How to Design Your Dream Life (in 7 Minutes)

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker introduces the 'Ideal End State Exercise,' a powerful tool for designing a life aligned with one's desires. The exercise, popularized by entrepreneur Kevin Dalstrom, involves creating a detailed list of an ideal life, including daily activities, relationships, and feelings. By comparing this vision with current actions, individuals can identify gaps and make necessary adjustments to achieve a truly fulfilling life. The speaker also shares his personal list, highlighting the exercise's effectiveness in clarifying life goals and promoting a balanced lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 🕘 The video script is a personal account of an exercise that can help design a life one truly loves, shared after a visit to family.
• 📚 The 'Ideal End State Exercise' is a practical tool mentioned by Michael Kjarnprorn, the ex-founder of Skillshare, during an interview with Kevin Dalstrom.
• 🧘 Kevin Dalstrom is a successful entrepreneur and investor who also excels in rock climbing and family life, embodying balance.
• 📝 The exercise involves creating a bulleted list of what one's ideal life would look like, with specifics on daily activities, feelings, and surroundings.
• 🔍 It reveals inconsistencies between what people say they want and their actual actions, prompting self-reflection and alignment.
• 🚗 An example given is the purchase of a fancy car which might not align with one's stated life goals, indicating a need for honest self-assessment.
• 💭 The speaker shares their own 'ideal end state' list, including personal and professional aspirations, health goals, and philanthropic endeavors.
• 🎤 The exercise is recommended for everyone, from college students to billionaires, and can be done using voice recording apps for convenience.
• 🔄 After completing the exercise, one should compare current life with the ideal state to identify misalignments and make necessary adjustments.
• 🌐 The speaker also mentions a '10% pledge' for both personal and business life, committing to donate a portion of profits to effective charities.
• 🎬 Lastly, the video encourages viewers to engage with the content by doing the exercise and sharing their insights, either publicly or privately.

Q & A

Who is Michael Kjellgren and what is his connection to Skillshare?

Michael Kjellgren is the ex-founder of Skillshare, an online learning community with thousands of classes for creative and curious people. He sold Skillshare for a substantial amount of money.

What is the Ideal End State exercise and how does it help in life design?

The Ideal End State exercise is a practical tool that helps individuals align their actions with their desires. It involves creating a bulleted list of what one's ideal life would look like, being very specific about daily activities, feelings, and surroundings. This exercise can highlight inconsistencies between what people say they want and their actual actions, helping them to design a life they truly love without the need to escape from it.

Who is Kevin Dalstrom and what are his notable achievements?

Kevin Dalstrom is a four-time founder, three-time Chief Marketing Officer, and an investor in over 55 companies. He is known for pursuing rock climbing at an elite level while also prioritizing his family life, making him an example of a balanced individual according to Michael Kjellgren.

What is the significance of the bulleted list in the Ideal End State exercise?

The bulleted list in the Ideal End State exercise serves as a detailed blueprint of one's ideal life. It should include specific elements such as daily activities, relationships, work preferences, and personal goals. This list helps to identify and bridge the gap between current actions and desired outcomes.

How does the Ideal End State exercise differ from other life planning exercises?

The Ideal End State exercise focuses on creating a comprehensive and detailed vision of an ideal life, rather than just setting goals or planning actions. It encourages individuals to think about every aspect of their lives, from work to personal relationships, and to be honest with themselves about what they truly desire.

What is the role of honesty in the Ideal End State exercise?

Honesty is crucial in the Ideal End State exercise as it ensures that the individual is truthful about their desires and aspirations. It helps to reveal any misalignment between one's stated goals and their actual actions, which is essential for making meaningful changes towards a more fulfilling life.

What is the purpose of the voice app mentioned in the script?

The voice app, which is being developed by the speaker and his business partner, turns spoken words into a rough first draft. It was used by the speaker to record his thoughts during the Ideal End State exercise, demonstrating a practical application of the exercise.

How does the speaker suggest using the Ideal End State exercise for personal growth?

The speaker suggests using the Ideal End State exercise to gain clarity on what one truly wants in life. By comparing the current reality with the ideal future state, individuals can identify areas where their actions need to change to align with their desires, leading to personal growth and fulfillment.

What are some examples of items that the speaker included in his own Ideal End State list?

The speaker's Ideal End State list includes having the freedom to work as he pleases, having a large family, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, having a deep loving relationship, traveling freely, writing books, having a co-working space close to home, organizing annual trips, and continuing to create content like videos when inspired.

What is the significance of the '10% pledge' mentioned by the speaker?

The '10% pledge' is a commitment made by the speaker, both personally and for his business, to donate 10% of profits to effective charities each year. This reflects a desire to contribute to philanthropy and make a positive impact beyond personal success.

How does the speaker encourage others to engage with the Ideal End State exercise?

The speaker encourages others to pause the video and engage with the Ideal End State exercise by writing their own bulleted lists. He also invites them to share their experiences through email or comments, fostering a community of individuals exploring their ideal life visions.