Justin Wright » Life

What Exactly Is Lifestyle Design?

Justin Wright — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:15:17 +0000

Over the past few weeks, I have received a handful of emails on the topic of lifestyle design. Specifically, a few people asked me what lifestyle design actually means. Instead of coming up with a short definition, I decided to put together a post that answers that question in detail.

In a nutshell, lifestyle design is all about creating your own design and plan for life. You start by asking yourself some basic questions such as:

What do you want to accomplish in your life?
What is important to you?
Where do you want to live?
What do you want to spend your time doing?

Once you have a good understanding of what you want out of life, you then design a lifestyle to suit your needs. Last but not least, you create a plan to make it happen.

Want a longer definition? Here is what I think lifestyle design is all about:

It’s All About Choices

Lifestyle design is all about realizing that you have a choice in life. No one ever said you had to stick with your job or go to college (parents are an exception).

Instead, you have complete control over everything you do (or don’t do). If something isn’t the way you want it to be, you can change it. If you are not where you want to be, you can create a plan to get there.

Once you realize that you have control in life, you can start to think outside the box and start having fun with it.

It’s All About You

As selfish as it sounds, lifestyle design is all about you. Sometimes you have to spend a little time on yourself and truly figure out what it is you want to do in life. Otherwise you might race through your whole life without even realizing it.

No one can tell you how or why you should live your life a certain way. Many “Lifestyle Designers” will try to tell you that traveling and wealth are everything but this is far from the truth.

However, I have come to realize that time, passion, and freedom are the three things that most of us are after. Other than that, everything is custom to who you are and what you want to do.

It’s All About A Design

Lifestyle design is all about designing a lifestyle that suits you. Instead of accepting the typical lifestyle that many people have told you to follow, you go out and create one from scratch that suits you (a unique individual).

If you want to travel, then by all means design a lifestyle that allows you to travel as often as possible. If you like being a waitress, perhaps you should design a lifestyle that allows you to be the best damn waitress on the planet.

The key is to design something that is ideal for yourself. Do not listen to what anyone else has to say and do not fear what others might think of you.

It’s All About A Plan

Lifestyle design is all about taking your design and creating a plan to make it a reality. Trust me, it is a lot easier than you think once you already have the design aspect figured out.

The important thing is to completely breakdown your lifestyle design and figure out what obstacles, tasks, and projects need to be figured out in order for you to live life the way you want it to be. Then start coming up with small steps you can take in the right direction.

It is also important to realize that lifestyle design takes time. Don’t expect everything to fall in to place overnight. Try your best to enjoy the journey and constantly remind yourself that your life is happening right now.

It’s All About Action

Lifestyle design is all about taking action. Without it, you are not going to get anywhere you haven’t already been. So take my advice and get started today, not tomorrow. Start taking any steps you can and before you know it your life will be just how you planned it.

From personal experience, I have found that the very first step is always the hardest. Once you get started, you start to build up your motivation to keep going and things start falling into place.

It’s All About Dedication

Lifestyle design is all about dedication. While taking action is very important, it is not the only thing you need to be successful. Since most people are going to hit roadblocks (including myself) along the way, you have to be dedicated to making this all work.

Take my advice and realize that you will fall down sometimes. When it happens, force yourself to get back up and continue you on. Eventually you will get where you want (and need) to be.

It’s All About Passion

Lifestyle design is all about passion. Regardless of how you design your lifestyle, you should be 100% certain that you are passionate as hell about it. You should be ready to eat, sleep, and breath your lifestyle and everything that comes along with it.

Why is passion so important? Because you should enjoy what you do on a daily (even hourly) basis. Everything you do in your life should be something you want to do, not something you feel forced to do.

It’s All About Change

Lifestyle design is all about change. What kind of change? A change for the better.

This is a personal opinion, but I feel that lifestyle design should be about making a difference in the world, someone’s life, or in the way we do things. I truly believe that as humans, we have a desire to help in as many ways as possible.

Don’t believe me? Just ask someone what they would do if they didn’t have to work and many people will answer with volunteer, teach, or some other form of activity that benefits someone or something.

If your lifestyle design is nothing more than making a bunch of money and doing nothing, then by all means do it. However, I highly recommend seeking a lifestyle where you can benefit others (and/or the world we live in).

***
There you have it, an in-depth look at lifestyle design. I probably missed a few things and some people may have differing opinions but I think this is a great starting point.

Photo Credit: icathing

Have something to add? Feel free to leave some feedback and let me know.

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?

Justin Wright — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:33:22 +0000

Over the past week, I’ve been hiding out and reading a new book I bought. For some reason, I could not put the book down until I finally finished it up. So what book was it?

The book was Linchpin by Seth Godin. Seth is not only one of my favorite authors, but he is also one of my role models. The guy is a genius in so many ways and I’ve been a follower of his blog since college.

Whenever he comes out with a new book, I tend to make it a priority to give it a read. After finishing this one up, all I can say is “wow.”

Despite that a lot of the content was not new to me, the book still managed to open my mind in many ways. It’s much different from some of his other books and focuses on being, rather than doing.

Here’s my Linchpin review including some details about the book and what I thought of it.

The System Is Broken

In his book, Godin talks about our current work system and how it is broken. Many tasks that used to be done by white-collar employees can now be done for free, by groups of people or by machines thanks to advancements in technology. A great example of this is Amazon’s Mechanical Turk.

The idea of just showing up for work and putting in your time no longer works. Unfortunately, most schools teach people how to do this with perfection. When it came to working in an office, I used to be amazing at “just showing up.”

Unfortunately, people have no problems buying into the career system that basically states that if you do what your boss tells you to do, you’ll be fine. And who can blame them? It’s the way we’ve been raised and educated.

It’s Time To Be An Artist

So what is the solution to simply showing up and following orders at work? Becoming an artist.

Seth spends a good part of the book describing the modern-day artis. The modern-day artist doesn’t necessarily work as a painter or a musician. Instead, they are someone who brings their heart and soul to their work, regardless of what it is that they do.

An artist is someone who is willing to do things differently to see results. It doesn’t matter if it’s the difficult road or the road less traveled. An artist will create and invent whatever is necessary to make progress and carry out their work.

Seth also makes it a point that everyone has an artistic side. Everyone has faced a problem at some point in their life that they were able to find a solution for. It doesn’t matter if it is a big problem or a small one. The point is to realize that if you did it once, you can do it again.

The Lizard Brain

Unfortunately, most people have hidden their artistic abilities due to the lizard brain. The what?

The lizard brain is that little voice inside your head that tells you that it’s too risky or that you should just follow orders. This voice usually convinces you to stick to the old way of doing things since it would be embarrassing to fail or get caught doing something unusual.

The lizard brain tends to make you hesitate and give in to the “typical way of doing things.” I can still remember my lizard brain telling me to stick with my job. It convinced me to stay there for almost a year even though I knew I wanted to quit. The voice can be very powerful voice and can often stop you in your tracks.

The Linchpin

As I mentioned above, Seth makes it a point to remind us that we need to be artists. In other words, we need to stop being clones and start being unique. We need to be the linchpin, the piece that’s needed in order for everything to function.

A linchpin is someone who is indispensable and cannot be easily replaced. They make their own maps and follow through with them. Instead of taking instructions, linchpins take action and figure out how to get things done.

They are intelligent, creative, and do not shy away from human communication. Linchpins are the type of people who interact with customers, coworkers, and anyone else they come across in their life. They aren’t afraid to speak up and make conversation.

However, he does mention that some art cannot be monetized. If this happens to be you, don’t be afraid to give your work away. He also recommends trying to love whatever it is that you do to make money, even if it means sticking with a job that isn’t perfect for you.

My Take On The Book

The book is definitely a great read. Being an entrepreneur myself, I didn’t take much from the first few sections of the book since the idea of plugging in to the system is something I’ve disagreed with my whole life. I’ve always considered myself somewhat unique and never liked the idea of following instructions. It’s so much more fun to make your own, even if it takes you a few tries.

The whole idea of being an artist is something I enjoyed reading about. It reminded me of why I started working for myself. The freedom it offers cannot be beat. I tend to be creative and love facing new challenges and finding ways to overcome them.

If you are new to the idea of being a linchpin, the book will most likely be an eye-opening experience for you. It will really open your mind and will challenge you to look at everything you do differently.

***

My advice is to go out and challenge yourself today. Do something completely different and see what happens. You’ll most likely realize that the lizard brain is full of crap.

The Art of Voluntary Simplicity

Justin Wright — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:51:15 +0000

As many of you know, ever since I hit my tipping point with office jobs I decided to live a life of voluntary simplicity. This lifestyle change is the main reason why I was able to leave that job and pursue my passions.

However, a lot of people who I talk to are curious to know what simplicity means in terms of a lifestyle. So here is an in-depth look at the lifestyle and how you can start living it yourself.

What Is Voluntary Simplicity?

From my experience, voluntary simplicity means different things to different people. For the most part, choosing a life of simplicity means that you stop living the “modern-day lifestyle” that many of us have grown accustomed to. You stop focusing on accumulating possessions and whatnot and start focusing on getting as much value out of your time as possible. You remove the things you do not need in your life, whether they be physical or mental.

By removing the clutter from your life, you can spend your time pursuing your passions, hanging out with your friends and family, and doing the things that make you happy. You clear out all the junk for good and live a life of passion, freedom, and happiness.

Living a life of simplicity also helps you focus on living in the moment, rather than the past or future. None of us can travel in time as of date, so the only real time we have is now. This very second is your life as you read this sentence. By living in the moment, you can truly experience everything you do in your life.

Want a good example? The next time you sit down to eat, make it a goal to focus on what you are eating. Taste the food and actually enjoy the different flavors that each food has. It’s pretty amazing if I must say so myself.

Last but not least, a life of simplicity usually involves frugality. You start to focus only on the things you need (roof, clothes, food) and not on the things your television tells you to buy. By spending less money, you also open yourself up a lot more possibilities since you no longer need as much money to live from.

Where Should You Start?

Since voluntary simplicity is a personal choice, the best place to start is by deciding whether or not the lifestyle is for you. If it is, you should know that it does take time to transition into the lifestyle. It’s very difficult to make the switch overnight since you most likely have a lot of different things you will need to change in your life.

Here are a few things you can do to start implementing the lifestyle:

Reduce Expenses

A great place to start is by doing an in-depth look at your expenses. Take the time to figure out where your money goes and see if you can reduce any of the expenses. If you have cable, think about ditching it. If you have a cellphone, think about getting the cheapest plan possible.

Reduce Clutter

Have a ton of stuff lying around? If so, you might want to consider decluttering. Go through everything you own and decide what things you need and what things you could live without. Then make a plan to get rid of everything you do not need. You could try selling it on Craigslist or donate to a local charity.

Organize

Once you remove all the clutter, it is time to organize everything you have left. An organized home is an important aspect of simple living and makes it easier to keep your mind at ease.

Go Green

Believe it or not, going green is a great way to save money and reduce the amount of things you need and use. For a list of things you can do, check out my post on going green and saving money.

Automate

A great way to free up more time in your life is by automating various tasks and chores. For example, sign up for automatic billing on any of your recurring expenses. This cuts down on the amount of time you have to spend paying them every month.

Consolidate

Just like automating, consolidating your tasks and chores can free up a lot of time. For example, instead of running to the grocery store on Tuesday and the laundromat on Wednesday, do them both on the same day. Start planning ahead so you can take care of all your errands at one time.

Cut Back on Email

Not only is email a time killer, but it is also a productivity killer. Try cutting back as much as you can and close your inbox if you need to.

Focus on What Works

I highly recommend taking some time to analyze your entire life at this exact moment. Figure out what is working in your life and what isn’t. Then make a plan to remove all the things that are not working so you can focus all your energy on what works for you.

Eat Real Food

One of the things I started doing a few months ago is eating real foods. By focusing on eating natural foods instead of highly processed foods (canned, boxed, etc.), you not only make yourself healthier but also reduce the waste you go through since most processed foods are heavy on the packaging.

By no means are these all the things you can do. These are just a good place to start, especially if you are new to the idea of living a simple life.

I must say that I truly enjoy this lifestyle. By no means do I feel like I am missing out on anything nor do I feel poor. Matter of fact, I feel rich since I actually have time to enjoy myself and spend time with the people I care about.

Do you live a life of simplicity?

Photo Credit: Katie@!

My Life Without A Smartphone

Justin Wright — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:09:17 +0000

Just over three months ago, I wrote about why I decided to ditch my iPhone. As promised, I wanted to do a followup and let you know how it has been now that I have gone 90 days without owning a smartphone of any kind.

Below are the things I have experienced more and less of as a result of living without a smartphone:

More Freedom

Man does the feeling of freedom sure feel good. That’s why I chose to use the picture above for this post. Now that I do not carry a smartphone with me, I have come to realize is that it is much easier to live in the moment. I feel free when I leave the house because I am actually leaving my computer behind.

Prior to ditching my iPhone, leaving the house just meant switching from using my MacBook to my phone. I never really got anytime away from it all. It felt like the internet was always there, whether it was on the screen in front of me or in my pocket. Talk about information overload.

I spend a good amount of time on my computer at home, so I do not miss surfing the web when I am not here anymore. It feels amazing to not have to worry about anything other than what I am doing at any given moment.

It reminds me of what life was like when I was younger and had nothing to worry about except what I was doing at any certain moment. If I wanted to go outside and ride my bike, I did. I didn’t ride my bike while talking on my phone and blasting out emails. I just focused on the bike ride and my surroundings. I actually took the time to notice things like grass, animals, and trees.

More Adventure

For the most part, the only thing I actually missed was the GPS and Google Maps features of the iPhone. I used to use it on a daily basis to find stores, restaurants, and other destinations I needed to find. It was especially useful when traveling around because I could just type in where we were going and figure it out as we drove.

Instead, I have had to go back to using a paper map (yes, they still make them). I must say, it took a lot of getting used to since paper maps are a tad less interactive. You cannot ask a map where you are at any given point in your trip, nor can you ask it for directions and get a nice step-by-step guide to follow.

Luckily I have realized that I enjoy getting lost from time to time. A few times I have ended up going somewhere completely different than planned. This is especially true for things like restaurants. If I can’t find it, instead of looking it up I will just give somewhere else a try. It feels good to do things on whim instead of always doing things we plan in advance.

I think it makes life a little more interesting since it isn’t so predictable. It makes going places more of a challenge and adventure. I like it.

Less Distractions

When it comes to life without a smartphone, I must say there are far less distractions. I can still remember the days when I would sit down at a restaurant with my girlfriend and occasionally check my email, Twitter, and Facebook to see what was happening out there in the land of the internet. Talk about distractions!

Not a day goes by where I do not see someone walking down the sidewalk texting (or surfing the web) on their phone, only to miss walking into someone by a few inches because they are not paying attention to where they are going.

Is this really the way life should be? Do we really need to be so on top of things that we need to constantly be distracted from what is actually happening around us? I sure don’t think so.

Less Expenses

As I mentioned in my last post, I am saving roughly $80/month by not having an iPhone. I did in fact buy a Tracfone, but I only use it for emergencies and other situations where I need to talk to someone outside the house. I haven’t even used $20 worth of minutes in the last 90 days nor do I plan on using the rest of them anytime soon.

I must say, it feels good to have one less monthly bill coming out of my bank account. While it might not be a ton of money, it is $80 less a month I have to worry about.

Less Worries

I have also noticed a lot less worries in my life. I no longer worry about going over my minutes, nor do I worry about any issues with my service provider.

Best of all, I no longer worry about having a $300+ piece of technology in my pocket at all times. It is quite the relief to not have to worry about keeping my phone safe. The nice thing about the Tracfone is I can easily replace it for about 30 bucks if I were to break it or lose it.

I do realize that smartphones are very useful for certain people in certain situations. That’s why I don’t anticipate everyone ditching them anytime soon. However, it is worth thinking about a life without one.

After trying it for 90 days, I can honestly say it’s not so bad after all. Who wouldn’t prefer a life with more freedom and adventures and less distractions, expenses, and worries? I know I sure do.

Photo Credit: Josef Grunig

How to Retire Young

Justin Wright — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:48:10 +0000

Have you ever wanted to retire early? How about in your 20’s? I know my goal had always been to retire early so I could enjoy the simple things in life.

Well guess what? It is possible to live a retired lifestyle, even in your 20’s, by simply following the steps I’ve listed below. The plan is broken down into two phases: one for getting to retirement and the other is for living it up once you make it there.

Phase 1: Getting To Retirement

Below are the steps needed to get yourself to the retired lifestyle. It’s worth noting that they don’t have to be performed in the order listed, since some of the steps can be rearranged to suit your needs.

I have also put a percentage after each step, which indicates how important the step is in achieving the retired lifestyle:

Reduce Your Expenses (15%)

The first step to retiring in your 20’s is reducing your expenses. The more you can cut them down, the less you’ll have to worry about when it comes to creating an income stream. The key is to write down every expense you have and then figure out how to either reduce it or eliminate it completely.

It takes some imagination to figure out how to reduce your expenses, but it can be done. Start by cutting out cable and ditching your cell phone . From there, start thinking about getting rid of your vehicle(s). This will save you money on gas, as well as on repairs and insurance.

Become A Smart Shopper (10%)

As mentioned above, it’s important to weed out your expenses. However, there will always be a few things you need to purchase. That’s where becoming a smart shopper comes in handy.

What does being a smart shopper mean? It means you know how to find deals, buy in bulk, and overall understand how to get the things you need for the least amount of money possible.

For example, instead of buying various cleaning supplies, you purchase vinegar, water, and a spray bottle. Not only will you save a bunch of money, but you’ll also reduce the amount of times you have to go to the store. That’s a double whammy right there!

Another good example is utilizing coupons, whether they are from the paper or online. You can easily save money on various things by taking the time to hunt down coupons. Besides, you have to use your free time for something…

Move To Florida (50%)

This is an IMPORTANT step in getting closer to an early retirement. You could simply follow this one step and be half way towards retirement. Not bad for a simple step that doesn’t require much planning or capital.

I managed to migrate to Florida for less than a thousand dollars and it was well worth it. Now that I’m here, I feel that much closer to retiring in my 20’s. I’m not sure what it is about Florida that makes it so perfect for retirees, but I think a lot of it has to do with the weather and the amenities available. I can literally walk down the street and play tennis, swim in the bay, play shuffleboard, or watch a few games of baseball for free.

Or perhaps it’s the dive bars with wood paneling for walls and 2 dollar mix drinks specials. I’ve managed to listen in on some pretty crazy conversations amongst retirees. Talk about the perfect place to retire!

If you need help with this step, check out my post: How To Move Across The Country.

Quit Your Day Job (15%)

It’s important to free yourself of your day job if you really want to live the retired lifestyle. Unless of course, you manage to find a nice part-time job you enjoy (door greeter perhaps?). If that’s the case, feel free to work the job for as long as you wish.

The reason it’s important to quit the day job is because most activities take place prior to 4 PM (including dinner specials). If you’re working 9 – 5, there is no way you can enjoy Florida the way it was meant to be. You’ll miss out on some of the coolest tours, tournaments, and happy hours around.

Create An Income Source (10%)

This is also an important step, and can be done before or after you move down to Florida. I would recommend working on an income stream prior to getting here if possible.

Luckily, you should have already reduced your expenses and became a smart shopper. If not, I highly recommend working on those steps first. That way you have an idea of how much income you need generate each month.

If you’ve reduced your expenses and became a smart shopper, this should require less work. The first step is to figure out how much money you need to live off of. Once you know that figure, it’s time to figure out a plan to build an income stream to support you.

Most importantly, you want to build an income stream that requires the least amount of upkeep as possible. This will allow you to truly embrace the retired lifestyle. A few good ideas include building a website, blog, or online business that requires only small amounts of daily/weekly work. Again, use your imagination.

Phase 2: Living It Up

Now that you’ve figured out how to become retired, it’s time to live it up. Here’s some great tips and tricks on what to do with your time:

Create Your Own Sleep Schedule

One of the biggest perks to being retired is the ability to create your own sleep schedule. You no longer have to worry about your day job or any commitments. So it’s a good idea to figure out when you actually prefer sleeping. If you’re a night owl, enjoy it and sleep in the morning.

However, it’s worth noting that you want to get up by noon each morning otherwise you will miss out on some of the specials in the next tip.

Early Bird Specials

It’s true, Florida has a ton of early bird specials. Best of all, a lot of them are open to all ages. Woo!

The key is to find happy hours and specials in your neighborhood and plan them out on a calendar. That way you know where to get cheap food and drink whenever you are craving them. I swear some of the prices remind me of cheap college bars on a tuesday night. It’s crazy.

Do Crossword Puzzles (And Word Searches)

When it comes to entertainment, one of my personal favorites is doing crossword puzzles and word searches. Not only are these things cheap, but they are also very relaxing. Especially if you pair them up with a cup of coffee on the back porch. It’s heaven on earth.

Read Books (From The Library)

Another great source of entertainment is the library. You can literally keep yourself entertained for free. Each week, I head to the nearest branch and pick up at least 3 books to read each week. Not only does it give me something to do, but I’ve also noticed that fiction books blow away anything on television. I barely watch any television now that I read on a daily basis. It’s also a great way to improving your writing.

Listen To Chill Music

Retirement is all about relaxing and enjoying life. There is no room for stress or negativity. That’s why I love listening to chill music all day. I’m a big fan of Jack Johnson since his music puts me in a great mood. You could also listen to oldies if you prefer.

Either way, find something that puts you in a good mood and let it play all day long.

Enjoy The Outdoors

One of the reasons Florida is so perfect for retirement is because of the weather. We did have a few cold weeks here but other than that it’s been great. I can go outside and enjoy the sun, even in January.

Best of all, there are tons of free things to do as I mentioned above. You can go swimming, play tennis, or take up shuffleboard (badass sport). But lets not forget tanning and hanging out at the beach.

Close Enough

Okay I must admit that this is probably not the best way to approach retirement. However, my life is pretty similar to what I’ve listed above. By doing what I love and combining it with a frugal, green, and minimalist lifestyle, I’ve managed to create my own version of the retired lifestyle.

Photo Credit: Micky | CC

Go Green, Save Money

Justin Wright — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:38:43 +0000

As most of you know, I’m a big fan of frugal living. But I also try to keep my carbon footprint as small as possible. I’m a huge advocate of living an earth-friendly lifestyle and try to conserve as much as possible.

However, it seems that whenever I mention the idea of a green lifestyle to people I meet, they often act surprised. They assume that living frugally and being green is an impossible task. The truth is, being green can actually help your frugal lifestyle. It can save you money in a lot of areas you might often overlook.

Being green does not mean you have to go out and buy all the green friendly gadgets you can find. It’s more about consuming less in your every day life. However, I do recommend a lot of green friendly products to people because they are better for the environment and our purchases help support the companies that make them. That way they can continue to produce more of their products and compete with the non-green alternatives.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the ways you can go green and save money at the same time:

Save Water

Take Quick (And Cool) Showers

This is an easy one. Try taking quicker showers and using cooler water than you normally do. This will not only save you money on your water bill, but it also requires less energy to heat the water up. Trust me you’ll get used to it a lot faster than you think.

Wash Clothes With Cold Water

I’ve never been much of a laundry expert, but I have noticed that washing all my clothes is cold water has not had any side effects. Again, this helps save energy by using less to heat up the water.

Use Less Water In Your Toilet

A quick and easy way to save money on water is to place a liter bottle filled with water in the tank of your toilet. I’ve read that it can save up to 300 gallons of a water a month.

Turn Off The Water When You Brush Your Teeth

This is something I’ve always struggled with but once you get in the habit you’ll never have to worry about it again. This also helps save money on water costs and actually saves more than you would think.

Triple Check Faucets For Leaks

Believe it or not, a dripping faucet can use A LOT more water than you would believe. Make sure that none of the faucets in your house drip consistently when the water is turned off.

Save Energy

Walk Or Bike Instead Of Drive

Whenever possible, try to walk or bike where you need to go. The less you use your vehicle, the less gas you waste and the more money you get to keep in your pocket. If you do have to use you vehicle, try combining errands into one trip instead of driving to the store multiple times.

Work From Home (If Possible)

This is another way to reduce your gas costs since you no longer need to commute to work. Some may argue that you’re using more electricity since your at home but I beg to differ. Most office buildings run lights all day long even when it’s light out. I would assume this is because most cubicles don’t have the best window views.

When you work from home, you can utilize the sun to light up your home office and use far less electricity. However, this is not possible for everyone but it never hurts to ask your boss. Even if you can telecommute one day a week, it cuts your gas consumption by 20% for the year.

Turn Off The Lights

As a kid I was constantly told to turn the light off whenever I left a room. It’s a tough habit to break but it’s a costly one to keep. Never leave a light on in a room you’re not in. This will cut down on your energy bill and help you be green at the same time.

If you find it necessary to leave a light on when your not at home, invest in a small LED lamp or nightlight that doesn’t use much electricity.

Heat Or Cool Your House Only When Necessary

A big factor in energy usage is how often you use your heater or air conditioner. Try your best to only use them when you find it necessary. Make use of space heaters and fans that use far less energy and you’ll immediately notice a difference on your next electricity bill.

Buy/Rent A Smaller Home

This one goes right along with the last tip I shared. Buy living in a smaller home or apartment, you can heat or cool it for far less than a larger one. Plus you’ll need to buy less stuff to fill all of the empty space you have.

Use A Laptop Instead Of A Desktop

It’s true that the majority of desktop computers use far more electricity than laptops. So the next time you are shopping for a computer, think about purchasing a laptop even if you only plan on using it at home.

Unplug Appliances You’re Not Using

Some appliances use electricity, even when they are turned off. So get in the habit of unplugging them when you are not using them and you’ll also help cut down your overall energy costs.

Eat Smarter

Buy Locally Grown Foods

I love buying locally grown foods as much as possible. Why? Two reasons. First off, buying locally is much more environmentally friendly. The foods don’t have to be transported across the country which cuts down on the waste of gas and fuel. They are also much fresher since they make a shorter journey to get to your house.

The second reason why I really like buying locally is because I like to support local farmers. It’s a great way to give your money back to the community you live in.

Buy Food In Bulk

Buying food in bulk is a great way to reduce waste as well as keep some money in your wallet. Start by taking a look at what foods you eat often and then find out where you can get them in bulk.

A good example of a food to buy in bulk is brown rice, which I eat everyday. Many health food stores and Asian markets sell large bags of rice that are far cheaper per serving than the small packages you find at most grocery stores.

Eat Lots Of Fresh Food

Another great way to cut down on waste is to eat a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. Most of these foods come without packages as you usually bag them yourself. Try your best to avoid the foods that come in a lot of packaging. Plus you’ll find that fresh food is actually cheaper than the packaged stuff and much healthier.

Eat Less Meat (The Bad Kind)

This is a tough step that a lot of people might not want to do. I’ve always been a big fan of meat but I have drastically cut down over the years. I’ve finally made it to the point where I only eat a small amount of chicken and fish every week.

Eating less meat is a great way to go green because the meat industry is terrible for the environment. It requires far more resources to product meat than grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Update: As mentioned in my comment below, I’ve actually been eating more meat lately. The key is to find clean meats such as grass-fed beef, since they are free of the harmful additives. Plus the animals are raised the way they are meant to be.

Go Paperless

Sign Up For Paperless Billing

This was a huge step for me and I’ve been much happier ever since. I signed up for paperless billing on every account I have and no longer get anything in the mail (besides junk). Not only does it drastically cut down on paper, but it can also save you money. Many companies will charge less service fees if you opt out of paper billing. It’s a win for everyone!

Ditch The Paper Towel

I must admit, I used to be a paper towel fanatic. I would use it for everything, whether it was a simple spill, cleaning the house, or blowing my nose. Sadly it’s a huge waste of paper and also costs a lot of money if you use it often.

So instead, set up a cloth towel system in your house. Cut up a bunch of old rags or purchase a few from a store. Then keep a separate clean and dirty container somewhere that’s easy to get to. Whenever you need to use a towel, grab one out of the clean container. When you finished, throw it in the dirty one and you’re all done. Then all you have to do is throw the dirty ones in with your laundry.

You no longer have to go out and buy paper towel every time you run out, which means more money in your pocket.

Use Cloth Dinner Napkins

The idea I mentioned above also works for dinner napkins. Purchase a set of cloth ones and you’ll never have to worry about running out of napkins again. It’s a really easy transition and something I highly recommend doing.

Use Recycled Toilet Paper (And Less Of It)

Believe it or not, I have read a few blog posts from people that have actually implemented cloth toilet paper, but I’m not even going to go there. That’s one thing I haven’t been able to get myself to do yet.

Luckily, there are a few companies out their that make recycled toilet paper. It does cost more than the regular stuff, but I feel that purchasing it is a great way to support the company. Who knows, if enough people buy it maybe we can get the prices to come down.

A good brand to check out is Seventh Generation, which you can find at health food stores as well as some regular grocery stores.

Print Less

This is another area I used to struggle at. I would constantly print everything I received so I could have it in paper form. Once I finished with it, I would chuck it in the garbage and be done with it. What a waste of paper.

I have since ditched the printer completely and now do everything electronically. If someone needs something from me, I’ll scan it in and email it over to them or use some fax software. It’s amazing how much money I’ve saved on ink cartridges and paper.

Miscellaneous Tips

Borrow Instead Of Buy

This is another easy thing to implement into your life. Whenever you feel the need to go out and buy something, see if you can borrow it instead. This works great for things you’re only going to use a few times.

A great example are books. Instead of rushing out and buying a copy of a book you want, hit up the local library. They’ve got tons of books to keep you content for the rest of your life.

Buy Used

If you need something that you can’t borrow, try purchasing it used. It’s amazing what people have for sale on Craigslist and other classified ad websites. Not only will you help reduce waste, but you’ll also save a lot of money.

Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

Not only are many household cleaners bad for the environment (and yourself), but they also come in tons of packaging. Not to mention they’re pretty expensive.

Instead, make your own cleaning supplies. It’s amazing what a little vinegar and water will do to clean up your house. All it takes is a spray bottle, a jug of vinegar, and some tap water. Talk about a cheap and healthy alternative.

Use Magic Soap

For things that require more than water and vinegar, check out Dr. Bronner’s All-In-One Magic soap. The stuff is completely natural, comes in a recycled bottle, and lasts forever.

Not only do I use it as shampoo, body wash, and face wash, but I also use it as toothpaste. And no I’m not kidding about brushing my teeth with it. You’ll no longer have to go out and buy a bunch of different soap. Plus you will drastically cut down on waste (packaging) and will save a ton of money.

I plan on doing a separate post about this soap because it truly is amazing. It’s the MacGyver of soaps.

Do You Want Paper Or Plastic?

My guess is you’ve been asked that question a few times this week. However, the best answer to the question is neither. Instead, use a backpack or a canvas bag that you can pick up at most stores these days.

Imagine how many bags (and plastic) we would save if everyone reused the same one every time?

Get Started Today

By no means do I expect anyone to be able to do everything I’ve listed above. It took me over a year to actually implement everything. It’s important to just get started in the right direction. Try implementing a few green habits and products into your life and you’ll start making a difference.

Have any other green tips? Please feel free to share them below.

Photo Credit: D Sharon Pruitt

How to Have A Kick Ass 2010

Justin Wright — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:43:20 +0000

I’m a firm believer of setting realistic goals. However, I’m also a big thinker who feels that no one should ever sell themselves short. You should never set a goal for yourself that is too easy to accomplish.

Instead, constantly push yourself as hard as possible. Why? Because pushing yourself makes you a stronger person. And who doesn’t want to be a stronger person?

So here’s a thought: why not set a goal of making this year the best year of your life? Can you think of a single reason why it shouldn’t be? I can’t.

So how can you make this year an amazing one? Start by doing some the following things. You don’t have to do them all, but give a few of them a shot and see how they work out for you.

Stop Waiting

In 2010, make it a goal to stop waiting for things to happen. Get out there and take some action. It doesn’t matter if you are still not sure where you want to end up. Just take action and you will be surprised as to what happens. As soon as you start taking action, you get in a rhythm where you constantly get things done.

So say so long to procrastination, there’s no room for it this year.

Task: Sometime in the next week or two, I want you to go out and do something you’ve always wanted to do but have been holding off on. It doesn’t matter if it’s something crazy like skydiving or simply heading to the bookstore and grabbing a book you have always wanted to read. Just get out there and give it a shot!

Set Goals

If you’ve ever read a self-help book, you’ve probably heard of goal setting and how important it is. Without setting goals, you have no idea where you are going or what you are trying to do. Goals also make it easier to get where you want to be because you can actually measure you success based on what your goals are.

Task: In order for 2010 to be the best year ever, I want you to spend a minimum of two hours evaluating your goals and writing them down somewhere. Whether you do it on actual paper or on your computer is completely up to you. The key is to just get the goals down somewhere so you can constantly look at them and remind yourself what it is you want to accomplish.

I want you to really dig deep and throw out some crazy goals for this year. Something you can’t even imagine actually accomplishing. This will ensure that you truly push yourself to not only become a better person, but also to make this year the best ever.

Take Time For Yourself

This is a big one. In 2010, make it a goal to take time for yourself. It’s amazing how good it feels when you take a break from your everyday life to just relax and enjoy yourself. Try reading, meditating, or something else you find relaxing. I’m a big fan of sitting outside and doing word search puzzles myself.

Task: My guess is you have a pretty hectic schedule the way it is. So take some time to look over your schedule and figure out where you can squeeze in some alone time. If you can, try to get at least 30 minutes each day if possible. If you can’t do it everyday, then plan on taking time to yourself every other day.

Enjoy The Moment

We have a tendency to always be looking forward to things that are happening in the future. Am I correct? I know I do it from time to time and it’s a tough habit to break. But life is all about living in the moment. Right now is the only “real time” we have in our lives. We can’t go back in time and we can’t travel forward in time.

So it’s important to practice the art of living in the moment.

Task: To live in the moment, try concentrating on what you are doing. For example, a good way to practice living in the moment is by focusing on your food when you eat. Don’t read or watch TV while you eat but instead focus on the food, the taste, and the experience. It’s amazing how much better it is when you pay attention to what you are eating.

Keep A Journal

This one may not be for everyone, but I am a HUGE fan of keeping journals. The main reason being it allows me to let out my feelings and thoughts. It’s also an easy way to track my goals and see what I’ve accomplished.

It’s pretty awesome being able to dial in to a certain day from last year and immediately remember what I did. It works like a second brain, only this one doesn’t forget anything.

Task: If you want to give journal writing a try, I highly encourage checking my post: The Art of Journal Writing. It’s got some great advice and details on how I keep a journal.

Focus

For me, 2010 is going to be a year of focus. The focused mind can accomplish great things and I know this from hands-on experience. This is why goal setting is so important. If you have clear and precise goals, you can focus on them and put all your energy into attaining them.

However, goal setting is no longer enough. We live in a world that is literally FILLED with distractions. Everywhere you turn there is something demanding your attention. Whether it’s your phone, Facebook Page, Twitter profile, television, video games, or magazines; they are all full of distractions.

So the secret is to pull yourself away from all the distractions and find a certain place and time that you can focus in on your work, goals, and life. If you have to pull the plug on your router, do it.

I find that working late at night works for me since there are a lot less distractions happening. However, the key is to find a time and place that works for YOU.

Task: The best advice I can give to focus is to start experimenting with what works for you. Keep track of your productivity levels throughout the day and find when your mind is the most focused. This is when you should be busy at work doing the things you love.

Also, schedule some “focus time” into your life where you completely cut yourself off from distractions. Shut off your cellphone, turn off the television, and avoid any distractions you might have in your life.

Simplify

Is your life filled up beyond capacity? I know mine was not too long ago. It really amazes me at how much stuff we manage to do, as well as accumulate in our lives. From the second we wake up, we perform task after task all the way up until bedtime. It’s amazing how we manage to stay sane through our everyday lives.

Luckily, simplifying can completely change your life. You don’t have to go full-pledged minimalist to reap the rewards either, though I highly recommend it. Just getting rid of some of your unused belongings can dramatically clear your mind and make you feel more at ease. The same goes for automating small tasks like paying bills and opting out of paper statements. I can tell you one thing, I don’t miss getting mail…

Task: This year, try simplifying in at least one way. It might be as simple as scheduling auto billing. This can easily save you a good amount of time over the course of a year. If stuff is your problem, try taking an inventory of all your belongings and figure out what you can get rid of. Less stuff is not only less things to worry about, but it’s also less things to clean and find room for.

Try New Things

If 2010 is going to be the best year ever, we need to try some new stuff! I’ve never met a single person who didn’t have at least one thing they wanted to try sometime in their life. Whether it’s learning a new language, taking up a new hobby, or starting a business.

Trying new things is what life is all about. Imagine how boring it would be if we were never able to go out and experience what life has to offer.

Task: Set a goal this year to go out and try something you have NEVER done before. There has to be something you’ve always dreamed of doing or have at least heard about from a friend. Just get out there and give it a shot. If you end up hating it, you can feel good knowing you at least gave it a try.

Learn Something New

This goes right along with the last idea. Just like trying new things, learning new things can change your life for the better. I have always been a big fan of learning because it’s fun, challenging, and highly rewarding.

Learning new things also allows us to meet new people, have more in common with those we already know, and expand our minds.

Task: Go out and learn something new this year. It doesn’t matter if it’s from a book, a class, or on the internet. Just set a goal to learn something new.

If you’re not sure what you want to learn about, try grabbing a class schedule from a local community college and take a class you might find interesting. Who knows, you might even end up meeting some awesome like-minded people.

Overcome Fears

I must admit that I have my fears, whether they are of real things (like snakes) or of certain situations (public speaking). I assume most of you out there have fears as well.

So what if we try to overcome our fears this year? What if we go out and actually experience the things we are afraid of? If we can do this, I have a feeling 2010 is going to kick some ass.

Lets say you’re afraid of cockroaches. So this year, you decide your going to get over that fear once and for all. So what you are going to do is go out and find a zoo or some other place that has cockroaches.

Even better, you’re going to go there and actually get up and close with one. Heck, you might as well pick it up and stare him in the eyes. What an awesome way to kiss that fear goodbye.

Task: First off, I want you to write down a list of things you are afraid of. It doesn’t matter if they are big or small, just throw them down on a piece of paper.

Secondly, I want you to go back and look at your fears and figure out what you could do to overcome them. Brainstorm some ideas and write them down next to the fears.

Last but not least, I want you to set a goal to try to overcome at least one of the fears. Even better, try a handful of them and see what happens.

So what are you waiting? Get out there and make 2010 the best year ever!

Photo Credit: OsvaldoROVE | CC

How to Move Across the Country

Justin Wright — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:06:53 +0000

Well it’s no secret that I’m a big fan of moving around the country. Since graduating college, I’ve moved around the country a few times as you can see in the map above.

I’ve learned quite a few things about moving over the last few years and wanted to share my advice with anyone planning (or thinking about) a big move. Keep in mind that I did not using a moving company at all so these are all tips based on moving yourself (it’s more fun this way).

Choose Where To Move

This one is completely up to you. If you’re moving for the fun of it, I suggest picking a place that has a lot to do that you enjoy. If you like warm weather, head south. If you like snow, head for the mountains. You can also try Find Your Spot, which is a cool website that makes recommendations for you.

My move to Hawaii and Austin had a little to do with my results from this website.

Choose A Method Of Transportation

Once you know where you are moving, it is important research how to get there. When I moved to Hawaii, flying was the most obvious method of transportation. I suppose I could have taken a boat but I doubt it would have been cost effective.

When I booked the flight, I made sure to take advantage of cheap flying days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Try and avoid the weekend flights as they are often more expensive.

If you’re moving somewhere within driving distance, it’s also important to figure out if you will drive your own vehicle versus renting a moving truck/trailer. See the next tip for more details about making this decision.

Choose What To Take With You

This is the most important aspect of moving. Why? Because it can also determine your method of transportation. When I moved to Austin, my girlfriend and I decided on renting a moving truck. We jammed everything we owned inside it and headed on our way. It ended up costing around 800 bucks, but don’t forget the extra cost of gas involved with taking a truck.

With our recent move to Florida, we decided to do the opposite. We liquidated all of our furniture and large items on Craigslist and managed to cram everything left into the car. I must say, it was much better riding in a car across the country and saved us a ton of money on gas and rental fees.

We managed to furnish our entire place for about the same price as a truck. However, we were able to buy new items that we actually wanted and got rid of a lot of the old clutter we had back in Austin.

I honestly think the best way to approach your stuff is by going through EVERYTHING and removing anything that is not important (or necessary). It’s also a good idea to remove cheaper items that can easily be replaced when you get to your new home. There’s no reason to make room for toilet paper if it requires you to leave something more expensive behind.

Choose A Move Date

This is another important aspect of moving. Different dates can result in different prices for things like airfare and truck rental. If you are flexible on your dates, I suggest picking a move date where you can get a truck or plane ticket for the cheapest.

If you are driving your own vehicle, the date does not matter as much. Obviously it would be nice to move at a time when gas prices are down, but this can be tricky to plan for. The best thing you can do is avoid moving during holidays since gas prices tend to increase.

Get Packed

This is probably the most stressful part of moving. It always takes a few attempts to get everything to fit in your car or moving truck. If you’re attempting to fit everything in your vehicle, I highly recommend packing your trunk as tight as possible. The more stuff you can get in it, the less stuff you have to deal with in the car while driving. We managed to get a ton of stuff in the trunk, though it did take some work to get everything seated right so the trunk would latch shut.

If you’re going by plane, you need to be VERY efficient in terms of packing. I rolled all my clothes and even vacuum sealed some of the larger ones when I moved to Hawaii. I literally had to fit everything into two suitcases, which was rather difficult.

If a moving truck is the best method for you, think about getting a truck one size smaller than you require. Why? Not only will it be cheaper and use less gas, but it will also force you to get rid of a few of those items you just can’t see yourself without.

Choose Your Route

If you’re driving, it’s important to plan out your route to ensure that you make it to your new home. Whatever you do, do not reply on Google maps as your only guide. I suggest printing out directions, but also mapping out the drive on a map or in a atlas. If you don’t have one, you can get a huge one for about 6 bucks at Target (or a book store).

If you’re flying, make sure to double-check your flights, times, and any other important information before you go to the airport.

Make A Plan For When You Arrive

This is one of the things a lot of people overlook. It’s VERY helpful to plan ahead and figure out what you are going to do once you arrive at your new location. When I moved to Hawaii, I only had a hotel for a few nights and no idea where I was going to live or what I was going to do for work. Luckily it all worked out in the end but it probably would have been a little easier if I had planned ahead.

If you are renting or buying a house, I highly recommend finding a short-term housing situation. When we made our move from Phoenix to Austin, we rented an apartment without actually looking at in person. This resulted in us living in an apartment that wasn’t the best option.

We learned from that mistake and booked a weekly rental here in Florida before we left Texas. There are plenty of hotels and suites available by the week. We managed to find one on Craigslist that even allowed our dog to stay with us. This gave us the freedom of going around and looking at rental units before signing a lease. I must say, this was much, much better than leasing ahead of time.

In terms of work, I’m lucky enough to be able to bring my job with me. If you can’t work remotely, make sure to scope out Craigslist and other job sites prior to moving. I also suggest apply for jobs before you get there, that way you can land a few interviews right away.

Take Care Of Any Loose Ends

The last step before leaving is to take care of any loose ends. Make sure to cancel any cable/internet services, as well as your electricity. It’s also important to do a walk-through if you are leaving an apartment behind. This will save you from making any unexpected payments for any damages you might have caused.

Mail is also something you have to take care. There are a few options available to you to help make the move easier. You can put a hold your mail until you finish moving or forward it to a family member or friend if you prefer.

Once you get a new place to live, you can hop on the USPS website and submit a change of address. This should override the mail hold or change you put in place prior to moving. You should receive a notice in the mail if everything goes through as planned.

Make The Move!

Finally, it’s time to make the move across the country. Remember, the journey is the best part of all. If you have time, don’t hesitate to stop along the way and check stuff out if you’re driving.

Once you arrive at your new home, you can start your plan that you made prior to moving. Start hunting down a place to live if you need to and look at as many places as possible. Scope out the neighborhoods, especially at night to get a good idea of what you are dealing with.

Then it’s just a matter of unpacking, setting up various services like internet and electricity, and making sure you get mail to your new address.

If you have any other tips to help make moving easier, feel free to leave them in a comment below.

The Art of Journal Writing

Justin Wright — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:20:00 +0000

If you’re like most people, you spend a good amount of time thinking to yourself everyday. I use to do it all the time, especially when I worked in a cubicle. I would constantly sit at my desk and let my brain work itself into overdrive about all sorts of different things.

I would brainstorm ideas on how to make money, think about the dreams I had the night before, and even spend time daydreaming about a life that was more enjoyable.

However, I would always fail to make anything of the thoughts. Instead, I would let them drift away and constantly forget the ideas I had.

The Solution: Keeping A Journal

Ever since high school, I’ve been a fan of writing down my thoughts and ideas. However, I was never good at keeping it consistent. I would always write a few entries in a notebook, only to set it aside and never look at it again. Months would go by before I would remember to write down my thoughts. Not exactly a good system.

Luckily, I’ve had a lot of free time lately and I’ve managed to come up with a journal system that has been working for me on a consistent basis. So far, it’s been an amazing tool and has helped me in more ways than I anticipated. It’s helped me:

Clear My Mind
Keep Track Of My Thoughts
Act On My Ideas

And these are just a few of the benefits of journal writing.

My Journal Strategy

Maintaining a journal does take some work, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. I’ve made it a nightly routine to write in my journal right before I lay down to read. I also jot down my dreams right after I wake up in the morning. It’s actually a relaxing time for me and helps me keep my head clear throughout the day.

I keep a handful of different journals because it makes it easier to search them, as well as keep them organized. Here’s a breakdown of the journals I keep on a daily basis:

Dream Journal:

I’m a big fan of tracking my dreams, though I’m not sure why. I guess I’ve always been interested in the brain and the things it does. By writing down my dreams, I tend to be able to remember them a lot more.

Plus it’s kind of cool to go back and read them later on. It’s almost like reading the story of a completely different life.

It’s also helps me lucid dream, which is always an interesting experience. Never had one? Try pinching yourself in a dream sometime. Once you realize you’re dreaming, you can sometimes control what the dream is about. It’s weird.

Idea Journal:

My idea journal is a simple dumping ground for any ideas I have. If I come up with an idea for a blog post, I’ll add a new entry and start typing it up right in my journal.

There is no limit on what I will put in this journal. Sometimes my ideas are short phrases that I need to write down otherwise I would totally forget them.

Personal Journal:

For the most part, my personal journal is a diary of all the things I do on a daily basis. It’s a mix of stories and thoughts that all intertwine to make up my life. I tend to write down a lot of my thoughts because it makes it a lot easier for me to go to sleep when I have a clear head. I can also go back and look at what I was thinking at any point in time.

Who knows, someday when I get old I might actually enjoy reading my thoughts from when I was younger. If anything, it’s a good way to track your progress over time.

Money Journal:

The spending journal is something new that I’ve implemented recently. I create a new entry for each day and put in how much I spent on that day. I make sure to jot down the exact values. I also put a note by each value so I know what it was for.

I also add in any income I make each day and put down where it came from and what for. If I want, I can then add up all the totals and see a breakdown of my monthly spending. I haven’t perfected this strategy yet but hope it works out for the best.

If you’re wondering where I got the idea from, check out the book: “Your Money Or Your Life.” It’s a great book about the true meaning of money and how you can achieve financial independence.

Paper Or Digital?

Once you have a good strategy, you then have to decide where to keep your journal. Would you prefer writing in a notebook or do you like the idea of typing up your journal entries?

I started out writing in a notebook, but have since made the jump to using my computer. Why?

It’s Cheaper:

At some point, your notebook will be filled with entires and you will have to go out and buy another one. If you actually invest in a decent journal, you’ll easily drop at least 10 bucks.

It’s Better For The Environment:

I consider myself pretty green and I always do my best to avoid waste. It’s amazing how much paper we actually consume, especially when we don’t have to. By moving your journals to your computer, you save a ton of paper and never have to worry about running out of pages.

It’s Easier:

Like I mentioned above, I actually keep a few different journals, which would require a couple different notebooks. By using my computer, I can easily make different journals and assign entries to specific journals. Best of all, I can even search them later on when I was to find a specific entry. And last but not least, my wrist no longer hurts from trying to write two pages worth of thoughts.

So there’s a few good reasons to make the switch. If you prefer paper, that’s cool too. I just hate writing in notebooks, mostly because I’m left-handed and it just doesn’t work right. Plus I like to save space when possible.

The software I use is called MacJournal. It’s a great piece of software and it even lets you record audio and video in your entries.

Give It A Try

I highly recommend that you try and keep a journal. Not only does it help you clear your mind and retain your thoughts, but it’s also a relaxing experience. Plus it’s a good habit to form and something you can do for the rest of your life.

You’ll most likely have to modify the strategy to fit your needs but it’s all part of the process. Eventually you will come up with a system that works perfectly for you.

Do you keep a journal?

Photo Credit: House of Sims | CC

My Move Across The Country

Justin Wright — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:47:38 +0000

It sure felt like it while driving across Texas…

Digital Nomad Radio is officially back on the air! Want even better news? It now has a kickass introduction.

In this week’s episode, I’m going to talk about my move from Arizona to Texas. Specifically, I’m going to talk about what it was like moving my job along with me. It was the first time in my life I moved to a new state not having to worry about finding a job.

And let me say, it’s a whole lot different this time around.

Length: 10 Minutes and 26 Seconds

Teaser:

Some of the things I discuss in this weeks episode include:

Why being a digital nomad is the best way to live – even if you don’t like traveling around.
Why moving your job with you is a hell of a lot easier than finding a new one.
Social Media – how it can make moving easier.

Want to add anything to this week’s episode? If so, please feel free to leave a comment below. And don’t forget to check out next week’s episode!