Day 1
Discover Life Design
Learn why design thinking works well for life's biggest challenges. Discover the mindsets that will help you find your way forward. Set your intentions for the rest of the retreat.
REGISTRATION OPENS SOON
Designing Your Life Retreat
Design the most important project of all – your life. This 2-day intensive is for anyone ready to move from wondering what's next to actually building it — using the tools from the best-selling books, Designing Your Life and Designing Your Work Life.
Join the Early Bird List
Sign up to receive 10% off and be the first to know when registration opens
KEY BENEFITS
Life should feel like a quest – not a blueprint
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Design through the inflection point
Is your transition happening or overdue — and you're ready for action? Get the tools to thrive during change regardless of life stage.
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Bring the book to life - or don't
Whether you're a fan of the book who just needs help doing the work or new to Life Design, you'll get guidance and support to design your next chapter.
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Get practical tools
This isn't a seminar - it's a design intensive. You'll get expert guidance, support, and tools you can use to design a fulfilling life – for the rest of your life.
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Get unstuck
Maybe you know what you want - but aren't sure how to move forward. This can be the first step.
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Find community
Connect with others on a similar journey. Find your people in this comfortable and collaborative environment.
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Restore balance and energy
Reframe work + life balance to design a life around what matters most.
SCHEDULE
2 Days of Radical Action
Challenge Limiting Beliefs
We all get stuck. Learn how to get unstuck by reframing the narratives that are no longer useful. Learn how reframing can be used to transform challenges in life.
Create Your Compass
Define what a good life is - for you. Reflect on what makes good work and a good life. Explore the role that Money or Meaning plays in your life and choices.
Design for Balance and Energy
Assess and reframe the idea of balance to reprioritize what brings you joy and coherence. Design a new schedule that prioritizes the things you need in this moment.
Craft Your Odysseys
Design three radically different futures for your work and life. Learn why traditional 'life plans' often fail and how opening possibilities can lead to greater excitement and progress.
Reception
Relax after a day of design and connect with your fellow life designers.
Day 2
Prototype Your Future
Collaborate and prototype ways to explore the future version of you that sounds most exciting.
Get into Action
Define what needs to happen next. Set up your approach and community to adjust as you explore your Odysseys.
Closing and Departure
Take inventory on everything you learned and what you need to unlearn. Make a plan to continue the life design journey with enough time to catch a late afternoon flight.
About us
Meet Your Guides
Catherine Dalipe
Certified DYL Facilitator & Coach at DYL Consulting
Catherine Dalipe is a certified Designing Your Life coach, facilitator, and founder of Indigo & Magenta Consulting, where she helps individuals navigate career transitions and life pivots with clarity and intention. Drawing from more than 30 years of global leadership experience in international education, she brings a thoughtful, action-oriented approach to helping people reimagine what’s next. Catherine also serves as Partner Engagement & Community Relations Manager for Designing Your Life Consulting, supporting a worldwide network of facilitators and coaches.
Adam Allred
Certified DYL Facilitator & Coach at DYL Consulting
Adam Allred is a designer, coach, and creative strategist. His work spans global brands, startups, and nonprofits, helping people and organizations navigate change with greater clarity, creativity, and purpose. His Life Design journey started after an unexpected career change. Since then, he's used the tools to transform his own career and life - now bringing DYL to thousands of individuals and teams around the globe as part of DYL Consulting.
"I am filled with excitement for what the future holds. This life design journey has been transformative for me."
VENUE
The Dana, Mission Bay San Diego
Ten waterfront acres, a private marina, and the kind of unhurried atmosphere that makes the work feel possible.
There are many great hotels near the event. Lodging is not included - feel free to stay where you feel most comfortable. Recommendations:
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The Dana
1710 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
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The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
1441 Quivira Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
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Ocean Park Inn
710 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
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Packages
Standard
$1295
- In-person DYL Retreat
- DYL Workbook
- Access to the private Slack Community
Group Coaching
$1595
- In-person DYL Retreat
- DYL Workbook
- 2 Group Coaching Sessions
- Access to the private Slack Community
1-to-1 Coaching
$1995
- In-person DYL Retreat
- DYL Workbook
- 2 Group Coaching Sessions
- 2 1:1 Coaching Sessions - Before and After
- Access to the private Slack community
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Is lodging included?
Lodging is not included in the retreat price. The Dana offers a limited number of courtesy rates for participants. There are many affordable hotels and rentals nearby. Please stay where you're most comfortable. Contact workshops@designingyour.life with questions.
2 Does the retreat include meals?
Yes! Breakfast and lunch will be provided along with a wine and cheese reception on Day 1. Breakfast will be provided on Day 2. Attendees will have the chance to share any dietary restrictions to ensure the best experience.
3 Can I cancel?
Should something come up, you may be allowed to transfer your ticket to someone else or hold on to a seat in a future workshop.
4 Do you offer discounts or scholarships?
A limited number of reduced-rate spots may be available for students, veterans, and select circumstances. Availability is not guaranteed. Please contact workshops@designingyour.life for more information.
5 How is the retreat different from the books?
The books provide the foundation. The retreat is where the work comes to life. Our retreat incorporates many of the tools and concepts from the Designing Your Life books while expanding on them with decades of additional practices developed through the Stanford Life Design Lab. You'll experience many familiar ideas from the books, along with new exercises and approaches not covered in the books—all brought to life through guided reflection, hands-on activities, experienced coaches, and the support of a like-minded community.
6 I have questions. Who should I contact?
workshops@designingyour.life