Have you ever thought about this question? What does it mean to live by default? How do you live by design? What's the big deal, anyway? As a person who personally has lived her whole life by default and has been, for the most part, very unfulfilled; I have pondered this question a lot.

In computer terms, a default setting is a value which has been preset. It's the setting that's always used until the user chooses to change it. Typically a default setting is one that most people would choose to use anyway, so there isn't much reason to change the setting, unless you're one of those people that likes to customize everything you possibly can. In that case, you are creating, or designing, your own unique default settings. I am one of those people - changing my computer settings to be uniquely my own for some reason gives me great satisfaction.

It's easy to explain a default setting in computer terms. But what about lifestyle terms? A person who lives by default is a person that allows other people or circumstances to unwittingly make the decisions for them. Sometimes a person has no control over these things, but often times there is an opportunity to make a change, but they don't recognize it as such. There are other things in the way that make it difficult to see the opportunity. Check out this funny video to see what inspired me to think about all this:

These sheep were fed up with their "hot, sweaty, itchy existence", got all fired up to make a change, started to move forward toward that new life.....and ran into a sheepdog. By default they were given a set of circumstances. They were born into having to wear wool coats all year long; born into a life of being bossed around at every turn; born into a life of "follow the leader". Until one actually took notice of his situation and decided to redesign his "homepage". He decided he wanted to "live by design", but in the end didn't have the strength to face and conquer the obstacles in his way. He gave in and settled back into the default setting.

Now watch this video to see a different outcome to the same type of situation, creatures born into a certain default setting, but having the desire to customize their life to their liking.

Barry B. Benson chose to change his default settings. He stepped outside the box - or the hive, literally! It was not the easy road to walk (fly) down, but it was adventurous, fulfilling, and worth every scary and awkward moment. He had to face his family and best friends with conviction and strength. He had to push himself to his own physical limits. And he had to face some pretty intimidating opposition, namely a huge, muscular guy with a boot in his hand ready to crush him!

It takes an understanding of who you are and what you want in life. A person who lives by design doesn't take no for an answer too easily. They have a desire to become that which they think about all day long.

Living by design is all about attitude and the people you surround yourself with every day. You first have to recognize that your attitude is your choice, no one else's. Then take some time out to evaluate your life situation. How much of it is a default setting that just hasn't been changed? How many of those defaults can/should be changed to bring about the fulfillment you desire in your life? Once you answer those questions, decide to take action.

Living by default can be exhausting and discouraging if you have underlying dreams and ambitions that have been pushed aside. What is it that gives you joy? What is it that you daydream about? What is your answer when you ask yourself the question "If I had to do it all over again, I would..."?

Country music legend Johnny Cash was a morse code decoder for the United States Air Force at the start of his career. Once he was discharged he began working as an appliance salesman. But music was in his soul and he couldn't contain it. He began playing with a couple of guys at night. They got enough positive feedback that they decided to approach Sun Records for a recording contract. They got it - and the rest is history.

Will Ferrell graduated from The University of Southern California with a degree in sports journalism. He worked as a sportscaster on a weekly cable show, but found his interests drifting towards acting and stand up comedy. He took some classes and workshops at a local community college and within a year was invited to join the Groundlings, an L.A. improvisational comedy group. Five years later he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live and his career really took off.

Give yourself permission to dream a new dream. Pick up that hobby you enjoyed as a kid. Join a community club or focus group with like minded people. Take a class or take lessons in something you've always wanted to learn. Living your life by design doesn't mean you have to quit your day job. It is all about creating time for yourself, acknowledging your true passions and giving your life a new dimension of fulfillment.