A while ago, in a quiet corner at Teru, Epiwalk Mall, South Jakarta, a safe space was created. That day, Saturday, June 20, 2026, we gathered not to discuss business strategies, mitigate organizational risks, or chase the quarterly targets that usually dominate our workdays.
We gathered for a reason that was far more personal: to design our own life compass.
Before the workshop began, a question kept echoing in my head—and perhaps in the heads of many professionals out there
Are you living by design, or just by default?
We are often so great at creating strategic plans for our work, yet we so frequently forget to sit down for a moment to map out the direction of our own lives. We walk in autopilot mode, successfully checking all the boxes of external achievement, while still feeling a quiet, hollow void at the end of the day.
Success without alignment can feel like burnout.
The beauty of a small group
Originally, this session was intentionally designed for a very intimate group so the discussions could go deep. And when seven people finally gathered in the room, I realized something: it was the perfect, divine number.
The intimate space made the session feel so warm. During our opening check-in, we opened our hearts to honest questions that we usually only dare to whisper in silence:
- “Where am I actually going? What is the true direction of my life?”
- “My work is fine, my salary is secure, but why does waking up in the morning feel so heavy and uninspiring?”
- “Life is great—so why do I feel like I haven’t reached my full potential?”
Seeing the nods, the understanding smiles, and the spark in everyone’s eyes as we shared these feelings was truly magical.
Knowing that you are not alone in this confusion brings such an overwhelming sense of emotional relief for everyone in that room.
Walking Through 3 Concrete Stages
Over our four hours together, we didn’t just listen to theory or fleeting motivation. We unpacked our lives using a framework that was logical yet deeply heartfelt:
- Rediscovering Your Passion — We started by digging up what truly makes our energy and enthusiasm light up again. It was so touching to see everyone start remembering the simple yet meaningful things that had been buried under the weight of daily responsibilities.
- Finding Your North Star — We mapped out the big picture of our future, not based on means goals (what we think we should achieve to meet other people’s expectations), but through three true pillars: Experience (what we want to feel), Growth (how we want to grow), and Contribution (how we want to make an impact on the world).
- Deciding Your Next Step — This was one of my absolute favorite parts. We translated all those deep reflections into grounded micro-steps (baby steps). Because, as we discussed that day: A big plan is scary. A small move is easy. Everyone left not with a new burden, but with a tactical Action Plan ready to execute without getting trapped in overthinking.
Growing Together
That workshop day felt so joyful, warm, full of laughter, and packed with gentle, contemplative moments. Taking a pause together with these growth-minded friends reminded me once again why I love the world of coaching so much.
Seeing shoulders that were tense at the beginning of the session slowly relax, and watching eyes that were once filled with self-doubt turn into a bright spark of hope by the end of the day—that is the greatest gift I could ever receive as a facilitator.
Thank you to all the incredible participants who showed up, opened their hearts, and committed to play full out. A big thank you as well to Parij for making sure the registration and operational side of the event ran so seamlessly.
And for you reading this, please remember:
you always have a choice to take a pause and start designing your life for yourself.
See you in the next safe space! ❤️
You are meant to thrive.
I’ve got your back.
With love and gratitude,
Inuk
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