Building the Life You Want: How to Create Your Dream Life Step by Step
Something I find so exciting about life is this: we have the power to build it the way we want. Too often, people feel trapped by their circumstances. They stay stuck in jobs, routines, or mindsets for years—sometimes decades—believing that’s all there is.
But you’re not stuck. You have choices. You have tools. You have the ability to create.
And when you realize that truth, life changes.
You’re Not a Victim of Circumstance
It’s easy to feel like life just happens to us. Bills pile up, jobs demand more than they give back, and responsibilities stretch us thin. In that environment, dreaming can feel unrealistic or even selfish.
But here’s the truth: life is not just about reacting—it’s about building.
Think of it like architecture. An architect doesn’t stumble into a skyscraper. They imagine it, draw the plans, gather the materials, and then build it brick by brick. That’s the same process you and I can use to create our lives.
Step A: Figure out the life you want. Get crystal clear on your vision. What does joy look like for you? What kind of work energizes you? What environment do you thrive in?
Step B: Draw the plans. Write it out. Sketch the path. Map out the steps you’ll need to take.
Step C: Execute. Take action, one step at a time. Lay one brick, then another, then another.
It’s not about rushing. It’s about building with intention.
The Blueprint for Your Dream Life
I know the life I want. I have the blueprint and materials in hand. I’m in the building phase.
Mel Robbins says it beautifully:
“There’s a brick path between where you are right now and all the dreams and happiness you deserve. You pave that brick path one brick at a time. One day at a time.”
That imagery has carried me through some of the hardest, busiest, and most exciting seasons of my life. Because every small decision—getting up early to write, staying up late to crochet, saying “yes” to growth opportunities—is another brick laid on that path.
In my mind, I see myself at a potter’s wheel, molding and shaping my life into what I want it to be. It’s not finished yet, but piece by piece, it’s coming together.
The Power of Choice
Your choices, your mindset, your daily actions—they all work together to create your life.
What a blessing and privilege to even have that power of choice. Not everyone in the world has it. But if you do? You owe it to yourself to use it.
Take full advantage of it. Don’t waste it by staying stuck in situations that drain your joy. Instead, use your power of choice to move closer to the life you dream of.
That doesn’t mean it will be easy. Building never is. But it does mean it’s possible.
Faith, Gifts, and Building with God
For me, this perspective also ties into faith. I feel like God is looking down at me saying:
“Marcy, I gave you a gift and a desire. Now go. I gave you the tools you need to make the life you want. Build it, child, and enjoy it.”
I once heard Bishop T.D. Jakes say, “God never made a chair. He made a tree, and the rest of it was up to us. When God hands you a tree, imagine what it could be.”
Isn’t that beautiful? God gives us resources, talents, and desires, but it’s up to us to shape them into something meaningful. He provides the raw materials; we provide the effort.
That’s why building your dream life isn’t selfish—it’s stewardship. It’s using the gifts you’ve been given.
Finding Joy in the Journey
You’ve probably heard the saying, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.” And it’s true.
Joy isn’t only found in achieving the big dream—it’s in the process of getting there. It’s waking up early on a Tuesday morning, before the sun rises, and laying down another brick. It’s spreading mortar, steadying your hand, and placing that next piece with care.
There’s joy in those mornings. There’s joy in the hard work. That joy isn’t reserved for “someday.” It’s available right now, in the building phase.
My First Two Years of Building
It’s taken me two years to lay the foundation for my dream life. That might sound like a lot of work for “a little progress,” but it’s not. Those years were filled with growth—personally, spiritually, and professionally.
There were early mornings, late nights, and plenty of challenges. But there was also joy, resilience, and transformation.
And now? I’m ready to start building the walls. I have the foundation. I’ve gathered the tools, gifts, desires, mindset, and abilities that God has given me. And now I’m off to the races—building the life I want, brick by brick.
Why Building Your Dream Life Matters
Some people might wonder, why put all this effort into creating a life you want? Why not just settle for the life you have?
Here’s why:
➡️ Happiness is contagious. When you’re living a life you love, you show up better for your family, friends, and community.
➡️ Fulfillment fuels contribution. Joyful people create more, give more, and inspire more.
➡️ Your example empowers others. By building your dream life, you show others that it’s possible for them too.
In other words, your dream life isn’t just for you—it’s for everyone connected to you.
Practical Steps to Start Building the Life You Want
If you’re wondering how to begin, here are some simple, practical steps:
➡️ Get clear on your vision. Journal, pray, or make a vision board. Identify what you really want.
➡️ Break it into small steps. Don’t overwhelm yourself with the big picture. Focus on the next brick.
➡️ Create routines that support your goals. Morning habits, evening reflections, or dedicated work times help move you forward.
➡️ Surround yourself with encouragers. Community matters. Build with people who cheer you on.
Celebrate progress. Every brick laid is worth celebrating.
Remember: small steps done consistently add up to massive change.
Final Thoughts
Building the life you want isn’t a one-time event. It’s a daily practice of choosing joy, using your gifts, and laying bricks one by one.
It’s a blessing and a privilege to have the power of choice. If you have it, don’t waste it. Use it. Build something beautiful with it.
I truly believe God equips us with the materials—our talents, desires, and opportunities—and then says, “Go. Build something incredible.”
So that’s what I’m doing. And that’s what I encourage you to do too. Take the tools, the blueprint, and the vision, and start building your dream life—brick by brick.
♡
About the Author
Marcy Gardner is the crochet designer behind Simply Hooked, where she creates beginner-friendly amigurumi patterns that help makers of all skill levels create adorable, giftable plushies.
With over 13 years of crochet experience, Marcy has taught hundreds of crocheters through her patterns, kits, and online courses.
