We all get to the point where we want to design a lifestyle that makes us reasonably happy. But how do you get to the point where you are living the lifestyle you want? The reality is that, whether you work a “traditional” job or whether you are an entrepreneur, there are pitfalls to avoid. Here are 5 tips for creating the lifestyle you want:
1. Figure Out What’s Important to YOU
Your first step is to decide what’s important to you. This means learning about your priorities and working toward them. Once you know what matters to YOU, can start building your life around those important items. Too often, we get caught up in what we “should” be doing or what others are doing and forget to think about what we want from life. Take a few minutes to decide what really matters to you.
2. Acknowledge Your Responsibility for Your Life
No, you can’t control everything that happens to you, nor can you always dictate the circumstances that you’re in at this moment. However, you can decide how you will respond to the situation. Acknowledge that you can change and that you can move forward. Being able to see that in your life is your first step toward changing your life into something that you want to live.
3. Recognize the Steps You Need to Take to Make Changes
Now that you know what’s important, and you recognize that you are responsible for your life, you can start looking for the steps you need to make in order to change. You might need to get more education or training in order to move to the next level. Perhaps you need to find a mentor to help you navigate your next phase. In some cases, the first step to change is simply watching less TV. Sit down and figure out where you want to be and then be honest about where you are. What intervening things do you need to do to get to the lifestyle you want?
4. Start Small
Most of us aren’t going to be able to overhaul our lives in one day — or even one year. If you want to live healthier, take baby steps as you start to exercise and eat right. Depending on the lifestyle you want, you might need to recognize that it might take habits and a little longer than you thought. But if you persist in making small changes, over time that will add up. You’ll develop new habits and eventually you’ll realize that you’re well on your way. Remember that your lifestyle isn’t really a destination. Like many things in life, it’s a journey.
5. Surround Yourself with Support
Finally, make sure that you surround yourself with support. Get help from loved ones as you work toward changes. Getting your life partner on board, and helping your children learn to adapt to the lifestyle can take some time. However, you can also find inspiration in online forums, mastermind groups and local meetups. Technology has a way of bringing us together, and you can get the help and support you need.
You can live the lifestyle you want if you are willing to define your own success and then take the necessary actions to get there.
