Living Forward, ITPE

A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want

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If you're like most people, you want to lead a life of meaning and significance, joy and satisfaction.

But all the drama and demands we face seem to get in the way of our dreams, don't they? We're unsure about how to take our lives from where we are now to where we want to be in the next five, ten, or even fifty years.

We know we were meant for more, but it seems like the days are slipping by and we can't do anything about it. It shouldn't be like this. And it doesn't have to be.

New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt and executive coach Daniel Harkavy have both lived the very same story but they rewrote the ending. And their new book Living Forward will help you do the same thing.

In this step-by-step guide, Hyatt and Harkavy share simple but proven principles to help you stop drifting, design a Life Plan with the end in mind, and chart a path that will take you there. And you can work the process in just one day.

Imagine trading just twenty-four hours for the life you really want. It's possible, and Living Forward shows you how.


Advance Praise for Living Forward

"The people who have achieved greatness are not just lucky. They created and executed a plan. . . . In Living Forward, Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy show you how to develop and utilize a clear and compelling Life Plan to create the life you want."--Tony Robbins, New York Times bestselling author; CEO, Anthony Robbins Companies

"Here is an extremely practical and undeniably necessary guide for any adult who has drifted from how they thought life should be lived. I have benefited from this approach in my own life, but I need to be reminded again and again and again."--Patrick Lencioni, president, The Table Group; author, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Advantage

"A must-read full of reminders and revelation that will open up your mind and organize your time."--Dave RamseyNew York Times bestselling author, The Total Money Makeover

"In this one-of-a-kind book, Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy explain exactly how to create a Life Plan. It will equip you to live your life on purpose, achieving what matters most in every aspect of your life."--John C. Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author; founder, The John Maxwell Company

"Living Forward is a brilliant and motivating resource that will equip you to stop sleepwalking through life and intentionally pursue the plan God has for you."--Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author, The Best Yes

"An intelligent and articulate manual. . . . Applying even a portion of its simple and practical recommendations will improve anyone's condition in life."--David Allen, New York Times bestselling author, Getting Things Done


Michael Hyatt is the founder and CEO of Michael Hyatt & Company, a leadership development firm specializing in transformative live events, workshops, and digital and physical planning tools. Formerly chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, Michael is also a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of several books, including Living Forward, Your Best Year Ever, and Platform. His work has been featured by the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Businessweek, Entrepreneur, and other publications. Michael has been married to his wife, Gail, for 40 years. They have five daughters, three sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren. They live just outside Nashville, Tennessee. Learn more at MichaelHyatt.com.


Endorsements

"Hyatt does it again. Michael and Daniel have given us a step-by-step approach to one of life's greatest challenges. If you feel stuck, you probably are, and Living Forward might be exactly what you need."

Seth Godin, author, What to Do When It's Your Turn

"Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy have much to teach us. In a world of random, often directionless lives, their lives stand out as examples of careers well chosen, time well used, and passion deeply heeded. Thank you, Michael and Daniel, for taking time to record the lessons you've learned. May we learn from them the power of living on purpose."

Max Lucado, New York Times bestselling author, Fearless and Outlive Your Life

"Lives that are lived on purpose and with purpose are rich lives. Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy have done a great job of laying the track to run on that allows you to accomplish both. This book is a must-read--full of reminders and revelation that will open up your mind and organize your time."

Dave Ramsey, New York Times bestselling author, The Total Money Makeover

"Living Forward is a brilliant and motivating resource that will equip you to stop sleepwalking through life and intentionally pursue the plan God has for you. For everyone from college students to retirees, this book is the life-planning resource you've been looking for!"

Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author; president, Proverbs 31 Ministries

"Most of us have every intention of living a fulfilling, challenging life. But all too often, we fail to plan for what will really make us happy and fulfilled. In Living Forward, Michael and Daniel present a proven, easy-to-follow plan that you can adapt in your own way. If you apply even 10 percent of the advice contained in this book, your life will be changed forever."

Chris Guillebeau, New York Times bestselling author, The $100 Startup and The Happiness of Pursuit

"Here is an extremely practical and undeniably necessary guide for any adult who has drifted from how they thought life should be lived. I have benefited from this approach in my own life, but I need to be reminded again and again and again."

Patrick Lencioni, president, The Table Group; author, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Advantage

"You can either intentionally pursue the essential or you can unintentionally drift into the nonessential. This book brilliantly teaches how to do the former while avoiding the latter. Read it and live it--you will love it."

Greg McKeown, New York Times bestselling author, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less

"Success doesn't just happen. The people who have achieved greatness are not just lucky. They created and executed a plan, took massive action to get results, and were willing to adjust the course when the plan didn't work. While most people understand this in business, they don't always apply it to every area of their life. In Living Forward, Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy show you how to develop and utilize a clear and compelling Life Plan to create the life you want and truly deserve."

Tony Robbins, New York Times bestselling author; CEO, Anthony Robbins Companies

"If I had a time machine, I would go back to the twenty-two-year-old me and hand him this book. I'd beg him to read it and then dare him to actually put the excellent principles inside into practice."

Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author, Do Over and Start

"An intelligent and articulate manual for recognizing the more elevated (and subtle) aspects of our commitments and expressions, and appropriately engaging with them. Applying even a portion of its simple and practical recommendations will improve anyone's condition in life. Bravo!"

David Allen, New York Times bestselling author, Getting Things Done

"Many people talk about the importance of having a plan for your life, but no one could really tell you how to create one. Until now. In this one-of-a-kind book, Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy explain exactly how to create a life plan. It will equip you to live your live on purpose, achieving what matters most in every aspect of your life."

John C. Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author; founder, The John Maxwell Company

"Creating the life you want doesn't happen by accident. To create a masterpiece you must first design it; and that's exactly what Michael and Daniel will help you do with Living Forward. It's more than a book, it's a road map to help you get from where you are to where you want to go. I highly recommend it."

Jon Gordon, New York Times bestselling author, The Energy Bus and The Carpenter

"Contrary to popular belief, great things almost never happen by accident. Great accomplishments are planned. Sadly, much of the planning we do goes into accomplishments that leave us feeling empty in the end. Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy's Living Forward is about making sure that doesn't happen. I know of very few people who have accomplished as much as these two men have--and survived to enjoy their achievements. They have not only survived; they've flourished. This is a plan I can get behind and intend to follow myself."

Donald Miller, New York Times bestselling author; founder and CEO, StoryBrand

"What an inspiring, practical, much-needed book! I'm old enough now to know that our lives don't just drift toward the visions we carry for them, and Michael and Daniel are wise guides toward a way of living with intention and purpose, no matter your season of life. I came away energized and motivated to shape my days more carefully, trusting that full life comes as a result of the hard choices we make along the way."

Shauna Niequist, author, Bread & Wine and Savor

"Would you start a business, a building, or a battle without a plan? Then why do most of us live our lives without one? In Living Forward Hyatt and Harkavy share a powerful and effective life-planning model that will enable you attain the success in life you deserve."

Bob Goff, New York Times bestselling author, Love Does

"In Living Forward, Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy give you simple, straightforward, and time-tested solutions to stop feeling stuck and start gaining traction that counts in your personal and professional life. You don't have to keep living life spinning your wheels, exhausting yourself, and getting nowhere! This book provides the tools and step-by-step help to clarify where you want to go in life and then walks you through how to develop a clear-cut game plan to get there."

Crystal Paine, New York Times bestselling author; founder, MoneySavingMom.com

"One of the biggest accelerators to change is simplicity. I love how Michael and Daniel have made it simple. This guide will help keep you focused and moving forward. I recommend it."

Dr. Henry Cloud, New York Times bestselling author, Boundaries and Necessary Endings

"I couldn't be more impressed with the concepts and, more importantly, the action plans which are laid out in crystal-clear, step-by-step detail. Michael and Daniel have created a fully customizable blueprint to achieve the design and execution of the life you want to live. What makes this book special is the authors' passion not just to share a concept, formula, and action plan but to actually lead readers through the process of prioritizing the time it takes to create and execute their plan. These dudes speak my language! As a recovered workaholic and a longtime fan of Michael Hyatt, I can tell you these principles work. A must-read for anyone who feels in their gut that things could be better in any area of your life!"

Chalene Johnson, New York Times bestselling author; CEO, Team Johnson

"I've been studying successful people for over twenty years. What I've seen time and again is that success starts with a plan. In Living Forward, Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy show us how to craft a plan for our lives so we can experience the success we desire."

Darren Hardy, New York Times bestselling author, The Compound Effect; publisher, SUCCESS Magazine

"Successful people not only launch well, they live well. And that takes more than luck or even hard work. It takes intentionality and a crystal-clear vision for where you are going. Living Forward shows you how to design a great life, and then chart a course to that life."

Jeff Walker, New York Times bestselling author, Launch; creator, Product Launch Formula

"Plans and purpose are the mechanics of what you'll learn in Living Forward by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy. Their ideas and insights will drive you forward into action, and that's what matters."

Chris Brogan, New York Times bestselling author, Insider: Strategies and Secrets to Succeed in the Age of Distraction

"Success starts with a plan. And Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy remind us that includes planning for a successful life. Living Forward gives readers a simple and proven process for identifying what matters most and creating a life with less of the rest."

Fawn Weaver, New York Times bestselling author, The Argument-Free Marriage; founder, The Happy Wives Club

"The real American Dream is not just to get a great salary, work for thirty-five years, and retire. Rather, it's to live a life of purpose and meaning all along the way, evidenced by physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational abundance. This book will move you from 'I wish' to 'I did.'"

Dan Miller, New York Times bestselling author, 48 Days to the Work You Love

"With Living Forward, Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy have fired a laser beam of focus into a world of uncertainty. Finally, a brightly lit, well-marked pathway for the person who desires true and lasting success!"

Andy Andrews, New York Times bestselling author, The Traveler's Gift and The Noticer

"Everybody ends up somewhere in life. Blessed are those who end up somewhere on purpose! If you lean toward the purpose side of the equation, then I would highly recommend Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy's book, Living Forward. In this easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide, the authors provide us with a planning template that is both thorough and empowering."

Andy Stanley, senior pastor, North Point Community Church; author, The Next

"Here's the test of any message: Does the author practice what he preaches? Is he the real deal? I can say with confidence that Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy are the real deal. I've seen them live this for years with integrity. So, they have earned the right to speak, and we'll all benefit from listening!"

John Eldredge, New York Times bestselling author, Wild at Heart and Beautiful Outlaw

"I love it! This is a valuable tool that I am utilizing immediately. It is life-changing but simple to implement. I've planned all of my life, but this brings my priorities into focus and keeps me in present-day reality while my gaze is on the future. Thanks, Michael and Daniel, for a fun and creative book! This is going to help a lot of people who just need a little structure to conquer their world and succeed."

Steve Arterburn, New York Times bestselling author, Healing Is a Choice

"Life is too short to let it go by without being intentional. In Living Forward, Michael and Daniel help us discover a purposeful plan to live the life we know we deserve."

Pat Flynn, podcaster, Smart Passive Income

"Five years ago I made a major decision to change my life. I was frustrated, depressed, and upset with how things had turned out for me, so I dreamed up the biggest leap of faith I could imagine, and took it. It needed to happen, and I'm so glad it did, but let me tell you, it would have been so much easier with a book like this in my hand. It's hard to make conscious changes in your life, but it's so much easier when you have a plan. And I can't think of anyone better to help you make that plan than Michael and Daniel."

Allison Vesterfelt, author,,Packing Light: Thoughts on Living Life with Less Baggage

"The key to success in life is choosing to be your 100 percent authentic self while using your gifts to impact others. The challenge is, most get so distracted they don't know how to do either. Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy are the gatekeepers to unlocking your purpose, and this book is the key to having an extraordinary life."

Lewis Howes, entrepreneur; author, The School of Greatness

"I thought I was skeptical about life planning--until I read this book. This is quite simply the best process for designing a well-lived life that I have ever read. It made me want to get off the couch and get to work. I hope it does the same for you."

Jeff Goins, author, The Art of Work

"Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy bring new insight into the power of purpose, discovering your dreams, and turning your desires into reality. In this high-level yet eminently practical book, you'll uncover the secrets of how to make a life plan that will change your future and help you live a life of significance. If you want to stop drifting and start achieving the unthinkable, this book is a must-read."

Dr. Josh Axe, founder, DrAxe.com

"Are you living with good intentions rather than intentionally living? If so, stop now. Get Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy's Living Forward. Let it guide where you want to be. Then, breathe easy."

Michael Stelzner, founder, Social Media Examiner; author, Launch

"Without structure in life, we drift. Michael and Daniel acknowledge this reality in chapter 1 and proceed to lay out a structure that supports living a life of intention, focus, and enjoyment. I look forward to implementing these practices and begin living forward from this day on."

John Lee Dumas, Host, EntrepreneurOnFire Podcast; author, Podcast Launch

"A new road map for success and happiness in life and business has been born! Throughout the pages of Living Forward, Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy take you by the hand and help you create a life plan that'll be easier to achieve, more enjoyable to experience, and above all, enable you to truly be the pilot in your flight of life. Pick up a copy, take action, and enjoy your life like never before!"

Chris Ducker, serial entrepreneur and virtual CEO; author of Virtual Freedom

"If you're already counting each day as a chance to take another meaningful step toward achieving your ultimate purpose, Living Forward will give you a powerful road map for creating a lasting legacy. What will your life leave behind? Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy have given you a manual for creating exactly that."

Robert D. Smith, author, 20,000 Days and Counting

"It's easy to drift and find yourself living a life you're not excited about. Michael and Daniel's book helps you uncover your life's purpose and create a plan for living it."

Andrew Warner, founder, Mixergy.com

"In Living Forward, Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy have swept away the cobwebs of confusion and created the essential guide to crafting your own Life Plan. The power of Living Forward lies in the elegant simplicity of the book--it is a short book with a long and lasting impact. Using this book you can create your own Life Plan in a single day, and quite literally change the course of your life."

Ray Edwards, host, "The Ray Edwards Show"; founder, Ray Edwards International

"As a busy entrepreneur, I'm always looking for a simple, proven system for achieving my goals. If only there were a system like this for daily life. Thanks to Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy, now there is one! Living Forward provides step-by-step guidance to anyone ready to live a life of joyful purpose. Full of Michael and Daniel's renowned insight and trademark warmth, this is the ideal guidebook to setting goals, facing down challenges, and forging the future you've always dreamed of."

Amy Porterfield, creator, The Profit Lab

"Michael Hyatt fascinates me. I'm not even in the same industry but I'm constantly taking cues and learning from everything he does. His 'virtual mentor' description is spot-on in my life. And now he has a full life plan with Living Forward? Sold. No-brainer."

Jeremy Cowart, celebrity photographer; founder, SeeUniversity.com

"Living Forward is the manifesto for anyone wanting to live a more intentional and purposeful life. I can look back and see that because of the life planning process, I'm a better wife, mother, daughter, friend, and colleague than I ever would have been without it. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to benefit from the concepts in this book early in my career."

Amy Hiett, general manager, The Table Group

"If you aim at nothing, three things happen: You will hit it every time; any road will get you there; however, you will never know when you have arrived. How tragic to spend a life with no purpose or end in mind. Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy's new book, Living Forward, is a great tool to either get you started down the right road or to make sure you are still on that road. I recommend it highly both for its content but also because it is written by a man who lives productively because he lives purposely."

Ron Blue, founder, Ronald Blue & Company; author, Master Your Money

"So many of us go through life unfocused and unable to confidently set the 'big, hairy, audacious' goals that God wants us to pursue. Thankfully, Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy have developed this unique and powerful planning system to help take us from simply reacting to life to purposefully and proactively living a rich life of meaning and significance."

Dan T. Cathy, president & chief operating officer, Chick-fil-A, Inc.

"In our busy world we tend to plan for everything, except for what is the most important: our life. Many people would tell you it is impossible. In fact, it is, because it is difficult. But now with Living Forward, Daniel Harkavy and Michael Hyatt give us a very pragmatic tool to define what we want our life to be, to create a plan, and to stick to it. We have no more excuses."

Dominique Fournier, former CEO, Infineum International Limited

"Can you imagine living an intentional life, leading to outcomes you have consciously chosen? Daniel Harkavy and Michael Hyatt's Living Forward is more than a book, it is a toolkit of wisdom to create the professional and personal life you have envisioned for yourself. 'Fast-forward' to the end of your life and ask this question, 'What will they say when I am dead?' Shape your life's legacy with life planning now."

Trevor Graves, founder, Nemo Design

"As a successful businessperson and family man, I yearn for more. I want to live a fulfilling life and control what my legacy will be, rather than allowing daily events and life circumstances to define me. Living Forward is a remarkable gift that provides me the tools and easy-to-follow process to define my purpose and build my legacy that will add value to my family, co-workers, and friends long after I've 'graduated.'"

Marc Laird, chairman & CEO, Cornerstone Home Lending

"I am excited that the process that Daniel coached me through to improve my life will now be available to everyone. Prior to Daniel and Michael publishing this book, people interested in learning this process would have had to spend thousands of dollars engaging an executive coach. Daniel and Michael have codified the process and put it into an individually digestible medium for all to benefit from."

Cory Mahaffey, managing partner, Northwestern Mutual

"For anyone who is searching for balance and true success, I highly recommend Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy's new book, Living Forward. This book can be utilized by anyone from the busy executive needing to regain perspective to the college graduate starting a new job. Every page is full of wisdom and advice born from experience."

David "Skip" Prichard, president and CEO, OCLC

"If you don't have a target, how can you hit it? We all understand and accept that, in business, clearly defined goals and strategies are crucial to success. Yet we somehow fail to recognize the parallel in our own lives. You can and should be in control of your fate. In Living Forward Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy do a masterful job of guiding you through the step-by-step process of creating, implementing, and enshrining your Life Plan. I made their process a part of my life several years ago, as did numerous members of our leadership team, and I promise you it is a game changer!"

Todd Salmans, CEO, PrimeLending

"We only get one life to live on this earth, and as a result, this life should be filled with purpose and positive impact in those life accounts that matter most. Daniel and Michael's life planning process is so REAL. It will help you be your best for your best."

Martin Whalen, vice president, Essilor USA

"This book is exciting and fun to read and will drive you to direct action. It deals with the key question each of us faces: 'How can I live a life with purpose?' This is not a theoretical book but is always directed toward me, the reader. I loved the several levels of the book: the philosophical level (thinking about the purpose of my life), the strategic level (how to structure my life), the tactical level (how to set up a plan), and the practical level (how to go forward step by step). Always full of real-life examples, always very personal, always full of wisdom and advice."

Martin Daum, president and CEO, Daimler Trucks North America

"Bravo! This is authentic coaching--a facilitated exploration to help discern and respond to God's call on our lives. It will be required reading at the Institute."

Christopher McCluskey, president, Professional Christian Coaching Institute; founder, ChristianLifeCoaching.com

"Living Forward is a must-read. It's a refinement of a life-planning process originally conceived by Daniel Harkavy, who has helped thousands of professional men and women live life more intentionally. I was persuaded in 2000 to bring life planning and coaching into our company. As the CEO I felt that if we were going to offer it to employees, I should also experience life planning firsthand. Not only did it have a huge impact on employees, it had a profound impact on me. I'm convinced that whatever time you have left--and who knows what that will be--a proactive plan to live more purposefully will help insure the best still lies ahead."

Jerry Baker, former CEO, First Tennessee Bank and First Horizon Home Loans


The Authors

  1. Michael Hyatt
    Kristin Sweeting

    Michael Hyatt

    Michael Hyatt is the founder and chairman of Full Focus. He is also the author of several New York TimesWall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling books, including Platform, Living...

    Continue reading about Michael Hyatt

  2. Daniel Harkavy
    © Dylan Harkavy

    Daniel Harkavy

    Daniel Harkavy founded executive coaching firm Building Champions, Inc., more than two decades ago. He and his team have been coaching thousands of leaders through this book's content in firms like Daimler, Nike, Kaiser Permanente, Chick-fil-A, John Deere,...

    Continue reading about Daniel Harkavy


Resources