Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans is a self-help career gem that applies design thinking to crafting a meaningful life. Drawing from their Stanford Design Program expertise, the authors guide you through exercises like “life audits” and “mind mapping” to rethink your career, relationships, and passions. It’s less about chasing happiness and more about prototyping a life that aligns with your values, using tools like reframing problems and testing ideas.

The book’s tone is approachable and energizing, like a mentor walking you through a workshop. Burnett and Evans break down complex concepts—dysfunctional beliefs, gravity problems—into actionable steps, with anecdotes that feel like chatting with a wise friend. Exercises like the “Good Time Journal” encourage you to track joy and energy, sparking insights about what truly works for you. Some might find the design jargon a bit academic or the exercises time-intensive, but the hands-on approach makes it feel empowering rather than preachy.

Who should read it? This is perfect for fans of James Clear or Cal Newport who love self-help career or personal development books. If you’re at a career crossroads, a recent grad, or just feeling stuck, this is your guide. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy practical, interactive tools over abstract philosophy, though those seeking deep emotional exploration might want more depth. No major trigger warnings, but it touches on career dissatisfaction and life transitions.

Designing Your Life is a refreshing, hands-on roadmap to build a life you love. Burnett and Evans make you feel like a designer of your own destiny, with tools to experiment and thrive.

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