Lifestyle Design: What the heck?

I'm in pursuit of the 'digital lifestyle' and it's all about living well, working smartly, seeking adventure, and finding abundance.  The concept of the 'digital lifestyle is based on the principles of 'lifestyle design' which is a school of thought that believes that people can design and actually live their ideal lifestyle.  Sound cheesy?  My wife thought so when she proof read this post for me , but read on. She did and we chatted about the digital lifestyle for 20 minutes afterwards.  It's a concept that gets you thinking.

Although lifestyle design is not a new concept it was brought to the forefront by Tim Ferris in 2007 with his book called "The 4-Hour Workweek". Tim's book has become the recipe for escaping the traditional 9-5 grind, and helps people live anywhere and join what he calls the 'newly rich'.  Like any successful author and/or entrepreneur his points of view are different and you either love'm or hate'm.  I have to admit I've read Ferris' book twice and refer back to it quite regularly so I guess I'm part of the 'love'm club' and I encourage you to get a copy of his book if you even have the slightest interest in lifestyle design or online businesses.

Although the 4-Hour Workweek is literally packed with ideas, tips, and tricks for creating freedom in your life while at the same time increasing your networth there is one message in particular that resonates with me that I'd like to share with you as it is central to the concept of the 'digital lifestyle':

"Money is multiplied in value depending on the number of W's that you control in your life: WHAT you do, WHEN you do it, WHERE you do it, and with WHOM you do it.  I call this the 'freedom multiplier" (Ferris, T. 4-Hour Workweek. 2007. p.24).

Out of the all the books that I've read on lifestyle design, out of all the hours that I've sunk into designing my lifestyle this statement is most meaningful to me.  I consider it a 'trigger statement' meaning it's one of those things that you read and makes you do three things: (1) makes you go hmmmmm (2) changes your perspective and  (3) gets you to make a decision and take action in a new direction.  

So why settle for a traditional 9-5 job and defer your 'wants' and freedom until you retire?  Why not join a growing number of people who are breaking free from the masses and choosing to live the life they want now and not waiting until much later  to 'taste the good life'? They are are embracing an unconventional paradigm that allows them to define the equivalent of their 'million dollar lifestyle and build an online business that can be managed virtually a few hours per week but opens up revenue streams that can support their desired lifestyle.  By working smartly and leveraging technology you can now work anywhere, work less, and achieve the lifestyle that you want regardless of how big or small your wish list is. What does it take? 

1. An open mind 

2. A definition of your ideal lifestyle including estimates on what it costs to live out your dreams

3. An online businesses that you enjoy that can be managed virtually 

4. A list of methods for reducing redundant tasks in your life and developing a mechanism for automating many aspects of your life and business so that you can free up time to do the 'important things in life"

5. Think of a present (like a trip) that you'll treat yourself to once you meet your first milestone in your new lifestyle

The 4-Hour Workweek is a great resource to help you get on your way.  My blog will also help you with these items and more.  I'll recommend many other blogs and resources that will help you design your lifestyle and build your online business to support it.  

Ready?

Chris