Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Struggle or Stream?

I've been thinking lately about two different approaches to this thing we call life.

The first is the idea that life is hard, a struggle that we must manage, go after, seize and battle with the ultimate goal of success.  We live striving to make it to the top.

Himalayas
Via daviddarling Credit: Michael Greenwell

The other idea is that life is not a struggle and more like a floating stream.  We guide ourselves along the stream but we don't fight against the current, we surrender to it.


Mountain stream
Via naturalsciences




Struggle or Stream --  what do you think?

xx

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Minimalism

I prefer the simple life over the complex one. Minimal words with profound meanings. Minimal thoughts in a quiet mind. Minimal tasks, goals and desires. Minimal explanations, questions, worries. I prefer the quietness of less above the vehemence of more.

minimal modern design
Via bergdesignarchitects





 To the mind that is still, the universe surrenders. - Lao Tzu

Friday, February 24, 2012

5 Ways To Be A Stable Freelancer

how to freelance
courtesy of infocarnivore
I'm a freelancer myself and I spent nearly ten years stressing until I stopped.  Here are five realizations I had that help me lead a stable life doing what I love.

1. Don't Stress
Your mental stability is the most important thing you have.  Your health matters more than your wealth.  So chill out.  Don't drive yourself crazy.  Don't pitty yourself.  Don't worry.  All of this energy attracts more problems.  Yeah, you may not know where your next check is coming from but if you pull your hair out you'll need money for food, rent and a wig.

2. Trust Yourself
Being a freelancer or an entrepreneur is risky.  All risks require trust.  You have to trust in yourself and in your talent.  You may not be the best, you may not even be good, but trust that you can do it.  You will get better with practice.  You have to trust this and really believe this in order to be productive.  What's that saying?  A little faith goes a long way.  It's true.

3. Trust the Universe
One thing I have recently learned to do is trust not only myself but in the universe.  It's important to know that you're not in this alone.  Whatever you believe in spiritually, know that it does exist.  There is a higher power out there making things happen.  You think you're in charge?  You're not.  So you have to learn to trust the energy that surrounds us, the universe that really controls what happens.  You don't have to micro-manage your goals, you don't have to struggle.  Just work, focus on your craft, your business, your dream...whatever that may be.  And know that the universe has your back.

4. Make Smart Financial Choices
You just got a big check this month.  Put some aside.  Save for a rainy day because there will be rainy days.  You got your big break.  Don't buy that house in Hollywood Hills just yet.  Live below your means.  Figure out ways to leverage your money.  Invest in stocks or even a small business.  Plan for retirement, this is the smartest thing a young freelancer can do.  We don't have 401Ks set up for us.  You have to do it on your own.  An excellent option for freelancers might be 4N1FUND.  I like this better than my Roth IRA because it leverages my individual money by combining it with money from other individuals (kind of like Groupon). 

5. Limit Expectations
Don't think about what you want to get.  Work at your craft because you love it.  Work at your business because it's yours or because it's a good idea.  Don't worry about being the next big thing.  Don't expect or depend on fame and fortune.  Just do good work.  All the rest will fall into place.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012