How to Design Your Dream Life: A 4-Step Plan to Take Control of Your Future

Mar 03, 2025

by Kristina Karlsson

Have you ever felt like life is just happening to you, rather than you actively shaping it? Like you’re ticking off society’s checklist but still feeling unfulfilled?

If so, you’re not alone. And today, I want to share something that might change the way you think about your life.

A powerful quote by Jim Rohn says:

"If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much."

Let that sink in.

Because here’s the truth: if you’re not intentionally designing your dream life, you’re living someone else’s default.

And that’s not what we’re here for!

The good news?

You are the architect of your life. Just like building a dream home, creating a dream life requires a vision, a blueprint, and a plan.

Today, I’m sharing a 4-step framework to help you break free from autopilot and start designing a life that truly excites you. Open your mind fully, and come with me here...

Step 1: Dream Without Limits

Before we get into vision, goals, or action steps, we need to start with dreaming.

And not just any kind of dreaming—the big, bold, limitless kind.

Too often, we hold ourselves back by thinking:

🚫 "That’s not realistic."
🚫 "I don’t have the money for that."
🚫 "I’m too old to start over."

But what if we removed those limitations for just a moment?

🔹 ACTION STEP: Set a timer for 10 minutes, close your eyes, and let your mind wander. What would your life look like if you had unlimited resources, time, and courage? Write it down—no filters, no "how." Just dream.

Move on now and keep reading, but you really should do this exercise properly this weekend - it's so very valuable - and I have a free audio guide here and free downloadable worksheet here... to help you 💛

Step 2: Define Your Dream Life Vision

Now that you’ve allowed yourself to dream, let’s take it a step further by creating a vision.

Imagine it’s one year from today, and you are living your dream life.

Where do you wake up?
What does your ideal day look like?
Who are you spending time with?
How do you feel?

Your vision is your North Star. It guides you. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should excite you.

🔹 ACTION STEP: Write down three key priorities for how you want your life to feel in the next year. More freedom? Creativity? Financial security? Adventure? Define it!

Step 3: Set Your Non-Negotiables

Once you have a vision, it’s time to protect it by setting boundaries and non-negotiables.

These are the things you are no longer willing to accept in your life because they don’t align with your dream.

For example:

🚫 If work-life balance is a priority, working late nights is no longer an option.
🚫 If financial freedom is your goal, impulse shopping might be off the table.
🚫 If inner peace is your focus, toxic relationships need to go.

🔹 ACTION STEP: Write down three things you are saying NO to this year to protect your dream life.

Step 4: Create a 90-Day Action Plan

Dreaming is amazing—but action is where the magic happens.

That’s why I love 90-day planning cycles—they’re long enough to see progress but short enough to stay motivated.

Here’s how to break it down:

1️⃣ Choose one big goal for the next 90 days.
2️⃣ Break it into three smaller steps.
3️⃣ Define what you’ll do this month, this week, and today to move forward.

🔹 ACTION STEP: Write down your next 90-day goal and break it into three small, actionable steps.

We've designed this Quarterly Planning Journal to help with this. It's amazing.

Your Invitation to Plan Q2 With Me!

If this all feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone.

This March, I’m hosting a Dream Life Coaching Program, where I’ll personally guide you through planning your next 90 days—so you can step into Q2 feeling clear, confident, and unstoppable.

If you’re ready to take action and start living on your terms, sign up at yourdreamlifestartshere.com.

Final Challenge: Take One Step Today

✨ Write down ONE action step you’ll take today to start designing your dream life.

It doesn’t have to be big.

Maybe it’s journaling your dream, setting a boundary, or signing up for the coaching program. Whatever it is—commit to it.

And if you do this challenge, tag me on Instagram @ykristinadreamlife—I’d love to see what you’re creating!

Remember: You are the designer of your life.

Make it beautiful ✨💛