Designing Your Signature Life, Part 1

Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt
The Parts and Pieces:
In Part 1 of this 2 part series about designing your signature life, we’ll talk about how Interiors, Career Choices, Relationships, and Entertaining and Homemaking can all be wonderful opportunities for you to express your unique style.
Designing your signature life is not just about your home interiors but is instead about every aspect of your life. It is about truly designing your LIFE! Designing a signature life will enable you to get what you want by making a plan, establishing goals and creating a map to get there. By demonstrating flexibility and patience in each step you’ll be able to maximize your potential and the opportunities we each have. It’s about creating a life as unique as your own signature!
Interiors
Designing your home interiors is a process of self discovery. Each decision leads you closer to defining yourself, where you are right now and where you are headed. The elements you bring into your home represent the experiences you have had and those you still want to enjoy. The artwork you include is inspiration for everyday. The way you arrange furnishings indicates whether you are ready to invite others in or prefer to maintain a more solo existence. Your signature style at home can be read much like your signature on a piece of paper. Someone who doesn’t know you can learn a lot by looking around at the choices you have included. Those that do know you and pay attention will learn more and know how to contribute to your life at this point.
Your office interiors reflect your success and future visions as well as providing an environment that fosters productivity and accomplishment. An office is a significant statement about your career choice. Incorporating awards, recognition and evidence of your achievements reinforces your abilities and gives notice of your credibility. An inviting, comfortable space is something you can look forward to working in.
Interior design and decorating makes a fundamental impact on the individuals living in, working in and visiting a space. The impact is positive or negative based on the effectiveness of the design and sensitivity to its users. Design is a personal statement and needs to be a fair representation of the occupant.
Career Choices
Designing your career path can be complicated and involve several moves, shifts in talents and experience, and even additional education. It is about finding your purpose and your passion and merging them into a rewarding path. It is about being willing to explore a variety of interests and pursuits and expand your horizons beyond the site lines. It is about limitless thinking. It is about creating a life, not just a job. A career is also just a part of what we do and who we are. It does not define us or limit us, but instead allows us to give to others and make a positive impact on those around us.
Many people feel trapped by their work. They may be unhappy and complain relentlessly, but they are unwilling to make a change. Notice they are not unable, just unwilling. I am not suggesting that anyone randomly and irresponsibly quit their job; few of us can afford that. But we are all capable of making change, setting new goals, looking toward new horizons. Creating your signature life is all about the willingness to do this, and about knowing who to ask for guidance and direction.
Often a career or business coach is an invaluable investment when making a career transition or move up the ladder. Networking with other professionals and business associates is another important means of exploring new opportunities and paths. Being discreet but determined in your quest is often the real key. Don’t allow naysayers to discourage you. They are simply frustrated that they themselves are afraid to make a change.
Relationships
There is a wonderful old adage that says we are each the sum total of those we surround ourselves with. Are you really surrounding yourself with people that are positive, successful, excited about life, and making a difference? Or instead do you find yourself bogged down by those who are complaining, whining, and absorbed in victim thinking? It is a choice of who you attract and allow in your life. It is not an accident.
When you exhibit an upbeat attitude, optimism, and a generous spirit, typically you will attract the same types of people into your life. This isn’t to say we don’t all have gray days and down moments, but it is to say we have a choice in how we process the events in our lives and whether we consider something a failure or merely a lesson learned, however painful.
In the same way we often settle for less than we dream of in our work lives, we may also settle for less in relationships. We stop trying. We tell ourselves that what we have is better than having nothing at all. The result is often unhappiness and unhealthiness on both sides. Relationships require continual care and feeding regardless of whether they are with family, friends, romantic partners, coworkers, or acquaintances. When they are neglected they will wither. This applies even to our relationship with ourselves and our own spirituality. It is important for us to consistently feed ourselves kind words, good self-talk, and a faith beyond our own abilities. When we forget to do this, we find our well running dry, and our faith may falter. By keeping ourselves strong and our beliefs whole and active, we are there for ourselves and for others.
In Part 2 of this series we’ll look at the remaining areas of your life that call for your signature style and also address the bigger issues of balance, your influence on the rest of the world and creating a life plan that is continuously adjusting to your age and circumstances. Creating your signature life is about fulfilling your potential, being bold enough to leave your mark on the world, and feeling fulfilled and secure despite the often volatile nature of everyday life. Find your signature. Design your life. LIVE.