U and I: Synthesizing Life Design and Self Narrative

Abstract

This paper explores the construction of self-narratives through a synthesis of two frameworks: Designing Your Life (DYL) and Theory U. Using close reading methodology, it analyzes how these approaches inform personal and professional development. The study highlights three key dimensions: doing (prototyping life choices), believing (leveraging intuition), and empowering (considering broader impacts). While DYL emphasizes rapid experimentation in career design, Theory U focuses on systemic change through "presencing." The integration of these perspectives reveals that self-narratives are intricately linked with social systems and future generations. This synthesis advances the discourse on life design by encouraging researchers to consider the role of the Self in historical and future-oriented contexts and by prompting exploration of intuition and narrative co-creation in fields like education and organizational change. The paper concludes that conscious narrative shaping, informed by both action and reflection, is crucial for meaningful personal development in an interconnected world.

Keywords

• Narrative
• Theory U
• Life Design