Intentionally diversifying your life
“Today’s decisions are tomorrow’s realities.” — Tim Storey
Most people live life by default.
No one likes to admit this, of course.
Here, we take advice from those who came before us and run with it.
We plug into systems and follow the procedures. We get on the path.
I’m not knocking this. The path can lead to a good life — and it’s right for most people.
But maybe you want a remarkable life?
Well, those living a remarkable life know that (a) you need to go against the grain and (b) you don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Eyes wide open.
They’re intentional. They diversify. They deliver gifts to their Future Selves.
They create life options.
Generating life options
What are life options?
Examples:
- Finances: multi-stream passive income
- Relationships: lots of people you can lean on
- Skills: timeless abilities that keep you ever-relevant in the marketplace
Picture this…
You have a beautiful travel destination in mind.
Let’s call that destination Rome.
You could take a one-lane highway to reach Rome.
But if the bridge collapses, you’re screwed.
To ensure you reach Rome, you’ll want alternatives: offramps, onramps, coastal routes, and mountain roads.
You’ll want “reroute” options given the inevitable changes you’ll encounter in life.
Indeed, there are many roads to Rome, but you need to create them.
Create life options today that will be available tomorrow.
Your Future Self will thank you.
Intentional Diversification
So you have a choice to make: stick with the status quo or start intentionally diversifying?
You can keep waking up and doing the same things — at work and home.
You can aim for safety and predictability (as tricky as that is).
Or…you can say:
“I want a remarkable life.”
“I’m going to live intentionally.”
“I’m going to diversify.”
“I’m creating life options.”
Still with me? Good.
Here’s how to get started.
This is your jumpstart for Intentional Diversification. Absorb these ideas and craft your personalized strategy. Two primary concepts:
1. Design and live an intentional life
For an architect to build a badass mansion, they need a well-designed blueprint. It’s not a step-by-step plan, but a clear and compelling target they’re aiming at.
In turn, you need to be the architect of your own life:
- Sketching a rich view of the life you want
- Continually sharpening it as you evolve
- Clearing away debris (self-sabotage)
FYI, here’s a snapshot of where I’m aiming:
Life design requires you dispense with your “reality,” which is merely a set of limiting beliefs in your head.
Manifesting this design is a continual process of externalization (writing and speaking about your aim). You program it into your mind through repetition until your behaviors fully align with your target and achievement becomes inevitable.
99% of the population is not living an intentional life. They’re just playing default games.
Step up and be part of the 1%.
2. Pull your diversification “levers”
Cool, you’ve got V1 of your intentional life. Now what?
Time to start taking aligned action — pulling levers.
Remember, we want many roads to Rome, right? That requires making diverse “bets” that set you up with life options tomorrow.
https://twitter.com/thejustinwelsh/status/1529074556077588480
Using your talents and interests as a guide, make investments, expand your skillset, build new relationships, and push yourself into (uncomfortable) high-leverage opportunities.
Here are some examples:
- Build your copywriting and sales skills (relevant everywhere and always)
- Develop a side hustle to open entrepreneurial options in the future
- Work hard to save $50K per year and invest that in cash-flowing assets (e.g., multi-family real estate)
- Hire a coach to challenge your thinking and shock you out of complacency
- Actively support your “heroes” on social media and build door-opening relationships with them
Notice, these are all long-term plays. And that’s the point.
“Play long-term games with long-term people.” —Naval Ravikant
Your intentional life is built over a long time horizon. In turn, your diversified bets need time to produce fruits.
This is Intentional Diversification.
This is how you create the career and life you dream of.
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