Author: Kathy

Lifestyle design isn’t some kind of millionaire fantasy. Through smart prioritization, living the way you want is more accessible than ever. But what does that mean in practice? To clarify the notion, here are seven essential principles of lifestyle design. This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy here. The term “lifestyle design” was first popularized by Silicon Valley investor-turned bestseller author Tim Ferriss.  In his groundbreaking 2007 book The 4-Hour Workweek, Ferriss describes lifestyle design as a means to enjoy the present instead of following society’s conventional study-work-retire sequence.   In this context, he challenges the idea that…

Minimalist travel is an art. It takes a lot of time and practice to master it, and there are many variants. In this context, one of the primary challenges is to find your essentials. Once determined, those essentials will form the basis of your minimalist packing list, creating a set of core items that work on any journey. On this basis, here is my minimalist world traveler kit. This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy here. Whether you want to travel full-time or go on a two-week adventure, minimalist travel essentials will simplify the journey.  I’ve been…

Productivity is a genuine superpower. Many people chase it, but few attain it. The problem often lies in working too much on tasks that don’t have a significant impact. We focus on working hard instead of identifying the most effective actions. That’s where the following books on productivity come into play.  This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy here. Productivity is a straightforward concept.  Rather than counting your hours, measure your success by results. How much did you accomplish in those hours?  Working for eight hours isn’t challenging. Coming up with satisfying results in eight hours, however,…

Take a step back and look at your current lifestyle. You’ll see a combination of results. Your current fitness is the result of your past gym routines. Your professional situation reflects your past work ethics. And your social circle is a direct consequence of the relationships you built over the last five years. In short, who you are today is a result of yesterday’s priorities.  It’s an ordinary Thursday.  You get up next to the love of your life and do a couple of pushups. You like what you see in the mirror.  You eat breakfast on your penthouse balcony,…

Uncertainty is an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s our professional situation, our personal lives, or the general state of the world, there will always be answerless moments. We can’t control everything, and we need ways to cope with uncertainty. A minimalist approach can work wonders in this regard. By focusing our energy, attention, and efforts on the essential, we learn how to face uncertainty with poise and serenity. On this basis, here are seven minimalist ways to deal with uncertainty in your life.  Anxiety is generally the result of a lack of information. We don’t have enough information about…

People often justify their decisions with the phrase “it’s worth it.” Product X is worth its price. That new project is worth my time. And those difficult relationships demand a lot of effort, but they’re worth it. Some difficult endeavors require investment, and they’re totally worth it. Others, however, are not. And investing in futile, toxic, and negative habits is the main reason why people don’t advance in life. On this basis, here are 10 things in life that just aren’t worth your time, energy, or effort.  Many people ask themselves how they can take their lives to the next…

Many people ask themselves whether they should spend money on item X, trip Y, or experience Z. They base their decisions on their current mood, their general purchasing habits, and the item’s price. These elements all work on an individual level, but they don’t form a genuine spending culture. If you want to establish a personal consumption system, you need spending norms. On this basis, here are six simple rules on spending money intentionally.  Spending money is a double-edged sword.  On one side, we hate to see our bank balance dwindle, and we don’t like to splash our hard-earned cash.…

In times of mental strain and general uncertainty, minimalism can become a helpful companion. As such, certain minimalist habits can take you back on track when you start to question the trajectory of your life. On this basis, here are seven minimalist ways to regain control over your life.  We all know the feeling.  Professional projects cramp our daily routines. The people in our lives take their toll. And most importantly, we lack enthusiasm, drive, and energy.  That’s where minimalism can reignite the fire in our lives.   Whether we suffer from too many commitments, unhealthy financial habits, or a mere…

In today’s world, more and more people prioritize the tangible content of their lives over the intangible content of their bank accounts. In short, how you use your money is now more important than how wealthy you are. The “live large with your wealth after retirement” doctrine is dead. Living on your own terms now, on the other hand, is the ultimate 21st-century aspiration. On this basis, here are four reasons why lifestyle design is the new rich. This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy here. For generations, the idea that children will have a better life…

In recent years, the idea of “digital detoxing” has become popular among people seeking a break from the 21st century. For a certain period, you refrain from using your smartphone, your laptop, and all other connected devices. After multiple tries, I can safely say that short spells of tech abstinence have a positive influence on our mindfulness, productivity, and serenity. On this basis, here are six transformative benefits of a digital detox. A few years ago, I spent a week in Chilean Patagonia. The region remains one of my favorite spots on the planet, with soaring mountains towering over icy…