Daily Design

You look back at the end of your day and say, yeah, today rocked. I did everything I set out to do and more, I did it all with grace and skill, I learned something along the way, and my relationships with myself, my friends, my family, and even my clients deepened more than I thought possible.

Now, imagine having that experience every day.

Now, one step further, imagine how you might approach every day if you experienced that perfect day before it ever happened.

This is Daily Design.

At the start of every day, right after you brush your teeth or meditate or shower or whatever automatic first thing you do, write a message to your future self. I like to do something like this…

Holy shit, Logan. Another incredible day. Today went by so quickly, but I feel like I experienced every tiny moment. I woke up with energy and a deep sense of love, purpose, and appreciation. As I got ready for today, I knew I had what it would take to rise to these challenges. My morning writing flowed so smoothly, so joyfully. I felt such a sense of pride as I completed yet another day of giving that exercise my all. When Tristan woke, we shared tender moments of laughter and intimacy, acknowledging our mutual gratitude for our relationship. I felt on fire creatively, as I so often do now, that, after breakfast, I moved easily into my work, refining ideas for how to take my clients to their own next levels. While I worked through some difficult ideas, my self-confidence flared each time I connected with my higher purpose…

…and so on.

Couple things you might have noticed:

1. I’m writing in the past tense, even though I’m writing this in the morning about the coming day. There’s real power in this, as it creates the idea that not only will I do these things, I am the kind of person who does these things.
2. I’m writing very superlatively, taking the experience to the heights of emotional and mental expression. It felt awkward and forced at first, and still does sometimes, but when I let go and just slip into it, my mind and body fully engage.
3. I acknowledge the likelihood of encountering challenges & difficulties! I’m not painting a perfect picture where everything comes easily and works out perfectly. Instead, I’m anticipating not only facing challenges but handling them with grace and skill.
4. I’m using words for emotions that I love experiencing. Sense of purpose, connection, appreciation, confidence, and more. Sure, life isn’t always like this, but by priming your brain to expect those experiences, you’re moer likely to create them.

There’s more you may have noticed, or maybe not, but I’m writing this right before bed, and I’m getting sleepy.

More on this tomorrow, including what to do with it once you write it, and what to do at the end of the day.

Stay tuned!

(or don’t, if you read my very first post.)

(I put my own spin on the Daily Design process, but credit to Lauren Zander via Hugh Jackman on The Tim Ferriss Show. Hear the whole interview.)