream life look like? Do I want to work hard, play hard, and crash at the end of every week? Or would I rather wake up each morning with energy, excitement, and a burning desire to embrace the day?

You know the answer: I wanted a life that followed my internal rhythm. So I left my corporate lawyer job and became a holistic life coach.

But before that big change, I went deep diving within myself and went through the motions of self-discovery and if I had to summarise it for someone else I would put it in 3 big steps.

Why Most People Skip the Important Steps

Let’s be real for a second. When it comes to creating change, most of us want quick results. We’re tempted to skip the reflection part or brush past the foundations because it feels too slow. We want the shiny dream house without building the groundwork first.

But here’s the truth: life doesn’t work like that. If you want lasting change—a life that genuinely feels good—you need to approach it like building a house. Every single step matters.

You can’t build a dream life on a shaky foundation.

Step 1: Figure Out What You Really Want

This might sound obvious, but let’s be honest—it’s not always easy to figure out what you actually want. Many of us have been so busy living up to expectations, chasing goals we didn’t even set for ourselves, or just trying to keep our heads above water that we lose sight of what really makes us happy.

Take some time to ask yourself:

• What’s missing in my life?

• What lights me up and fills me with energy?

• What do I want more of, and what do I need less of?

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Write it down, talk it out with a trusted friend, or work with a coach if you need help uncovering the answers.

Step 2: Start Small or Go Big?

Once you’re clear on what you want, it’s time to map out a plan. And here’s where most people get stuck.

Not every change needs to be a massive life overhaul. Sometimes, it’s about making small, sustainable tweaks to your routine that improve your quality of life. Other times, it’s about making bold moves—like changing careers, ending toxic relationships, or moving to a new city.

The key is to figure out what kind of change you need and start taking steps toward it.

• Small, incremental changes might look like prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, or carving out time for a hobby you love.

• Big, bold changes might involve quitting a draining job, starting a new business, or rethinking how you spend your time.

Both are valid. Both can change your life.

Step 3: Build Your Foundation

This step is where the magic happens. Think of it like building the house of your dreams. Every piece you add supports the next:

• Step 1: Clarity – You’ve figured out what you want.

• Step 2: Action Plan – You’ve mapped out the steps you need to take.

• Step 3: Sustainable Lifestyle – You’re creating a life that works for you, not against you.

Skipping steps—or rushing through them—might feel tempting, but it’s what leads to burnout and frustration. You can’t skip the foundation if you want your house to stand strong.

What Does Your Dream Life Look Like?

Now, this is the big-picture stuff. Take a moment to imagine your ideal life.

• Do you want to wake up every day feeling energized and inspired?

• Do you want balance, where work and play coexist without one overtaking the other?

• Do you want the freedom to live in alignment with your values?

  
  

Creating a sustainable life is about making choices that support that vision. It’s not just about “working hard and playing hard” until you crash. It’s about building something steady and joyful that you can keep growing into.

A Word of Caution: Don’t Skip the Hard Parts

I’ll let you in on a secret: most people want to fast-forward through the uncomfortable stuff. Reflection, uncovering the root causes of dissatisfaction, and setting the foundation for change—it’s not always fun.

But if you skip these steps, it’s like building a house without pouring the foundation. Sure, it might look great at first, but it won’t last.

If you’ve been tempted to jump ahead or skip steps, take a breath. Slow down. This is your life, and it’s worth the effort.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re just starting to figure out what you want or you’re ready to take bold action, I’m here to guide you.

Follow me on Instagram @mindfulconnecting for more inspiration, tools, and strategies to help you build a life that feels as good as it looks. Let’s take this journey together.

Because you deserve a life that energizes you, fulfills you, and makes you excited to wake up in the morning.

Final Thoughts

Building a life you love isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about showing up for yourself, step by step, and creating a foundation that supports the vision you have for your life.

So, what’s the first step you’ll take today?

With loving presence,

Florina

Mindful Connecting