{"id":512,"date":"2007-11-14T07:21:43","date_gmt":"2007-11-14T14:21:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scotthyoung.com\/blog\/2007\/11\/14\/the-art-of-lifestyle-design\/"},"modified":"2018-04-03T08:22:53","modified_gmt":"2018-04-03T15:22:53","slug":"the-art-of-lifestyle-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scotthyoung.com\/blog\/2007\/11\/14\/the-art-of-lifestyle-design\/","title":{"rendered":"The Art of Lifestyle Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Paintbrush\"<\/p>\n

Is what you did today representative of how you want to live? Lifestyle design is the counterpart to focusing on achievement. Completing goals asks you what you want to accomplish. Lifestyle design asks you what experiences you want to have. How you want to live, instead of what you own.<\/p>\n

I believe the best way to view lifestyle design is slow constructions, not enormous leaps. By making smaller, incremental changes to your current routine, you can thoroughly enjoy what you have while you work towards bigger things.<\/p>\n

Building With What You\u2019ve Got<\/h2>\n

Circumstances are never ideal. You might have responsibilities and commitments that can\u2019t easily be avoided. You might be forced to live in an environment that doesn\u2019t suit your tastes. You might currently lack the skills or experience to make a living off what you have.<\/p>\n

If circumstances aren\u2019t ideal, you need to work to change them. But the process of change can take months or years of hard work. Lifestyle design doesn\u2019t require that every condition be perfect. It simply means building the best experience with the materials you have.<\/p>\n

Lifestyle design also compliments goal-setting, as improving the experiences and routines in your life will make you more able to reach those big goals. Someone who is content, energized, productive, focused and can still have fun will usually accomplish more than the stressed-out workaholic.<\/p>\n

The Building Blocks of Lifestyle Design<\/h2>\n

There are several big building blocks for lifestyle design. In each case there is no \u201cright\u201d or \u201cwrong.\u201d There are just different creations. Saying one set of habits, organizing systems or work is better is like saying paintings with the color blue are better. It\u2019s all a matter of taste.<\/p>\n

What really matters is what helps you move towards your goals and enjoy life the most. Here are the main ones you should consider:<\/p>\n

1 – Habits<\/h3>\n

Your routines and habits make a large chunk of your time. I would estimate that anywhere from 70-90% of the time you spend each day is done on autopilot. You do it because it is what you did yesterday, not because there was a clear decision between two new alternatives.<\/p>\n

Lifestyle design means sculpting your habits so you don\u2019t struggle against them. Ask yourself what you would do if the following things were automatic for you:<\/p>\n