Living Forward

A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want

by Michael Hyatt, Daniel Harkavy

4.5(1,833 ratings)

12 min read

Brief overview

This book focuses on the danger of drifting through life without a plan and offers a proven method to create one. Readers discover how to honestly assess where they are, develop a vision for where they want to be, and bridge the gap with clear, purposeful steps.

Introduction

Life often feels like an unstoppable current, sweeping you along uncertain paths. Many people find themselves working day after day, absent a sense of direction or fulfillment. It’s not that they lack talent or ambition—rather they lack a clear road map for what they want out of life.

That’s where creating a Life Plan comes in. A solid plan allows you to step out of the daily currents and evaluate how your time and energy match your deepest values. It’s a chance to become an active participant in shaping your future, instead of being swept downstream by never-ending tasks.

The promise is straightforward: by identifying what matters most and dedicating regular attention to it, you foster tangible milestones to track your progress. Rather than drifting, you choose your path. The difference shows up in your health, relationships, finances, and personal growth.

Above all, the journey toward creating a Life Plan encourages you to pause and reflect on what truly fuels your sense of purpose. You will learn to harness your time so that each day contributes to a life story you’re both proud of and excited to live.

The Drift and Why It Matters

Drifting through life occurs when we’re distracted or complacent, allowing external events to chart our course. Maybe you fall into a daily grind, feeling busier than ever, yet still unfulfilled. Or it could be that multiple priorities clash, leaving you too overwhelmed to decide where to focus your efforts.

Unfortunately, drifting has consequences. Over time, being pulled away from important relationships and self-care leads to regrets and burnout. Without clarity and intention, you risk waking up years later surprised at how far you’ve veered from what you really wanted.

The good news is, no matter how far off course you’ve drifted, you can still alter your trajectory. Identifying the patterns that keep you stuck is the first step. By recognizing signals like constant stress, neglected passions, or strained family connections, you become ready to replace drifting with deliberate action.

Each day is a chance to leave the drift behind and move closer to who you want to become.

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What is Living Forward about?

'Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want' by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy delves into the pervasive issue of living life without direction. This insightful book provides readers with a step-by-step method to establish a life plan, allowing them to navigate through the challenges of modern living with clarity and purpose. Crafted meticulously, it underlines the importance of periodically assessing one's life, setting a vision, and executing actionable steps to achieve desired outcomes.

The book adeptly addresses the phenomenon of drifting due to lack of planning, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to take control of their life. Recognizing the interconnectedness of various life components, 'Living Forward' offers readers indispensable guidance on maintaining balance, prioritizing effectively, and avoiding overwhelm. By helping readers construct and sustain a dynamic life plan, the book empowers them to realign their lives with their deepest values and ambitions—a powerful tool for achieving personal and professional fulfillment.

'Living Forward' stands as an essential guide for anyone caught in the tide of life's hectic pace, providing not just insight but practical strategies to ensure they are navigating towards a meaningful and enriched life.

Review of Living Forward

In 'Living Forward,' Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy present a compelling blueprint for those seeking to regain control over their lives. The book's unique strength lies in its practical approach, breaking down the often overwhelming task of life planning into manageable steps. The authors deftly illustrate common life trajectories that lead to drifting and provide robust solutions to redirect one's course.

A major highlight is the book's accessibility and clarity. The writing style is straightforward, blending professional insights with relatable examples, making it suitable for readers from various walks of life. Each chapter builds logically upon the previous one, culminating in a cohesive guide that encourages proactive life management. The book's appeal is further enhanced by its focus on practicality—offering readers concrete steps such as the creation and continuous updating of a life's plan.

'Living Forward' truly shines in its relevance to modern readers, especially those grappling with the challenges of overcommitment and lack of clarity. Its pragmatic recommendations for regular review and adjustment of one's life plan promise sustained alignment with personal goals. I highly recommend this book to anyone desiring a structured approach to living with intention and achieving a balanced, fulfilling life.

Who should read Living Forward?

Professionals experiencing burnout or feeling unfulfilled in their careers can benefit from creating a structured life plan tailored around their deepest aspirations.
Individuals seeking to enhance work-life balance will find practical strategies for prioritizing health, relationships, and personal growth.
People undergoing life transitions, such as retirement or career shifts, can gain clarity and direction by redefining their goals and priorities.
Aspiring entrepreneurs or leaders aiming to foster deeper engagement in both personal and professional domains will find actionable insights within these pages.
Loved ones looking to encourage family or friends to take charge of their lives and stop drifting will appreciate the motivational framework provided.

About the author

Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy are the co-authors of "Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want". Michael Hyatt is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and virtual mentor with extensive experience in leadership development. He is the CEO and founder of Intentional Leadership and has written eight books, including "Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World". Daniel Harkavy is an executive coach and the CEO of Building Champions, Inc., with over 25 years of experience helping leaders achieve more in business and life. He is also the author of "Becoming a Coaching Leader: The Proven Strategy for Building Your Own Team of Champions". Together, they bring their expertise in leadership and personal development to provide a practical guide for creating a life plan.