It was a journey of finding inspiration, but also confirmation. Understanding where I am, where I want to be, and whether I’m putting my energy in the right direction.
When Panos first joined Designing Your Life, he wasn’t trying to fix an urgent problem. There was no big crisis.
Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Panos moved to the Netherlands in his early twenties for his master’s studies.
The chapter abroad was supposed to be only temporary, but eighteen years later, he is still in Amsterdam, where he built his new life.
As the co-founder of IamExpat Media, he helps expats build a better life in the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland.
He lives in Amsterdam with his wife and two children. Professionally and personally, he had built a life he was proud of.
Yet, in two moments of his life, he felt the need to design his life more intentionally. And this is why he decided to join the Workshop twice.
Why Panos chose Designing Your Life
The first time he joined Designing Your Life, he wanted to build a more intentional life with his wife and family. They were with their first child, and he wished to find a clearer direction for their future together.
The second time was different. It was more personal, more about finding clarity in his individual life and balance.
“How can I create a more balanced life? Where should I focus my energy? What possible futures are available to me?”
In both cases, he wasn’t navigating a big crisis. But he was looking for inspiration and confirmation, and Designing Your Life simply felt the right thing to do.
He first heard about the framework from his wife back in 2020, when he was introduced to the book.
What surprised him the most
Multiple exercises and modules caught Panos’ attention, but three in particular really impressed him and still stick with him today.
The first powerful module was the Energy Management exercise.
“A chance to reflect on what gives, what takes energy, and how to find better balance.”
The second was learning how to move beyond obvious solutions.
“The mental fluidity exercises were very inspiring. They helped generate ideas I wouldn’t normally consider.”
But the biggest impact came from the Design Thinking approach itself, particularly from the concept of Prototyping.
“The idea that you can test and iterate potential life paths the same way you would develop a product was extremely powerful.”
The group setting was essential, as it allowed him to explore how other people navigate difficulties and obstacles. And that was very awakening.
“You get out of the ‘me, me, me’ mindset for a moment and start looking through other people’s eyes. I think that’s healthy and important.”
Life After the Workshop: Long-Term Effects and Personal Development
The first experience with DYL had a lasting impact on Panos’ life: years later, he is still following and enjoying the plans that he designed with his wife for their family.
The second experience brought another kind of value. He found structure in defining his personal objectives and accomplishing them, one at a time.
And even if at times some goals are not achieved, what remains important to him is the structure that the workshop provided.
He often enjoys going back to reiterate some exercises and keep thinking consciously about his next steps.
“I still carry my notes with me and revisit them often. I think it is important to try and build some sort of accountability outside yourself to be able to follow up with your actions and definitely take time to revisit.”
Is Designing Your Life Right For You?
“Designing your life is inspiring and life-changing, but you also need to come with the right mindset.”
In Panos’ opinion, the workshop is an opportunity to learn about yourself and to be inspired by other participants. But you need to be open to it.
And most importantly, there is nothing to lose, but a lot to gain. There is never the perfect moment to do it. You just need to go for it.
“In my opinion, it’s not an if, it’s a when. So don’t wait, just do it.”
Sometimes, there is no need to be in a bad place to start working more intentionally on building your life.
Everyone can benefit from getting more structure in how to rethink their dreams and their life paths.
