Some days it just seems like despite what the news says times aren’t getting better. You are still struggling to pay bills and money just doesn’t seem to go as far as it used to. It’s during these times that lifestyle design is most important. Tough economic times break your spirit and shatter your dreams. But only if you let it. If you hold even tighter to your dream of having more freedom and getting paid for doing something you love then you will continue to make progress, maybe just at a slower pace. However, if you give in and start believing that this economy is no time to be pursuing something as selfish as living life your way, then you will never get there.
I work part-time as Arts and Entertainment Editor at a newsweekly. It pays crap and my PR business is more lucrative but I hold on to that part time job for several reasons. The first, is that it allows me to continue working in the journalism field and that has always been my first love. Also, it’s a steady paycheck that I can count on in this economy. With my business, even though I try to pace my work so that the pay comes in steadily, clients don’t always pay on time. So some weeks may be slim and others may be mega pay days–I only have so much control over that.
The other reason I hold onto the position is that it gives me valuable contacts for other projects I work on.
Lastly, I like living for the experience. I have said that before and that’s a compelling reason for me to practice lifestyle design. For me, however, my position as a journalist gives me access to experiences that I would just drool over if I wasn’t a journalist. As a journalist I get access to interesting and exciting people and events and experiences.
That doesn’t mean that I am not pursuing a lifestyle by design. I am. Only I’m holding on tight right now. For me, that holding on tight means putting things in perspective, hanging onto my press job for the reasons above and recognizing that it also still fits into my lifestyle design.
If you can’t run off and pursue your dream right now, keep working toward it. In the meantime, look at your current situation and find areas in your job or situation that can help you reach your goal of experiencing life.
Maybe you want to travel and there are opportunities at your job to travel. Take advantage of this right now and take a trip on the company. Sure you’ve got to put in some work but it will also be a mini vacation. If you like to golf, perhaps you can talk your company into sponsoring a local golf event. Usually as a sponsor your company gets to play in the tournament. Offer to represent your company and it’s a great way for you to play at a course that in this economy may be a bit of a luxury for your wallet.
Keep the big picture in mind but when things get tough remember to look around you too for the little things that can help you live a life full of experience.
Shelly Cone is a journalist, public relations professional, and press release writer. She is also the owner of Beach Betty Public Relations, a California lifestyle design company offering press release services, media relations and collaborative marketing events to help you design your life by growing your business.