Phase 4: Ideate – Imagine Multiple Futures

Unleash Your Imagination. Explore Bold Possibilities.

Welcome to the Ideate stage of your Life Design journey—your creative playground. With your design challenge in hand, it’s time to dream big, think broadly, and explore futures you might never have considered. This phase isn’t about finding one “right” answer. It’s about divergence—opening your mind to a wide range of ideas, from practical paths to wild, whimsical possibilities.

“Ideation is about divergence. We’re trained by our education system to converge, converge, converge. But before we converge, it’s important to get all ideas out there—even the weird, wild, and wacky ones.”
— Bill Burnett & Dave Evans, Designing Your Life

Why Ideation Matters

Great life design isn’t about picking the perfect path—it’s about seeing many possible paths. Ideation helps you:

• Expand beyond what’s obvious or expected

• Challenge assumptions and old stories

• Spot hidden opportunities

• Embrace uncertainty with curiosity

• Build confidence in your ability to reinvent

• Create a future that feels meaningful and alive

You don’t need a perfect plan—just a few bold possibilities.

Visualize Your Ideas with Mind Mapping

Turn Scattered Thoughts into a Living Map of Possibilities

When ideas start flowing, seeing them take shape visually helps make patterns clearer and sparks brighter. The Mind Mapping tool transforms abstract thoughts into a web of connections—making possibilities more tangible.

Why Use Mind Mapping?

• Watch ideas unfold and evolve naturally

• Discover unexpected connections

• Think freely with no limits or judgment

• Balance practical and outrageous ideas side-by-side

• Revisit and reorganize anytime

Jump into the Mind Mapping tool below to start creating!

How to Use the Mind Mapping Tool

• Click the center node—label it “My Future,” “My Ideas,” or “Odyssey Plan.”

• Add child nodes for bold ideas, questions, or dreams

• Branch outward—connect themes and expand “What ifs…”

• Use icons and colors to highlight exciting or meaningful directions

• Rearrange, edit, and delete freely to keep your map fresh

• Export your map (JSON format) to save and revisit anytime

This is your personal space to explore, reflect, and imagine—your way.

Spark Your Thinking

Try prompts like:

• What if I changed careers entirely?

• What if I lived abroad for a year?

• What if I combined my love for design and education?

• What if I started that side hustle I keep talking about?

• What if money or fear weren’t holding me back?

Include both practical and outrageous ideas—ideation is about possibility, not perfection.

Design Your Three Odyssey Plans

Use your Mind Map to sketch three different 5-year life visions:

• Plan 1: The path you’re currently on

• Plan 2: A pivot—something you’ve always wanted to try

• Plan 3: A wild card—no limits, just imagination

Explore roles, places, hobbies, goals, or feelings you want to experience. Don’t worry about neatness—make it real.

Collaborate for Fresh Insight

Creativity thrives in connection. Share your ideas and mind map—not for approval, but for perspective. Ask a friend, mentor, or coach:

• What stands out to you?

• What would you try if you were me?

• What connections do you notice?

• What ideas spark your curiosity?

Others can often see potential you might overlook.

Use the Workbook

Need more structure or prompts? The Odyssey Planner Workbook guides you step-by-step to:

• Brainstorm openly

• Map multiple futures

• Craft your Odyssey Plans with intention

👉 [Download your free workbook here]

Ready to Imagine What’s Next?

This phase invites you to break free of limits and rediscover what inspires you. Forget the pressure to find one “right” answer—embrace a creative process of exploration, connection, and imagination.

👇 Start mapping your ideas below.
➡️ Then continue to [Phase 5: Prototype – Test and Learn ›]