6 Things I've Learned Designing The Life I Want

We’ve been working the past YEAR to make this a reality. You can find videos of our grand plan and the whys behind it HERE.  

It took a lot of work to get where we are... for WHAT WE DO to be WHO WE ARE... and here are some things I've learned:

1.  Community Is Important

   • Run your ideas by the people who know you the best and listen to their thoughts. Choose your people wisely though. Sometimes the people who truly know you aren’t family members (even though that may be your initial thought). Take some time to really think about the people who encourage you and be willing to receive constructive criticism. 

2.  Soak Up As Much Wisdom and Knowledge Possible Throughout The Journey

   • Run your ideas by the people who know you the best and listen to their thoughts. Choose your people wisely though. Sometimes the people who truly know you aren’t family members (even though that may be your initial thought). Take some time to really think about the people who encourage you and be willing to receive constructive criticism. 

     • Read books (below are the ones I read and gained a lot from)

       • The 4 Hour Workweek
       • The Crossroads of Should and Must
       • Make It Happen
       • Essentialism
       • The More of Less
     • Listen to podcasts 
     • Meet with people who have done something similar and learn from them
     • Understand the “Gulf of Disapproval”

3.  Make Detailed Plans and Take Small Steps

   • Even though it can be tempting to just go for it, make plans. You’re changing your life around so take a significant amount of time to think about what you really want and how to get there. 

     • Write out your goals and make action items for what needs to happen to get you from where you currently are to where you want to be. 

       • I put this on paper then put it on a Trello board (great tool to use that helps you keep on track)
     • Take baby steps
       • It can seem overwhelming to tackle something big so take small, intentional steps to get you where you want to be. You don’t have to do everything all at once, you’ll get there. Slow and steady wins the race, remember?

4.   Some People Won’t Get It

   • I’ve learned that some people just won’t understand what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Rather than try to make them understand, just know it’s okay if they don’t. (Even if it’s family)
   • You can’t please everyone (it’s true!), so be thoughtful of others but ultimately, you do you.

5.   Compromise and Patience

   • If you’re married or doing this with a partner, figuring out what you both want as individuals then together as a couple is important. There’s a ton of value in doing both and you may have to make some compromises along the way. 
   • Again if married, have patience with your partner because odds are you may move at different speeds. 

6.   Follow Your Calling 

   • We have a limited amount of time on this Earth and life is way too short to not be living the life you want. 
   • If you’re not sure what your calling is here is a little formula I’ve found helpful: your gifts/skills/strengths + your passions + an opportunity = your calling! 
     • Basically, it’s where your strengths and passions intersect. Find that, and cultivate it.