Episode 1193: Are you building a life you love, or just escaping one that feels misaligned? In this episode of The BIGG Success Show, George and Mary-Lynn explore how distraction, busyness, and “someday” thinking can quietly pull us into coping mode instead of intentional living. Drawing on research and real-life experience, they unpack why escape isn’t the problem...it’s a signal.

You’ll learn how meaning, alignment, and purposeful goals create a life you don’t need to escape from, and why stress isn’t the enemy when it serves something bigger. The episode ends with a simple BIGG Assignment to help you spot misalignment and begin shifting from autopilot to on purpose.

Thanks for listening!

Here’s to your BIGG Success,

George & Mary-Lynn

BIGG Takeaways:

1. Reflecting on whether you are building a life you love or just finding ways to cope is crucial for long-term happiness.
2. Daydreaming can be a double-edged sword; it can inspire creativity but also create illusions of achievement.
3. Engaging with your life rather than escaping it is essential for true fulfillment and purpose.
4. Alignment between your values, goals, and daily actions is key to preventing that drift into autopilot living.
5. Understanding the difference between coping and creating can shift your perspective on how you approach challenges.
6. Finding meaning in your life through service and contribution can lead to greater satisfaction and reduced anxiety.

BIGG Chapters

[00:14] Exploring the Concept of Escape

[01:37] Escaping Default Lives

[03:24] Understanding Avoidance Coping

[06:16] Finding Alignment in Life's Purpose

[09:08] Building a Life of Purpose

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Research: Some key differences between a happy life and a meaningful life
2. Episode 1190: Crafting Purposeful Goals That Propel You Forward
3. Life Map Course
4. Follow our podcast
5. Join our newsletter

Episode 1192: In this final episode of the Life Map Podcast Series, George and Mary-Lynn bring all seven Life Map Course steps together. They explain why true success comes from integrating your personal, professional, and financial plans into one intentional framework - and why that creates a clear path that keeps you on track.

You’ll hear how each step in the Life Map Course builds on the last - from your baseline and vision to values, mission, goals, and contingencies - and why none of them stand alone. Most importantly, you’ll learn how your Life Map becomes a flexible, day-to-day decision-making tool that evolves as life changes.

Thanks for listening!

Here’s to your BIGG Success,

George & Mary-Lynn

BIGG Takeaways:

1. Setting clear goals instead of just wishes is crucial for achieving big success in life.
2. Your Life Map serves as a decision-making tool that aligns with your personal and professional ambitions.
3. Integrating your personal, professional, and financial goals creates a balanced life that fosters fulfillment.
4. Contingency plans are essential as they help you stay on track despite unexpected disruptions and setbacks.

BIGG Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction to the Life Map Course

[01:28] Transitioning from Wishes to Goals

[03:48] Defining Your Mission and Impact

[05:16] Building Contingencies into Your Life Map

[06:13] Introduction to the Life Map Course

[08:32] Creating Your Life Map: A Clear Path to Success

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Life Map Course
2. Life Map Podcast Series
3. Follow our podcast
4. Join our newsletter

BIGG Takeaways:

• In life, unexpected surprises are inevitable, so it's essential to have contingency plans in place.
• Contingency planning is not a sign of doubt; it's a wise way to prepare for real-life unpredictability.
• When faced with obstacles, remember to shake it off and take one step at a time toward your goals.
• Planning for failure means preparing for success; create backup plans that support your main objectives.
• A solid plan is good, but a flexible plan that accommodates life's surprises is even better.
• Identify three potential challenges to your goals and develop simple Plan Bs to keep moving forward.

BIGG Chapters:

[00:16] The Fable of the Farmer and His Donkey

[02:08] The Resilience of the Donkey

[03:10] Understanding Contingencies in Life Planning

[04:37] Responding to Life's Surprises

[08:16] Challenges in Contingency Planning

[10:33] Wrapping Up and Moving Forward

Links referenced in this episode:

• Episode 1186 – Your Baseline
• Episode 1187 – Your Vision
• Episode 1188 – Your Values
• Episode 1190 - Your Goals
• Mission statement podcast freebie
• Follow our podcast
• Join our newsletter