In a world where many of us find ourselves caught in the current of daily responsibilities, “Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want” emerges as a powerful compass for intentional living.
Published in 2016, this collaboration between Michael Hyatt, former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, and Daniel Harkavy, executive coach and founder of Building Champions, presents a practical framework for designing a life that matters. The book’s core premise is that creating a “Life Plan” isn’t just for corporations – it’s an essential tool for anyone who wants to move from merely drifting through life to actively steering toward their desired destination.
Core Concepts
The foundation of “Living Forward” rests on three fundamental principles that shape the entire life-planning process:
- The Drift: Understanding how we unconsciously move away from what matters most
- Life Planning: Creating a proactive strategy to counter the drift
- Regular Review: Maintaining momentum through consistent evaluation and adjustment
The authors present their methodology through the “Life Planning” framework, which helps readers:
- Identify their life accounts (areas of life that require investment)
- Create a written Life Plan
- Schedule regular quarterly and annual reviews
- Implement daily and weekly actions aligned with their plan
Chapter-by-Chapter Review
The Power of the Life Plan
Introduces the concept of “the drift” and why traditional goal-setting often fails. The authors share compelling stories of how Life Planning has transformed both their lives and those of their clients. Through powerful metaphors and real-world examples, they illustrate how life planning differs from conventional goal setting and why it’s crucial for long-term fulfillment. The chapter concludes with an eye-opening exercise that helps readers identify areas where they’re currently drifting.
Creating Your Life Plan
Provides detailed instructions for identifying life accounts and establishing priorities. The chapter includes practical exercises for envisioning your legacy and defining success in each area of life. The authors introduce the concept of “Life Accounts” – key areas such as health, relationships, career, and finances – and guide readers through a comprehensive evaluation of their current satisfaction in each area. They emphasize the importance of writing an “Eulogy Vision” – a powerful exercise that helps readers clarify their desired legacy.
Building Your Plan
Walks readers through the actual creation of their Life Plan, including templates and examples. The authors emphasize the importance of being specific and measurable in your objectives. This chapter provides detailed guidance on crafting “Envisioned Futures” for each life account, setting specific priorities, and creating actionable steps. The authors include numerous examples from their coaching practice, showing how different individuals have approached their Life Plans across various life stages and circumstances.
Implementing Your Plan
Focuses on turning the plan into daily action through specific scheduling techniques and accountability measures. This chapter addresses common obstacles and how to overcome them. The authors introduce their “Ideal Week” concept – a practical tool for ensuring your daily activities align with your Life Plan priorities. They also provide strategies for managing calendar conflicts, dealing with unexpected challenges, and maintaining focus on your most important objectives while handling daily responsibilities.
Keeping Your Plan Alive
Discusses the crucial aspect of maintaining momentum through regular reviews and adjustments, ensuring the plan remains relevant and effective over time. The authors provide a detailed framework for quarterly and annual reviews, including specific questions to assess progress and make necessary adjustments. They address common challenges like life transitions, unexpected setbacks, and changing priorities, offering practical strategies for adapting your plan while maintaining its core purpose.
Key Strengths
- Practical and actionable methodology that can be implemented immediately
- Clear, step-by-step instructions for creating a Life Plan
- Compelling blend of personal stories and professional expertise
- Excellent balance of high-level vision and practical detail
- Strong emphasis on holistic life balance
Potential Drawbacks
- Some readers might find the structured approach too rigid
- The time investment required for the initial planning process is significant
- The quarterly review schedule may be challenging for some to maintain
Who This Book Is For
“Living Forward” is particularly valuable for:
- Professionals feeling stuck in their current life trajectory
- Leaders seeking to balance multiple life priorities effectively
- Individuals at major life transition points
- Anyone feeling overwhelmed by life’s competing demands
Final Review
“Living Forward” stands out as a practical and powerful guide for intentional living. While the process requires significant initial investment, the potential return on that investment – a well-designed life – makes it worthwhile. The book’s structured approach provides a clear pathway for those ready to move from drifting to directing their life course.
Rating: 4.5/5
The book excels at providing a concrete system for life planning that can transform good intentions into meaningful action, and its methodology has proven particularly valuable in our increasingly complex and fast-paced world where maintaining life balance has become more challenging than ever.
Alternative Books
If you enjoy “Living Forward,” consider these related books:
“Your Best Year Ever” by Michael Hyatt
A more focused approach to annual goal-setting and achievement
Rating: 4.6/5
“Designing Your Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
Applies design thinking principles to life planning
Rating: 4.3/5
“The One Thing” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
Offers a complementary perspective on prioritization and focus
Rating: 4.7/5
