Build the life or career you want like a Lego set

I’m a sucker for a bit of Lego, being a kid at heart. Though I don’t get the chance much, have you seen the price of Lego sets these days? I know, I sound like a grumpy old man. Anyway, price aside, I was pondering today about the lessons I could take from Lego and how they could apply to life.

So, grab your imagination and let's explore how to build the life of your dreams, one Lego brick at a time!

Embrace your inner architect

Just like a Lego set starts with an idea, so does your dream life/career. Take a moment to envision what your ideal life looks like. Imagine the details – the sights, sounds, feelings, and experiences. Do you see yourself travelling, pursuing a passion, building meaningful relationships, or achieving professional success?

Your imagination is the blueprint for your life, so don't be afraid to dream big. What would you want your dream Lego set to look like? What would be on the front of the box?

Start with the foundation

Every sturdy Lego creation starts with a strong foundation. In your life, this foundation is built on your values and beliefs. Reflect on what truly matters to you. Is it family, personal growth, adventure, or something else?

Identifying your core values will guide your decisions and help you align your life with what's most important. Much of this will be in the background, unseen by others, and that’s OK. If you’ve seen any of the big Lego sets recently, you’ll know much of the early build will never be seen, but it’s essential for the rest of the exciting fun stuff to go over the top.

Sort your Lego bricks

Just like sorting Lego bricks makes building easier, organising your goals can streamline your journey. Unlike Lego sets, which arrive in separate bags, your life probably won’t.

Divide your aspirations into categories like career, relationships, health, personal development, and more. This makes your dreams more manageable and achievable, making sure you're focusing on all aspects of your life, in an order that will work.

Set SLIM goals

SLIM goals are like the Lego instructions - they give you a clear path to follow. Make your goals Specific, Learning-oriented, Impactful, Measurable, and Time-bound. Instead of aiming to "get fit," set a goal like "run a 5k race in under 30 mins within six months." These well-defined goals provide direction and a sense of accomplishment as you check them off. You need to create your own instruction book.

Embrace adaptability

Ever built a Lego creation and realised halfway through that something needed to change? Life is no different. Be open to adjustments and willing to pivot if your circumstances or desires shift.

Adaptability is key to staying on track while still allowing room for new opportunities. And it’s up to you if you need to dismantle everything and start again or adapt from the point of the mistake and build from there.

Connect the right pieces

Just as Lego pieces fit together in specific ways, your actions should align with your goals. Break down your goals into smaller steps, and tackle one at a time. Want to start a new business? Begin with researching your market, creating a business plan, and setting up a website. Each small step brings you closer to the big picture.

Embrace failure as a learning opportunity

Lego creations don't always come together perfectly on the first try, and neither will every aspect of your life. Mistakes and failures are stepping stones to growth; they are when you learn the most. When you encounter setbacks, take a deep breath, learn from the experience, and move forward.

Celebrate milestones

Remember how accomplished you felt after completing a challenging Lego set? Apply that same sense of celebration to your life's achievements. Whether it's landing a new job, learning a new skill, or overcoming a fear, take time to acknowledge your progress and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.

Stay playful and curious

Building with Lego is all about creativity and exploration. As you work on building the life you want, maintain a playful and curious attitude. Embrace new experiences, take calculated risks, and keep trying new things. The more you explore, the more colourful and vibrant your life will become.

Take action!

Are you ready to build the life you want like a Lego set? Remember, every step you take brings you closer to the colourful, fulfilling existence you've imagined. If you're looking for personalised guidance and support on this exciting journey, I'm here to help.