Why Most People Drift—and How ‘Living Forward’ Can Change Your Life

Have you ever felt like life is just happening to you, rather than for you? You’re not alone. According to Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy’s bestselling book Living Forward, most people spend years—sometimes decades—drifting through life, only to wake up and wonder how they ended up so far from where they wanted to be. The reason is simple: drift is the default. Without a clear plan, the urgent always crowds out the important. The result is a life filled with busyness, but lacking meaning.

Drifting isn’t just for the unmotivated. In fact, the authors share stories of high achievers—CEOs, entrepreneurs, and community leaders—who hit a wall of burnout, health scares, or relational breakdowns. Their common regret? Not paying attention to their direction until it was almost too late. Drifting is subtle but powerful. It happens when we say yes to everyone else’s priorities, get overwhelmed by distractions, or simply lose sight of what matters most. The cost is high: missed opportunities, broken relationships, and a nagging sense of regret.

But the good news is, you can stop drifting. Hyatt and Harkavy introduce the concept of a Life Plan—a short, living document that clarifies your vision for every major area of your life. This isn’t about rigid goal-setting; it’s about aligning your daily actions with your deepest values. The process starts by asking bold questions: How do I want to be remembered? What matters most to me? Where am I today, and where do I want to go?

The authors walk you through practical exercises, like writing your own eulogy (yes, really!) and identifying your key Life Accounts—relationships, health, finances, and more. Each account gets a purpose statement, a picture of your envisioned future, and a set of actionable commitments. The result? A roadmap that gives you clarity and courage to say no to the wrong things, and yes to the right ones.

Most importantly, Living Forward shows that change is possible for anyone. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to start living intentionally. The book is filled with inspiring examples—like the executive who saved his marriage with a simple weekly lunch date, or the parent who reclaimed family time by setting new boundaries at work.

In a world that rewards busyness over meaning, Living Forward is a wake-up call and a toolkit for lasting transformation. If you’re ready to stop drifting and start designing your life, this book is your first step.

Don’t wait until you hit rock bottom. Start your Life Plan today, and take back the pen to write your own story. 1 2