My latest video is all about lifestyle design, and why you should care.
I was recently asked about what two words I would associate with lifestyle design, or LD. To me, lifestyle design means creating the ideal life that I want to live. It means identifying my dreams and goals, and laying out a plan to turn that vision into a reality. My own, unique, rebellious version of the “American” dream.
The two words I would say are most important to my definition of LD:
Passion — as in, what am I most passionate about? What kind of work makes me excited and happy? How do I want to change the world, make a difference, and leave a legacy?
Time— how can I use my limited time here most effectively to achieve my dreams? How I can I create more free time to dedicate to my passions rather than busy work? How can I invest as much quality time as possible with friends, family, traveling, having fun?
If you still haven’t read Timothy Ferriss’ The 4-Hour Workweek, it’s required reading for building the lifestyle of your dreams. If you’ve already got it on your shelf or plan to pick it up, make sure you check out Tim’s private resources page for readers only.
Then be sure to practice Tim’s Dreamlining exercise. It’s a great way to lay out your most important goals—your ideal lifestyle, what you want to be, do, and have—and figure out the associated costs with getting there and next steps. Check out Jared Goralnick’s free digital Dreamlining worksheet, which will allow you to map out your goals on the computer.
If you want to experiment with some of the alternative solutions in Tim’s book, there are a lot of great resources out there. To learn more about outsourcing—including how to streamline your business processes, take yourself out of the equation, and virtual assistant best-practices—make sure you read the new Source Control guide from Muselife.com. David Walsh is a long-time, active member of the 4HWW forums and he has put together a really fantastic, thorough guide to successful outsourcing. The ebook also comes with some useful templates that you can put to use in your business.
To learn more about location independence and geoarbitrage, watch my video on the location-independent, digital nomad life.
Why is Lifestyle Design important to you?
What are your strategies for planning and attaining your ideal lifestyle? What are your favorite online LD resources? Please leave your thoughts in the comments.
This is an amazing find. Thank you for this. For me this all began with something very basic, which was my body.
I had an image of the man I wanted to be. I saw his smile and his figure very clearly, everything else was fuzzy. So naturally I began with what I saw clearly. It worked!
Having a body and presence that I am proud of elvated my entire game and helped me take charge of my desires. Everything else became more clear, my dream, my car, house, girlfriend etc..
I am a subscriber now!
Hey Cody!
Awesome blog you have here, I just subscribed!
I love the whole idea of Jet set travel, making money online and freeing yourself from the 9-5 job to make a living.
There is so much to see in this world:)
Looking forward to more posts!
Diggy
Cody, love the video. Keep doing them!
Recommendation for the vids: You should place in scenes from your daily life. Perhaps you going to the supermarket or you riding your bike along the ocean coast. Splice in those images or short vids with your voice talking in the background. In this way, you’re teaching but it’s also entertaining because we get to see the lifestyle you live.
I’ve read Tim’s book and think it’s awesome. However, a lot of the practical things that he talked about, like creating content and selling it on adwords, is a lot easier said than done. My only complaint is that I wish he would update the book so that it would be more relevant for 2009.
(I think he is creating an updated version, right?)
How can I live a lifestyle designed life? I personally feel like my responsibilities are my family and girlfriend right now, and it would be irresponsible for me to pick up and go. So honestly, the only thing holding me back from living a location independent lifestyle are my startup, girlfriend, and student loans.
I just need to have a successful startup or build a self-automated business that will allow me to take my girlfriend overseas with me.
The time will definitely come
- Jun Loayza
I’m going to clear up my reading list a bit and hit the link above to buy the book. I’ve heard so much about it but haven’t read it.
Anil, get on that! it’s a game changer. Jun, indeed…he’s revamping the book for 2010.
Cody awesome post, I’m glad that someone asked you those questions. It’s good to see this post from you, it’s a bit of a re-awakening if I’m reading it right.
I’m re-listening (audiobook) to the 4HWW now too. The freedom that he places in context is a powerful thought. Although I’m not in the place or have that urge to be location independent, I resound the thoughts of living your life now, planning out your dreams and then creating steps to get there through passive and easily managed income. It’s more than possible, this world is more diverse in business than ever and the dollars are there to be grabbed. The internet is only 14 years old, it’s barely hit puberty. The tools are in place for digital savvy workers to become global content providers without anyone to hold them back. I for one can’t stop until I’ve had a taste of it.
Jun, I’m in the same boat as you! There’s so many steps not even having to do with money that sets up a business to be easily managed and self-automated, I hope the time comes sooner than later that we master it well, free ourselves from debt and fly our girlfriends all over the world. Thanks for this Cody, you have a way with words, this post was short but full.
Hey Cody, nice to comment for the first time here, great blog you have going on!
I think you make a lot a great points, the only thing that I’d add is that there’s no rush. When it comes to living your lifestyle design, there’s no race, so I don’t think there’s nothing wrong with waiting a little bit, until you truly understand yourself and your goals. also, I agree with Jun in the aspect of responsibility, that’s another thing that we have to think about before making the big change.
Once we consider those two points, I believe that doing what you’re doing now is the best way to understand life, yourself and your personal philosophy. I congratulate you and your life attitude Cody.
It’s amazing how many people were inspired by The Four Hour Work Week, myself included. I feel many people get caught up in the particulars, of which, there is much to disagree about (Only reading for 30 minutes immediately before bedtime and it must be fiction? I don’t get it!).
It’s not about working 4 hours a week, as he has repeatedly clarified, that just happened to be an excellent marketing ploy. Tim effectively conveyed a new mindset and exposed many of us to a whole world that previously seemed reserved for the lucky few that made it big. We truly are the New Rich and we all have Tim Ferriss to thank for inspiring us to consider what kind of life is possible when you stop accepting reality as something that cannot be changed.
@carlos You are right, there is no race. The beauty of all this is that you get to determine your pace. Having said that, I’ve always had this feeling that life was passing me by so quickly. When you consider how much more flexibility you have when you are young, the idea of delaying this kind of life is inconceivable to me.
You raise some important ideas again, Cody. It’s always important to be reminded of the values behind lifestyle design – passion and time freedom. Somewhere along the line though, lifestyle design has become synonymous with being nomadic/ location independent, which concerns me a little. My concern is the risk of creating another template that, while it’s different from the current traditional template, is still a template. I know you were motivated to create your lifestyle from your authentic desires and while you’ve incorporated ideas and tools from various other sources, you’ve created your own mix. For me, that’s what lifestyle design is all about (creating your own mix), and you don’t have to be location independent/ nomadic/ traveling/ working online to design your lifestyle around your authentic personal values – thanks for the reminder to think about our personal dreams.
Cath
Hey Cody,
Great video with a lot of interesting and true points. If I could make everyone I know watch it, I would. People really need to realize that the template lifestyle is not necessary. You are a living example of this. Time is really my currency, and I’m working my hardest to free up more of it by starting my own business and eliminating wasteful actions. Once again, great post.
Very good points here.
At the end of the day, you’ve got one life to live, so why spend so much of the finite amount of time you have doing something you don’t enjoy?
I think with all the hubbub that’s raised over the intricacies of lifestyle design, we sometimes lose that simple purpose and take the long way around rather than approaching the problem as the crow flies. Slowly and steadily removing the things you are not passionate about from your life is something everyone should be striving for, day in and day out.
Thanks for the video Cody.
I am 100% for lifestyle design. To me it is all about living the life that brings you the greatest satisfaction. However, Cath Duncan brings up some good points.
So many people seem to be chasing other people’s ideas of lifestyle design. Even Tim Ferris doesn’t live the life prescribed in the four hour workweek.
I certainly don’t want to criticize Tim Ferris, he has done and is continuing to do amazing things. The question I ask of myself is what is next? I have been living abroad for 13 years now. I have cut my work hours down. I have enough money and freedom to do the things I want. So what is next?
For me lifestyle design is about doing great things, personal excellence and authenticity. However, I still haven’t found the satisfaction that I am looking for in life.
After you have traveled the world, married the person of your dreams and are doing your work you are passionate about, what is next?
I just bought the book today!
I’ve been meaning to for a while, and today I was in a bookstore and remembered your post and was like “Omg I have to get this book, and I did.”
Reading commences tonight!
Cheers!
Hey Cody, I love what you’re doing here. You’re practically living my dream. To have a mobile business and travel all over the world working my own hours – that is my desire.
In order to get the ideal lifestyle, I’m writing a personal development blog while I’m in college (University of Chicago). It’s a difficult challenge, but I hope to make an income from my blog. I won’t stop until I get there.
Thanks for your awesome information. I’ve learned a lot!
Hi Cody. Just want to saythe site is wicked. I’m off to live in Thailand and leave in a few days and so will attempt to read every blog on your site.
Hi Cody!
I like the different elements that you brought into this post. I think it is great to fantasize about never working and keeping time by the rhythm of a hammock, but the reality is that it is a lot of work!
Designing your life is harder than just letting things happen. It means that you are participating on a bigger level & actively learning more about yourself, your business, and your own perceived limitations.
I think we have both discovered in this journey that it isn’t about working less, it is about giving more and leading a life full of meaningful experiences. I know you are a great model for this and have been adding meaning to so many people’s lives and inspiring everyone to reach out and do more!! Thanks for the plug & talk soon :0)
Brooke
@Jun, great feedback and ideas for future videos my man! I just got back from a short jaunt to Laos and will try to splice some vids together from that. Yes, there is an updated version of 4HWW coming out in early 2010. Valid points about family and responsibilities, but if you really want to go traveling for a while, ultimately it’s your life and you only get to live it once, so do it your way.
@Robert, I’m certainly glad you asked me about my thoughts on lifestyle design my friend—that’s what sparked this post! You’re absolutely right, there are more options open to us than ever before, especially educated folks from the developed world, so be thankful and take full advantage and make something of yourself!
@Carlos, you’re right about going at your own pace. This isn’t a race (I think I’ve said that before; and I ain’t no rat), but Tyler’s right, we only get a very short, limited time on this planet and no one knows when their number will be called, so best to make as much of it as you can while you’re still here!
@Cath and @John Bardos, great points. Nobody ever said you have to travel or be a digital nomad or anything! Lifestyle design will mean different things to different people, and it’s important not to put anyone else’s ideal life on a pedestal. Like I said, to me LD means identifying my dreams and goals, and laying out a plan to turn that vision into a reality. Everyone needs to identify their own ideal lifestyle for themselves. And John, there will always be something next! That’s the fun, hopefully you’ll always stay hungry, you’ll never be content, you’ll always find new goals to conquer.
@Diggy, glad to have you as a part of the TH community and glad I could help inspire you to grab Tim’s book. It certainly made an impression on me and shaped my life!
@John, also glad to have you join us around here man! And very happy if I can provide any tips, guidance, or inspiration. Please get in touch any time.
@Jonny, hope we get to meet while you’re here in Thailand!
@Brooke, thanks for vouching for me!
Yeah, we both know nothings ever as easy as it looks, everything’s always easier said than done. But putting in the hard work sure is worth it when you get those moments where you realize you wouldn’t want to live your life any other way, huh? 
Cody,
You’ve got to do more videos in the future! I can’t get enough.
I’m going to sit down and do the dreamlining. It’s been a while and so much has changed in my own experiments in lifestyle design. Thanks for continually pumping me with encouragement to keep plowing ahead with this lifestyle.
Hopefully, we’ll be visiting Thailand soon!
I just found your blog.
I really want a freedom lifestyle without office hour works and stress..
Maybe live in village with chicken, goat is suit for me.. But money is important. I must learn more from you how to get freedom lifestyle
I just found your site. I’m thrilled! I had no idea there was a bunch of others who are doing exactly what I’m doing – carving out a completely new kind of lifestyle. Awesome!
Thanks,
Sunny
Hi Cody,
There truly is a movement…a new paradigm of thought that is encircling the world. People are no longer satisfied to live in a “templated” world but are breaking out of all confines, taking their lives back and living them as their visions demand.
It truly is an exciting time to be alive!
Finding your blog has helped me to define my own voice…thanks Cody! I’ll be following closely.
Kathy
i dont think so …. dreaming and achievment means like goals and ambition not lifestyle
Great blog! I just found it today, and I too am a huge fan of the 4HWW. Unfortunately I discovered the book after graduate school so I still have the loans to pay off, but bit by bit I’m getting closer to the dream. Great resource, and I appreciate all the other excellent pages you link to. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Shane, thanks for the compliments. Thanks for reading, and glad you found it useful!
couldnt agree more with this cody mate, good work!
Wow just found this site to day and it is truly inspiring, I to traveled around SEA and lived in Thailand for just over a year.
I had my own shop there, but didn’t market my shop properly, and then had to come home
Could you tell me more how you make your money from making websites, do you know how to code HTML, PHP etc..
or do you do this by outsourcing???
Good stuff, keep living the dream dude.