#337 - MM: "If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s ..."
Welcome to another short but empowering episode of Monday Motivation, giving you a dose of inspiration as you head into your week...
Today, we explore a powerful quote from legendary entrepreneur and motivational speaker Jim Rohn:
"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."
Here are three key takeaways you can expect from this episode:
1️⃣ Why designing your life plan is essential for fulfillment and success.
2️⃣ The four-step framework to take control and create a life you love.
3️⃣ A simple challenge to get you started today!
Take this opportunity to break free from living on autopilot (if you are?!) and start shaping a life that excites you.
Listen in and discover how small, intentional steps can lead to massive transformations—so you can truly live life on your own terms.
As always, I’d LOVE to hear what resonates with you from this episode and what you plan to implement after listening in. So please share and let’s keep the conversation going in the Dream Life Podcast Facebook Group here.
💛 Have a wonderful week …and remember, it all starts with a dream 💛

Dream Life & kikki.K Founder
SHOW NOTES:
- Join my Platinum Coaching Program - where in March our focus is on Planning for the Quarter Ahead. Align your plans with your key dreams & specific goals. Reflect, refine, reenergise and lock in for continued success. Learn more here.
- Join my virtual book club GROW for March where we meet weekly on Zoom to discuss and squeeze the learnings from great books. This March we're reading Time Wise, by Amantha Imber. Dominate your day and level up your life, using the secrets and habits of highly effective people. Learn more here.
- Dream Life Community Facebook Group: Connect with like-minded dreamers.
RESOURCES:
- Sign up to our email list here to hear about upcoming workshops.
- Take your first step to getting clarity on what you want from life with this free bonus dreaming exercise here 101 Dreams Audio Guide
- Buy Kristina's book, Your Dream Life Starts Here
- Discover how close you are to living your Dream Life. Take our 5min Quiz here and get personalised insights emailed to you...
TRANSCRIPT:
Hello & Welcome back to another episode of Monday Morning Motivation, your go-to podcast for starting the week with inspiration, clarity, and purpose.
I’m Kristina Karlsson, your guide on this journey of designing a life you truly love.
The Power of Designing Your Own Life
Today, I want to share a powerful quote from the legendary Jim Rohn:
“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.”
Wow—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? That’s not what we do here.
So grab your journal, pour a cup of tea or coffee, and let’s dive into how you can start taking control of your life—starting today.
Why You Need to Design Your Life Plan
Let’s be real—so many of us live on autopilot. We wake up, go through the motions, meet expectations, and before we know it… years have passed. We might check all the right boxes—career, relationships, responsibilities—but still feel unfulfilled.
I know this feeling well. When I first arrived in Australia, I felt completely lost. I was working a job that didn’t excite me and had no clear direction. It wasn’t until I started intentionally designing my life that things changed.
If you’ve been feeling stuck or like something is missing, it’s probably because you’re not actively designing your life. And you deserve better.
Think of yourself as the architect of your dream life. A beautiful home doesn’t build itself—it needs a blueprint, a vision, and a plan. And the same goes for your life.
So today, I’m sharing four key steps to help you take back control and design a life that excites you.
The 4 Steps to Designing Your Life Plan
Step 1: Dream Freely
Before we talk about vision, goals, or action steps, we need to start with dreaming—without limitations.
We’re so used to being practical, focusing on what’s realistic or responsible. But today, I want you to do the opposite. Dream BIG. Wild. Bold. Like a child again.
What would you do if money, time, or fear weren’t holding you back? If you could create a life that truly excites you, what would it look like?
🔹 ACTION STEP: Set a timer for 10 minutes, close your eyes, and let your mind wander. No limitations. No “how.” Just what if? Then, write down whatever comes up.
Step 2: Define Your Dream Life Vision
Now that you’ve allowed yourself to dream, let’s take it further by creating a vision.
Imagine it’s one year from today, and you are living your dream life.
- Where are you waking up?
- What are you doing during the day?
- Who are you spending time with?
- How do you feel?
Your vision is your North Star. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should excite you.
🔹 ACTION STEP: Write down three key priorities for how you want your life to feel over the next year. Do you want more freedom, creativity, adventure, financial security? Write them down.
Step 3: Set Your Non-Negotiables
Once you have a vision, it’s time to set boundaries and non-negotiables. These are the things you are no longer willing to accept in your life.
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 have got 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 wonderful, but action is where the magic happens. That’s why I love planning in 90-day cycles—it’s long enough to see real progress but short enough to stay motivated.
Choose one big goal for the next 90 days. Write it down. Now, break it into three smaller steps:
1️⃣ What can you do this month to move forward?
2️⃣ What can you do this week?
3️⃣ What can you do today?
If you repeat this process every quarter, you’ll be amazed at how much your life transforms in just one year.
Your Invitation: Plan Q2 With Me!
I know that creating a life plan can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone.
This March, I’m hosting a special Dream Life Coaching Program, where I’ll 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, this is for you. Head over to yourdreamlifestartshere.com to sign up.
Your Monday Challenge
✨ 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 [@yourhandle]—I’d love to see what you’re creating for yourself!
Alright, my friends, let’s make this an amazing week.
Remember: You are the designer of your life. Make it beautiful.
And don’t forget Jim Rohn’s words:
"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."
I’ll be back on Friday with another inspiring episode.
Until next time, dream big and take action. ✨💛
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