Design Your Ideal Life in Just 7 Minutes

Have you ever felt like your life is on autopilot, drifting away from what you truly want? It’s time to take back control and design a life you love through a powerful exercise!

Introduction to the Ideal Life Exercise

Picture this: you’re driving your dream car, living in a beautiful house, surrounded by family and friends, and indulging in your passions every day. Sounds dreamy, right? But how do you get there? Enter the Ideal End State Exercise—a practical method to align your actions with your deepest desires and design the road map to your best possible future.
This simple yet powerful exercise was sparked by a late-night chat I overheard between Michael Kjan Prorn and Kevin Dalstrom—two entrepreneurs who swear by this approach. Michael, the ex-founder of Skillshare, says Kevin might be “the most balanced person I’ve ever met,” all thanks to this exercise.

Understanding the Ideal End State Exercise

So what exactly is the Ideal End State Exercise? It’s remarkably straightforward but unbelievably transformative. All you need is a pen (or your favorite writing app) and about 7–10 focused minutes. Write down a bulleted list describing your ideal life. Be specific about every detail: your morning routine, the people around you, the work that energizes you, and the feelings you experience each day.
Every time I guide someone through this exercise—from college students to billionaires—it highlights striking inconsistencies between what they say they want and the actions they’re actually taking. By seeing these mismatches on paper, you gain clarity on where to adjust your current behaviors to align with your true aspirations.

“I’ve gone through this exercise with dozens of people, and it’s incredibly powerful. It really highlights the inconsistencies between what they say they want and their actions.”
— Ali Abdaal, reflecting on the Ideal End State Exercise

Guiding Questions to Spark Your Creativity

• What does your perfect morning look like, from the moment you wake up to your first cup of coffee?
• Who are the key people you want by your side, and how do you spend time with them?
• Which hobbies or creative pursuits make your heart truly sing?
• How does success feel to you—peaceful, thrilling, or something entirely unique?

Examples of What an Ideal Life Looks Like

To help you imagine the possibilities, here’s a snapshot of my own Ideal End State list. Notice how each bullet is specific, aspirational, and deeply personal:

• Personal Freedom: Choose my projects, collaborators, and working hours without constraints.
• Family Focus: A spacious home with four kids, an open-door policy for guests, plus two guest rooms staffed by a private chef and housekeeper.
• Health and Well-Being: Peak fitness with daily sports, yoga, long walks, and impromptu gym sessions.
• Meaningful Relationships: A deep, loving partnership with annual couples retreats and regular quality time.
• Financial Freedom: Travel at a moment’s notice—flying business class or even owning a private jet for ultimate flexibility.
• Creative Pursuits: Publish books on my schedule, with a supportive writing buddy and a seamless publishing process.

This list is just one example. Your bullets might include “garden at dawn,” “weekly jam sessions with friends,” or “hosting a productivity retreat.” The key is to capture what resonates most with you.

The Importance of Aligning Actions with Desires

Once you’ve drafted your ideal list, the next step is crucial: compare it with your current life. Are your daily actions propelling you toward that vision, or are they steering you off course? If you spot discrepancies—like owning a luxury car that isn’t on your list—you’ll be forced to ask tough questions:

• Are your choices reflecting what you truly want, or are they driven by societal expectations?
• What small changes can you implement today to start realigning your habits with your deepest desires?

Recognizing and addressing these gaps is the secret to living intentionally rather than on autopilot.

Encouragement to Try the Exercise

Here’s my challenge: take out your notebook or open your favorite writing app and dedicate just seven minutes right now to outline your ideal life. Don’t censor yourself—let your thoughts flow freely. If you’d like to record your stream of consciousness, try the VoicePal app and transform your spoken ideas into a rough draft.
Consider making this a weekly ritual. Over time, you’ll refine your vision and track how your actions evolve to match it. This simple discipline can be the catalyst for remarkable growth and fulfillment.

Conclusion and Invitation to Share Experiences

• Here’s your actionable takeaway: take just seven minutes right now to jot down your ideal life and reflect on whether your current actions align with this vision.

I genuinely believe this exercise can be a game-changer. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it went! Share your insights in the comments below or email me directly—I read every thoughtful message. For more resources, check out my LifeNotes newsletter or deep-dive into goal setting and life design in my essential skills playlist. Thank you for stopping by, and here’s to crafting a life you truly love!