Redefining “lifestyle design” as you know it
There’s a stereotype for the lifestyle design movement— in my experience, a typical “lifestyle designer” usually fits the following characteristics:
- Male, Age 21 – 40
- Location independent, with a penchant for travel to Thailand
- Practices some form of minimalism in regard to physical possessions
- Works as a freelance designer, developer or consultant, and/or sells eBooks online
But you don’t have to fit this mold— not that there’s anything wrong with it. I’m intrigued by a recent blog post from Corbett Barr titled Is Lifestyle Design Dead Already? In his write-up Corbett discusses the limitations of the term “lifestyle design,” and how perhaps the term has gone the wayside as a result of its over-saturation and implied context. My personal take is that lifestyle design as a concept is not dead, nor is it just getting started. I disagree with Corbett’s comment:
…the topic of lifestyle design can be so broad as to apply to anyone doing anything with their lives. If that’s the case, it doesn’t seem so useful.
In my opinion, lifestyle design should be viewed as one’s conscious effort to create a better life for themselves. It’s not about doing anything. It’s about doing the something that will make you happy. For those that are struggling in life, they should take a moment to review their situation— how’s work life? family life? Are they living their dreams? How can they better themselves? If one finds inspiration from this analysis, then it’s probably time to start drafting a new lifestyle design.
Lifestyle design isn’t about quitting your job, moving to a foreign country, starting a travel blog, and writing eBooks on how to use Google AdWords. It’s about taking a second to step back and re-discover what you want from life. It might be travel, or starting a new online business venture… then again, it might be finding a steady corporate job to support your family and buying your first home. Whatever your ideal “lifestyle,” it might benefit from a re-design.
With all that said, here’s my take: Ignore the hype of the lifestyle design allure. Figure out what you want, chase it, and make it a reality. Even if it is working a 9-to-5 under awful florescent lights.
Obligatory “lifestyle design” photo credit: Xapa on Flickr
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Posted Jan 28, 2010
It’s my first time here at LifeShuffle. I like what I see
I just read that article yesterday (Corbett’s, that is). I wholeheartedly agree with what you’re saying here, especially about the characteristics that people share with this whole movement.
I don’t want to move to Thailand, sure I’d love to vacation. I want an easier life, time to myself, not have to go to work every day 9-5.
If you have a moment, please check out my blog. Thanks!
Hey Moon, thanks for your comment. Don’t get me wrong – Thailand sounds awesome, and I hope to visit there sometime myself – but we don’t ALL have to be tied down to that path. Your blog looks great!
Hi Rob,
Just stumbled upon your site and I’d say I like this post. That helps to remove the restriction that lifestyle design has to be like other people’s lifestyle design.Shall look forward reading more from you.
It’s my first time on your site as well. I think I made a similar comment on that article by Corbett Barr. The thing is, I had decided before I commented that he must have been studying good headlines because anything controversial gets people talking. I am not sure if it was just a measure to get people talking or if he really meant everything he wrote. Only time will tell. BTW, nice post. I’m subscribing.
@Lilian – Thanks for your comment. Good luck on your efforts to create your own, PERSONAL lifestyle design!
@Lis – Ha, interesting point… I’m sure Corbett has been overwhelmed with readers as a result of his post. Regardless, it’s certainly created some healthy – and very opinionated – discussion on the web! Thanks for stopping by; can’t wait to check out your site!
Lifestyle design isn’t dead. Finding out what you personally really want out of life and chasing it with passion isn’t something that is going to go away. And that is what lifestyle design is really about.
But the group you mentioned… the guys all trying to make money online and go lay on a beach in Thailand… they’ve hijacked the “lifestyle design” terminology. All the blogs sounds the same. All the stories sound the same. They all convince themselves they want the same lifestyle and that’s what lifestyle design is really about. It’s already boring when really it should be a diverse bunch living in many different places doing a variety of things.