Let’s dive into something that completely changed the way I approach work: Human Design. If you’re not familiar with it, Human Design is like a roadmap that helps you understand how you’re wired to operate in the world—especially when it comes to work, decision-making, and finding joy in your life. And let me tell you, when I found out I’m a Manifesting Generator, it was like a lightbulb moment. Everything suddenly made sense, especially why the hustle, grind, and perfectionism were burning me out instead of lighting me up.
What It Means to Be a Manifesting Generator
As a Manifesting Generator, I’m a natural multitasker, and I need a lot of freedom to follow my passions. We MGs are known for being fast-moving, full of energy (when we’re aligned with what lights us up), and able to juggle multiple projects at once. But here’s the catch: we don’t operate well under rigid structures or in environments that demand us to focus on just one thing for too long.
Perfectionism is our kryptonite. Why? Because Manifesting Generators are designed to move quickly and pivot when something no longer excites us. We’re not here to follow a linear path or stick to one project for years just because we “should.” When we’re forced into that kind of rigidity, we burn out fast. So, when I was deep in the grind, trying to build a big business and create this perfectly polished empire, it didn’t take long for me to feel completely out of alignment.
Dropping Perfectionism and Finding Joy
For years, I chased perfection in everything I did—work, business, motherhood, life. I thought that if I could just do it all perfectly, then I’d finally feel like I was enough. But here’s the thing: Manifesting Generators aren’t designed for perfection. We’re designed for speed, for excitement, for following the things that bring us joy. When we try to slow ourselves down or force ourselves to fit into a box of perfection, we lose our magic.
Once I realized this, I started letting go of that constant drive for perfection and started asking myself, What brings me joy? What lights me up? Because for MGs, joy is everything. When we’re excited about what we’re doing, we’re unstoppable. But when we’re stuck doing things that feel heavy, boring, or out of alignment with our purpose, our energy tanks fast.
So I started giving myself permission to move on from things that no longer felt exciting—even if that meant switching projects, changing course, or scrapping ideas that didn’t align anymore. And that’s when the real magic started to happen. I found joy in my work again, and I started thriving, not because I was doing more, but because I was doing what felt right for me.
Why Building a Big Staff and Business Didn’t Work for My Type
Here’s the kicker: for the longest time, I thought the only way to be successful was to build a big creative business with a big staff, tons of moving parts, and a machine-like structure that would just crank out success. But as a Manifesting Generator, that’s not what I’m wired for.
We MGs thrive on flexibility and freedom. We don’t want to be tied down to managing a huge team or constantly putting out fires. We want to be in the creative flow, moving quickly from one idea to the next, and having the space to pivot when we need to. Trying to build a big staff and a structured business model felt heavy and overwhelming, and it drained me because it didn’t allow me to operate the way I’m designed to.
I’ve learned that I don’t need a huge team to be successful. In fact, having fewer people to manage gives me the freedom to focus on what I do best—creating, strategizing, and following my passions. For other people, building a big business might be the dream, but for a Manifesting Generator like me, lean and flexible is the way to go. Too bad I didn’t know this about 20 years earlier. It would have saved me lots of headaches, second guessing and mean-girling myself, and tons of money.
What Works for Other Human Design Types
Now, while I’ve found that a flexible, creative approach works best for me as a Manifesting Generator, other Human Design types operate differently, and that’s where things get interesting. Here’s a quick look at how different types can find their sweet spot in work:
- Generators: Generators thrive on mastery and consistency. They’re designed to focus deeply on projects and tasks that light them up, and when they’re in alignment, they can work with sustained energy for long periods. For Generators, joy comes from mastering their craft and having a steady, reliable workflow.
- Projectors: Projectors are guides—they’re here to help others see things clearly and to direct energy, not to be constantly hustling. Projectors need plenty of rest and space to recharge, and they do best when they’re recognized for their expertise and invited to share their insights. Trying to work like a Generator will only lead to burnout for a Projector.
- Manifestors: Manifestors are initiators. They’re here to start things, but they don’t necessarily need to stick around for the whole process. Manifestors thrive when they have the freedom to follow their urges and bring new ideas into the world, and they do best when they’re allowed to move independently without too much interference.
- Reflectors: Reflectors are rare, and their strength lies in their ability to mirror the energy around them. They’re highly sensitive to their environment and need time to reflect before making decisions. For Reflectors, finding joy in work means being in spaces that feel good to them and taking plenty of time for self-care and introspection.
Embracing Who I Am
Once I started embracing my Human Design type, everything changed. I stopped trying to build my business in ways that didn’t feel aligned with who I am, and I started leaning into the freedom and flexibility that Manifesting Generators need to thrive. I stopped forcing myself into the hustle culture that didn’t work for me and started giving myself permission to do work my way.
If you’re a Manifesting Generator like me, or even if you’re one of the other types, the key to finding joy in your work is understanding what you’re designed for. You don’t have to follow the traditional rules or fit into anyone else’s box. You just need to follow your own energy, trust your process, and create the kind of work life that feels aligned for you.
