6 Game Changers When Using Your Human Design

Human Design has been part of my life for a few years now, and as I've described it before, I tend to view things as "before" and "after" learning my design. That's how powerful it is. I didn't change everything all at once, and it's an ongoing practice just like meditation or yoga. You're never really finished with Human Design in the same way that there's no end point for living your purpose.

If you're a Human Design Reflector and you feel pressure to move quickly, keep up a consistent pace, or to stay the same (i.e. not change), chances are you're only off my a few degrees when it comes to incorporating your own design in real life.

Below you'll find 6 game changers that come with using your design. Each one is its own ah-ha experience. And the best part is that you don't have to completely overhaul your world to get the benefits. Human Design doesn't require you to buy a bunch of stuff, get rid of people you like, or change who you are. At its core this framework is here to ask you an important question that only you can answer.

That question is: "Are you ready to see who you really are?".

Let's get into the game changers.

#1 It shows you what you're good at

This alone is worth paying attention to! But let's take it a step further. Your design shows you what you're good at so you can bring more of that into your life and stop trying to master everything. Reflectors will ebb and flow with their interests but the gifts you have (your defined gates) are little clues about what you're naturally awesome at. Plus, since you'll express your gifts in varying ways, it's like getting the best of all worlds. Defined gates in your Throat Centre support you in sharing specific types of messages but there's no rule that says it has to be spoken out loud.

You can write, sing, paint, act, or choose any other form of communicating that suits you. Each one is an outlet for your message to be received by those who are ready for it. A lot of times, especially in corporate settings, employers want you to work on what you're not good at so you have a mediocre level of mastery in lots of skills. This makes no sense to me. Why not dig into your gifted areas and show the world that side of you!

#2 You get a fail proof decision-making formula

The fact that Reflectors need space to prepare for opportunities when others don't is irrelevant. If you strip away all the societal expectations and just look at the tactic, it's actually pretty genius. I have yet to meet a Reflector who says they were steered wrong by following the strategy and authority for our type. The only reason I hear why Reflectors choose not to tap into the 28 day cycle for their decisions is because of external pressure.

So how about starting small with things you have full autonomy over and seeing how that goes? Planning your next vacation or getaway? Start using your strategy and see where it leads you. The revelations you encounter just might entice you to try this approach for decisions in other life areas. By the way, since we're all grown ups here, I want to remind you that if someone is pushing their decision-making timeline on you, you can just say no. It's true! If you want to know how, I invite you to join us inside Reflector Essentials.

#3 There are real yes and no signals

Your Reflector design will let you know when you're getting closer or farther away from your most authentic self. We've all been on the receiving end of conditioning that has shaped our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours, but are the actions you take actually right for the real you? If you've ever experienced the achingly heavy feeling of disappointment, the answer is no. Disappointment is a Reflector's sign that they're not being themselves. On the other hand, the Reflector sign of alignment is called Surprise. I know that word carries its own meaning but the secret here is that surprise is simply a state of wonder, a curious interest, or a feeling of peace.

Watching for these signs will tell you more about what you actually want in life than some pre-constructed list of things that match what everyone expects of you. For example, the summer between my undergrad and Master's studies I worked at a golf course as part of the "grounds crew". This meant being at work for 5am to cut grass and generally make sure the course was in pristine condition. Now, I despise being told that I have to wake up at a certain time but I was so in love with getting to be out on the golf course and soaking up the sun and fresh air, that I literally hopped out of bed every day. It was the purest of surprise for me, and I know that being in that job for a few months before starting 2 years of intense academic work was the best thing I could've done to rest, recalibrate, and prepare for what was to come. I never would've expected loving the golf course that much, and that's exactly why Reflectors should pay attention to surprise and disappointment. Can you think of any times that you felt surprise or disappointment when you didn't expect to?

#4 Here's your life's purpose

Who wouldn't want to know their life's purpose?! This alone has been so worth the bajillion hours I've spent studying Human Design. In a world where people talk about their purpose solely in the context of what they do for paid work, Human Design gives you a theme that crosses ever life area and permeates everything you do. Plus, once you start living by your design (especially your strategy and authority) you'll get so many examples of your purpose showing up in random daily ways.

There's a weird misconception that we have to work towards our purpose but that's absolutely untrue. In fact, Human Design helps you experience this purpose just by being yourself and operating the way you were intended to. Take the time and space to prepare for decisions, tune into those subtle (or blaring) signs of disappointment and surprise, and what you'll be left with is a common thread that manifests whether you're at home with the kids, working in your business, or running a half marathon. Plus, if you're anything like me and you've struggled to get a tangible life purpose catch phrase, you can create one by exploring your Incarnation Cross.

#5 Know yourself so others can support you

And vice versa. Anything you can do to better understand yourself and uncover what you truly desire in this lifetime, is time well spent. The more you get to know you, the better able you are to share that version of yourself with people who are important to you. Plus, knowing your design naturally brings an awareness of how we're each so different and equally important in our own ways.

Human Design is an ecosystem that absolutely shines when we all lean into our own design. We Reflectors can't fully express our gifts without others in our lives, and neither can the other types. If you're looking for a simple way to support others or allow them to support you, try this question. "Do you have a process that helps you make decisions, and if so, would you like to share it with me?". With that, the door to learning and being curious begins to open.

#6 Permission to stop being someone you're not

As a Reflector who grew up around Generators, I was constantly told to get up, start doing x,y,z, and never ever take a break. I carried this conditioning with me well into my 30s and was finally able to let it go…most of the time. My hope with sharing the potential of Human Design is that it can help anyone out there who's ever said, "This doesn't feel like me" or "There's got to be more to life than this". Human Design is your permission slip to step away from what your parents insisted you be like, and start exploring what sparks curiosity within you at a deep level.

I mentioned focusing on strengths earlier, and this game changer is somewhat related to it. Pretending to be someone you're not just to fit in is exhausting and utterly soul-crushing. We are on Earth for such a short time that denying who you really are for any reason takes away from the impact you could have and purpose you're here to fulfil. What's the point of setting goals or New Year's resolutions if the result is a watered down version of the real you? If you need a good starting point to ease into being yourself, try saying something like, "I do things a little differently than most people but it's always worthwhile".

There you have it. You'll find all of these game changers inside your Human Design chart, and with just a few minor tweaks to how you do things you can experience the freedom, joy, and surprise of getting to be the realest version of yourself.