Tom's Notes

What is a lifestyle? Simply put, it’s how we experience our daily lives – from work, fashion, communication, and entertainment to relaxation, love, and personal enjoyment. A lifestyle reflects our personality, worldview, and level of maturity through the way we behave, interact, and react to our surroundings.

In many advertisements – whether for real estate, interiors, fashion, or cosmetics – lifestyle is often showcased through home designs, clothing choices, and leisure activities, enticing us with idealistic dreams. While these portrayals can be inspiring, they sometimes blur the true meaning of lifestyle. The key is to understand that your lifestyle is not determined by where you live or what you wear, but by your values and mindset. It should be a reflection of what makes you feel comfortable and happy.

When Should You Design Your Own Lifestyle?

The moment you gain independence, have the ability to make decisions about your life, and feel the desire to create your unique path – that’s when it’s time to start designing your lifestyle.

Remember, start simple. Your life’s design will evolve with time, influenced by personal growth, changing environments, work demands, and new passions. There’s no need to rush.

Begin with Building Good Habits

Why are good habits important? Because what we do today shapes our tomorrow. If you start waking up early to read books, you’ll accumulate knowledge over time, making it easier to engage in conversations about any subject. If you develop a daily exercise routine, you’ll achieve a fit body and better health.

As the saying goes, “The results of today are the result of past actions.” Effort, persistence, and consistency lead to future success.

Start by listing the activities you genuinely want to do. Assess each one using the Ikigai diagram, which helps identify activities that align with your passions, social needs, income, and skills. This ensures you spend your time meaningfully, creating value and happiness.

Set Priorities and Build a Routine

To effectively implement your lifestyle design, create a schedule. Use a digital calendar or a simple paper planner to stay on track. Tools like Bullet Journals are great for setting goals and tracking progress.

Exploring Modern Lifestyles

1. Minimalism (Japanese Style): This lifestyle focuses on keeping only what’s necessary and eliminating distractions. It promotes mental clarity, saving time, and minimizing stress. A minimalist living space not only creates a calm environment but also declutters the mind.
2. Lagom (Swedish Style): “Just enough” is the essence of Lagom. It encourages contentment and self-limiting desires, balancing life without excess. It’s about enjoying life in a way that feels right, without going overboard.
3. Hygge (Danish Style): Hygge is about enjoying simple pleasures, like savoring a cup of coffee or spending time with loved ones. It’s a lifestyle that embraces warmth, happiness, and peace in everyday moments, away from the hustle and bustle of life.
4. Friluftsliv (Norwegian Style): A lifestyle that connects you with nature. From hiking and beach trips to simply enjoying a walk in a park, Friluftsliv brings peace and balance, reminding us of the calming beauty of the outdoors.
5. Ikigai (Japanese Philosophy): Ikigai is the Japanese concept of “a reason to wake up every morning.” It’s the pursuit of happiness through passion and purpose. By aligning your work and life with your values, Ikigai brings fulfillment.
6. Wabi-Sabi (Japanese Aesthetic): Wabi-Sabi appreciates imperfection and the fleeting nature of life. It teaches us to embrace beauty in the unfinished and the transient, finding peace in the imperfect.
7. Pragmatic Lifestyle: While often misunderstood, a pragmatic lifestyle is about practicality – focusing on the essentials and making smart, functional choices that enhance your well-being without unnecessary complications.

By designing your own lifestyle with purpose, you create a life that is both fulfilling and meaningful, rooted in what truly matters to you. Whether through minimalism, balance, nature, or personal passions, you have the power to shape the way you live, ensuring every day is lived with intention.

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