Create a Life Worth Living

New products have landed in the Shop! Check them out Here!

10 Steps to Designing a Life You Love in 2025

By Tess O'Brien


DISCLOSURE: We may receive compensation for links to products or services on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my full Affiliate Disclaimer here.

Why 2025 Is the Year for Change

Do you feel stuck in a cycle of just surviving—going through the motions day after day, waiting for life to get better? You’re not alone. For years, I accepted less than I deserved, living in survival mode and feeling trapped in a life that didn’t feel like my own.


But let me ask you this: Who benefits from you staying small?


Some people like to say we’ve become “too individualistic,” that it’s selfish to chase your dreams instead of sticking to the roles society expects you to play. But who is helped if you stay the same? Your employer? The government, collecting your income taxes? Certainly not you, and certainly not the hundreds—maybe thousands—of people you could inspire if you followed your heart.


Designing a life you love is not just about personal happiness; it’s about living with purpose. It’s about waking up excited for life, not dreading it. It’s about showing others that there is another way to live. 2025 can be your turning point.

If you’re ready to take control of your story, these ten actionable steps will guide you toward a life that feels fulfilling and aligned with who you truly are.



Step 1: Reflect on Where You Are Now

To design a life you love, you need to start by taking an honest look at your life as it is right now. Are you happy with the direction you’re heading? Are you stuck in routines that drain your energy and steal your joy? Are your daily habits supporting your long-term goals? If not, it’s time to reflect.


Think about this: Are you living in survival mode, just trying to get through each day? If so, it’s no wonder you feel unfulfilled. Recognizing this is the first step toward change.


Ask yourself:

  • What’s working in my life right now?
  • What feels misaligned or draining?


This reflection will give you the clarity needed to make intentional changes.



Step 2: Define Your North Star (Vision Planning)

Getting clear on your vision is like setting your North Star—it’s your roadmap to a fulfilling life. To design a life you love, you need to know where you’re going. What does your dream life look like in 1, 3, or 5 years? Take the time to map it out, write it down, and get specific.


For example:

  • Where do you want to live?
  • What kind of work fulfills you?
  • How do you want to feel each day?
  • What kinds of people do you surround yourself with?


Once you define your vision, you’ll know what to prioritize and what to let go of. Cut out anything that isn’t aligned with where you want to go.


Get Your Free 10 Page

"Design Your Life: 2025 Actionable Checklist"

& Start Designing Your Dream Life Now!

Free 10 Page Design You Life Actionable Checklist. A guided journaling exercise to help you have your best year yet.

Don't worry, I hate spam too! I will never spam you or sell your information. You can unsubscribe from my emails at any time!


Step 3: Break Free from Society’s Expectations

Society often pressures us to stick to predefined roles, but fulfilling expectations that don’t resonate with your heart will only leave you feeling empty. Ask yourself: Are you living for others’ approval, or are you chasing what truly lights you up?


What if your purpose is bigger than fulfilling a job title or living for the promise of a pension? What if chasing your dream inspires others to do the same?


Remember, pursuing your dreams isn’t selfish—it’s life changing. When you decide to go after your vision, you not only change your own life but you have the opportunity to change the lives of others as well. You could be the generational curse breaker who carves the path for your children, and the generations after them, to live a better life.



Step 4: Embrace Small Steps Toward Change

Big dreams don’t happen overnight. They’re built one small, intentional step at a time. The key is to act in alignment with your vision, even in the smallest ways.


Adopt habits that the future version of you would have. For example, if your vision involves financial freedom, start by learning about budgeting or creating a side hustle.


Start Taking Action:

  • Start journaling to clarify your thoughts.
  • Learn a new skill that supports your goals.
  • Dedicate even just 10 minutes a day to a passion project.


Each small step builds momentum.



Step 5: Prioritize Your Mental and Physical Health

A calm nervous system is the foundation for building a life you love. When stress dominates your life, it’s hard to dream, let alone act on those dreams. Prioritizing your mental and physical health isn’t just about self-care; it’s a foundational step to living a better life.


For me, managing my chronic illness and mental health has been a huge part of this journey. I’ve learned to listen to my body, set boundaries, and create routines that support my well-being.


Find what works for you—whether it’s mindfulness, movement, or simply saying “no” to things that drain your energy. Create routines that work for your unique needs.



Step 6: Invest in Your Future Self

The most important investment you can make is in yourself. This means dedicating your time, energy, and even your money to becoming the person you want to be.


Start by prioritizing activities, education, and relationships that align with your vision. Investing in your personal growth is non-negotiable.


This includes:

  • Allocating time to learn and grow.
  • Spending money on tools, courses, or resources that help you move closer to your vision.
  • Nurturing relationships that support and uplift you.


Remember, every choice you make is a vote for the person you are becoming.


Image text- “Prioritize investing in your new identity.”

Square Instagram graphic with the test, "Prioritize investing in your new identity." In aesthetic pastel lilac, white, and light teal with subtle teal mandala shapes in the background. @TessOBrienCreative

Step 7: Shift from Victim Mentality to Creator Mindset

Life is hard -ask me how I know- but staying in a victim mindset only keeps you stuck. By choosing to act intentionally rather than floating around reacting to circumstances, you are reclaiming your power.


Ask yourself:

  • How can I turn this obstacle into an opportunity?
  • What’s one thing I can do today to move forward?


The moment you shift your mindset from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What can I do with this?” you’ll notice a ripple effect. Opportunities will appear, and life will start to feel less like it’s happening to you and more like something you’re creating. Put yourself back in the driver’s seat.



Step 8: Build Consistency and Momentum

When you commit to your vision, the universe often responds in kind. It’s amazing what can happen when you start showing up consistently for yourself.


Momentum doesn’t require perfection—just persistence. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and keep moving forward.


Pro Tip: Use a habit tracker or journal to celebrate your small wins and keep your progress visible.



Step 9: Align Your Life with Joy and Purpose

They say, “What you focus on, you attract”-and it’s true. Life is too short to settle for anything less than what sparks joy. Stop settling for the bare minimum and shift your focus. What excites you? What fills your heart with meaning? Make those things a priority.


Examples of aligning with joy:

  • Pursue hobbies or creative outlets that light you up.
  • Spend time with people who inspire and energize you.
  • Let go of activities that drain your energy or don’t align with your vision.


When I shifted my focus to what truly mattered, and off of what wasn’t perfect, I began waking up excited for life instead of dreading it. You can do the same.



Step 10: Stay Resilient and Hopeful

Let’s be real: Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I’m not about toxic positivity. I know that even the best laid plans will encounter challenges. But even in the darkest of times, small choices can create big shifts. When setbacks happen, return to your North Star, adjust as needed, and keep going. Resilience is key.


Remember: Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.


You have the power to change your life—one decision, one step at a time. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. This is your year.



Let’s Make 2025 the Year for Transformation: Your Journey Starts Now

This year, take the wheel of your own life and decide where you want to go.


2025 is your year to break free from survival mode and start living intentionally. By reflecting on your life, defining your vision, and taking aligned steps, you can design a life that feels exciting, purposeful, and truly your own.


Prioritize the new you, invest in your dreams, and step into your power. Your future self will thank you.


Let’s change your life, babe. 2025, let’s goooo! 💕✨


Follow along with the blog for ongoing support and inspiration as I will be laying out the roadmap for you one post at a time!



Pin This For Later! 📌
Pin image for "10 Steps to Designing a Life You Love in 2025" blog post written by Tess O'Brien, aesthetic image depicting beautiful winter mountain sunrise scene with the words "It's Time To Take Control of Your Story", in a pastel white, lavender, and teal colour palette.
Profile Photo of Tess O'Brien. Aesthetic feminine circular frame with pastel lilac background and light teal border.

Hey I'm Tess!
A Canadian multi-passionate with an obsession for all things mindset & personal growth, finance, and creative entrepreneurship on a mission to design a life I don't need to escape from.

I help dynamic entrepreneurs & educators define their vision, create their brand, and build online income streams that help them live life beyond survival!


YouTube Follow
Instagram Follow
Pinterest Follow

DISCLOSURE: We may receive compensation for links to products or services on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my full Affiliate Disclaimer here.

Check out what's new in our Shop!

Shop Our Notion Templates and other digital products

My Diagnosis Diary is available for purchase now on Amazon!

Shop my Diagnosis Diary Health & Symptom Tracker Journal on Amazon

Want to hear about my next projects? Subscribe to my newsletter

Don't worry, I hate spam too! I will never spam you or sell your information. You can unsubscribe from my emails at any time!

Get access to thousands of craft files
Tess O'Brien

Uncover the empowering magic of
Life Design for Dynamic Entrepreneurs and build a life that funds itself.

YouTube Follow
Instagram Follow
Pinterest Follow

Get in touch

Feel free to get in touch with us via email:

tessobrien.products@gmail.com

Subscribe

Website Design by Tess O'Brien Creative

© Tess O'Brien. All Rights Reserved. Republishing Of Content Without Permission Is Prohibited.

Your Website