The Curiosity Quest with Gena G

Tag: Mindset

  • Are You Living in Default Mode or Design Mode? | Mindset Shifts with Curious Gena

    Published by Gena G

    Have you ever looked up from your day and thought, “Wait… how did I even get here?”

    Wake up. Scroll. Work. Cook. Clean. Sleep. Repeat.
    It’s so easy to fall into patterns — not because we’re lazy or unmotivated, but because the brain loves routine. It’s efficient. It’s predictable. It’s… autopilot.

    But here’s the thing:

    There’s a big difference between living and simply existing.
    And that difference? It’s called intention.

    🔁 Default Mode vs. Design Mode

    Default Mode is when life is happening to you.
    You’re responding, reacting, and repeating. You follow the same routines, think the same thoughts, and live by beliefs you may not have questioned in years.

    Design Mode, on the other hand, is when life starts happening for you — because you’re creating it.
    You’re making intentional choices based on your values, goals, and growth.

    Are You in Default Mode?

    Here are a few signs:

    • You start and end your day feeling drained.
    • Your calendar is full, but your soul feels… empty.
    • You’re often on autopilot — going through the motions.
    • You keep saying “yes” to things you don’t actually want.
    • You haven’t checked in with your dreams in a while.

    Sound familiar? Don’t worry — we all dip into default mode sometimes.
    The power comes when you notice and shift.

    Step Into Design Mode: 3 Mini Shifts You Can Make Today

    1. Start Your Day With a “Design Prompt”

    Ask yourself: What kind of day do I want to create today?
    Set an intention — not a to-do list. This one is hard for me! I love my lists : )

    2. Audit One Routine

    Pick one part of your day — maybe your morning, your email habits, or how you unwind.
    Ask: Is this routine serving me or draining me?
    If it’s not aligned, redesign it.

    3. Question One Belief

    We all carry invisible scripts like:
    “I have to do it all or no one will.” “Success means constant hustle.” “I’m not creative.”
    Challenge one today. Flip it. Reframe it.

    What if the opposite were true?

    💡 Final Thought

    You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight.
    Design Mode isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence.
    It’s about getting curious 😉, pressing pause, and choosing you again and again.

    So I’ll ask you:

    Are you living by design… or default?

    💬 Your Turn

    Have you caught yourself living in default mode lately?
    Leave a comment or share this post with someone who needs a mindset reset today.

    Checkout my Podcast: The Curiosity Quest Podcast for more content and inspiration ; )

  • Welcome to the Curiosity Quest!

    Thank you so much for stopping by! This blog is to be a way to share resources, connect and share experiences! I am also in the process of launching a new Podcast! The podcast is called The Curiosity Quest Podcast and I am so excited to be sharing it with the world soon. It is a labor of love and something that I have wanted to do for such a long time. I am an avid podcast listener and have wanted to have my own for so long. I have wondered who the heck would listen to it though and that is why I have waited so long. There really is no time but the present! So I decided to take my own advice of “Don’t think just do!” (which really is from Top Gun which is such a great movie) If you have not seen it you should definitely check it out the original and the sequel Maverick are sooo good. All about stretching the boundaries of what is possible. Our minds tend to hold us back, but they also carry so much power if we just push past what is comfortable! If we can reduce overthinking, we will find our mindset will change. It is actually easier then we think, (haha) but it does take practice and awareness. I hope you will join me on this fun little experiment and you may be amazed about what is possible! More to come on my new podcast as well : )

    So stay curious my friends!

    love and peace, Gena G