.png)
I’ve been inspired by a few bloggers who have taken steps towards living life on their own terms. And this inspiration has made me realize something.
I’m sick of just waiting, watching, and hoping for things to get better. Sure I’ve taken action by starting a blog, but what’s next? Sell an ebook and hope to make a steady living that way?
For those of you who have been waiting for me to practice what I preach, the wait is over. Maybe this is just my irrational teenage thinking or too much pent up frustration.
What I’ve noted below are my first steps towards owning my life. And don’t worry; now that I’ve told you, I have no choice, but to achieve them no matter how unrealistic they sound. At least that’s how I see it. I want you guys to hold me accountable for my actions (other than my mom because she just wants me to get a degree anyway). The next time I consider acting out of these intentions, I can just say “What will my readers think?”
Here’s the plan for the next 1-2 years (Who knows? I might accomplish this in one year):
- Make a passive online income
- Travel abroad alone (which is huge for me)
- Get good grades
And here are the affirmations I will make for myself. I hope these benefit you as much as they’ll benefit me in the long run:
Work on your projects everyday
As it says in the article from the World’s Strongest Librarian that I’ve conveniently linked to above, if what you desire to obtain is truly important to you, you’ll work on it everyday.
Don’t give up hope
When you give up hope, everything you’ve put into your goal suffers, along with any chance you had of ever achieving it.
It all comes down to you
It may seem impossible to everyone else, but then again, when did you give others the right to tell you how to live life? You have the power to grab your own destiny and command it.
Embody these rules and use them to govern your future endeavors. Maybe one day they’ll help you design your own life.
Ciao for now!
Note: I wanted to keep this post short, sweet, and to the point because I’m currently packing for college. There’s a lot of preparation ahead…
photo credit: Giorgio Montersino
———–
If you liked this post, please share it on Twitter, Digg, StumbleUpon, or Facebook. It’ll do the both of us a world of good. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter.
Want more thought-provoking articles like this? Subscribe for FREE email notifications.
Good luck on your journey man – I have also just embarked on a mission of creating passive income for myself, it will be very interesting to see where we both end up in two years
John,
Awesome decision and I hope the best on your endeavors!
I’ll be checking in once in a while to throw some motivation your way.
Ken Kurosawa
Great goals! And, as you said to yourself, don’t give up hope. You CAN do it!
I know what you mean about feeling more accountable once we’ve put it out there on the blog. It sucks to say you’re going to do something, blog about it, get all excited about it, and then not do it. So now you are really on your way!
Thanks for the link, btw… did you mean to put the same article in the last two words (few bloggers)? I’m just curious if there was another one you meant for us to see.
@Lisis – There are four, one for each word. That’s some original trackbacking there
Best of luck John!
Don’t give up hope
Never giving up hope reminds me of my favorite quote. “Winner never quit and quitters never win.”
Great post.
Hey John, congrats on making this public first step. It should definitely make you feel more accountable to your goals. I find that it also helps to chat frequently with like-minded people in communities like you’ve created here.
What an awesome thing you are doing! I am inspired to set forth on a lifestyle design journey of my own; let’s keep each other posted on how things are developing. I wish you the best!
Hi John.
Now it is in the public. Your goals are no longer able to be ignored. We, your readers, will be all over your case if there is even a doubt of these goals materializing.
For every one person that publicly shares their goals, there are a huge number that don’t, won’t, fear sharing them, won’t complete them, and will regret it later.
@Faramarz – Hey Faramarz, nice to meet you! In two years, I hope you’ll see great changes in your life as I hope to see in mine. Lifestyle design is a big challenge, but not impossible. All I can say is bring it on.
@Ken – Thanks Ken, I think I’ll need the motivation and encouragement. It’s going to be a long journey
@Dani – Oh yeah, I’m pumped now! Thanks for your constant support, Dani
@Lisis – I know, it’s pretty hypocritical. I want to show people that I’m serious through actions, not just words. In time, my plans will reveal themselves…
Thanks for the link heads-up
@Charles – Thanks, Charles and welcome to the blog! Yep, the links are fixed; you can thank Lisis for that
@Jonathan – Thanks for your insights, Jonathan.
@Corbett – Hey Corbett, nice to see you here. You’re right, I feel as if announcing my goals to the world is like daring myself to fail. There’s no way I would lie to my friends around the blog. Thank you for your congratulations and I hope to hear from you again soon!
@Mike – Hey Mike, glad I inspired you. I’m interested to see what kind of lifestyle design you’re going to be involved in. Keep me posted!
@Armen – Armen, I hear you loud and clear. And don’t you worry, I won’t be apart of that huge number. That’s a promise. Thank you for your honesty.
Oh John! you’ve made a committment now
The very best of luck with your new adventure.
Congrats on those commitments! Enjoy the trip
It will be a wonderful one, that I can assure you. I’ve been my own boss for more than 10 years and it was an incredible journey. And even now I enjoy every second of it.
I think all of your goals or dreams are doable. Many young people decide to spend their free time partying those first years. You will be on to something better. I’m glad you put in your trip to Europe because all work and no play makes John a dull boy!
You have made some great goals for your self. Change is always good and positive experience because you grow with each one.
best of luck with the blog and at college.
Congratulations for taking the plunge and putting them out there!
I really admire that you have felt comfortable and confident enough to list them and make them public – it will help you achieve them….
Good luck!
@Steven – I know, it’s going to bit me in the butt eventually
Thanks for your support.
@Dragos – I’m glad that through you I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
@Tess – ha ha Thanks for your encouragement. I just want to experience something different. I want to make the living I desire instead of waiting for companies to pick me up and hall me off to “cubicle nation”.
I’m just itching to see the fruits of my labor
@Bunny – Hey Bunny, thanks a lot. I hope I see great changes within the next year.
@Kirsty – No congrats necessary, but thanks! Words mean nothing unless I add action into the mix. Making my goals public just adds on to the pressure to complete my goals. You guys are counting on me… I won’t let you down.
Hi John,
Traveling abroad alone isn’t as hard as it sounds. Stay in a hostel and you will quickly hook up with many other travelers.
I also agree with Josh, “If it is important do it everyday!”
Even better, work your ass off everyday. Success requires effort.
Good to hear you starting your journey. Best of luck. I look forward to reading about your progress.
Traveling isn’t as challenging as you might think. The biggest obstacle you’re likely to face is a language barrier, but that just depends on where you travel to.
Good for you John! Remember, the muscle of decision is commitment. You just added a lot of muscle.
Thank you guys so much for your support! I really plan on moving forward and making these changes. Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you, everyone!
hello. encouraging to read your post. knowing there are others who are also focusing their intentions. afterall we are here to remember who we truly are and express the highest potential of ourselves. following our deepest desires can only take us further to this. thankyou
awesome! glad to hear that your starting to design your life! inspiring
Nawala´s last blog ..Follow Your Heart…live a little!
It hasn’t been as easy as I thought it would be. I’m still going for it though.