For me it is just about working less and smarter so that I can do other things I enjoy. I don’t want to quit working completely since I enjoy work (maybe I’m weird?).

Also, on the passion thing – you are right. For you. For some people they have to have the passion or else the work to create their desired lifestyle will seem unbearable and they won’t do it. But everyone does not need to find their deepest passion to find success. And even when you do find a passion, that can change. Nothing lasts forever.

@ Greg – Thanks for such a great comment. You are fortunate to have a passion that you can follow, and though I’ve never used any of your products I’ve heard absolutely nothing but the best about them. About just doing something for the cash getting old – you are right. That’s why I stopped doing affiliate marketing before. But then I had no concept of using systems and outsourcing, now I do. Thanks again!

@ Oscar – I like your use of the word intelligent as opposed to lazy. I’m going to take that as a compliment :-)

@ Jen – Glad you appreciate the honesty! I have a hard time not being 100% honest. It’s great to hear that you have found something that really makes you happy, keep going with it. Thanks.

@ Mac – Thanks for the comment :-)

@ Colin – Thanks for sharing your view of lifestyle design. Honestly, I think what you have done over the last few months is an amazing definition of lifestyle design.

@ Dan – Looking forward to your post man! And you are absolutely right about burning out, in both cases. I guess you could say I’ve burned out looking for my passion so I’m looking for other things now. Thanks so much for sharing!

@ John – I agree with your views on passion very strongly. I’ve enjoyed your writing on the subject in the past. As far as passive income, I had the same view up until fairly recently. I didn’t really believe all the outsourcing hype. But then I got a copy of Source Control by David Walsh and the concepts of systems and how to organize your efforts changed everything. Thanks for the comment! Oh wait! And I will put down an interview at Jet Set Citizen on my list of goals :-)

@ Diggy – I think I might have given the wrong impression in the post, I’m cool with putting in some initial hard work. That’s what I’m doing right now, writing a free report, getting my website design customized, working on some good initial content. I just want to get this thing off the ground, and then integrate the systems I’m creating to hopefully eliminate 90% of my workload. Thanks for the comment Diggy :-)

Thanks for sharing your view on lifestyle design. I agree that the eventual goal is less work and more income. I don’t agree on the fact that you can do this so easily right from the start.

Personally I think when starting for yourself, initially the work will be MORE and the money less. However, if you keep at it, work hard and don’t give up, your hard work will pay off. You will be able to automate things and you will have more time and more income.

Don’t be scared to work hard initially :) Nothing happens by itself, except for the sun rising :)

Have a great day
Diggy

The rest of us probably only have “interests.” We are interested in many things so we should pursue many things. Author Ian Sanders calls that Juggling. (I did a recent review of his book on my site.)

Those interests might last for 6 months, or 6 years. The key thing is that you are free to change.

All that jumping around means that you will never be world class. Sometimes it is enough to enjoy what you are doing now. I am not a rock star but I enjoy playing guitar.

Passive income is a difficult issue. I have income from investment and dividends but even that keeps me checking stock prices, reading economic news and fretting about exchange rates. It takes time.

In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing that is truly passive unless you are mega rich and put all your money into treasury bills or something, but even that would have you dealing with accountants and tax people.

Outsourcing is another issue. I have been outsourcing for about 5 years and have hired dozens of people. I find it highly unlikely that anyone will be able to automate all that work so that it is entirely passive. It takes work to manage outsourced employees. The cheaper they are, the more quality checking is required. Also, if it really is that easy to make money online, your outsourced workers will start stealing your ideas.

In all the people I have interviewed and studied, I can say unequivocally that there is a direct correlation between work and profits. There are many people making $500 to $1000 per month on part-time hours. However, if you want a long term sustainable income, it is going to take a more substantial effort.

I haven’t heard of anyone proving me wrong. If you are the first, I would love to interview you! :-)

So recently designing my life has included setting up my studio so that I can run it from overseas with less direct effort, still make enough money to keep my bank accounts steady and not have to worry about money while I gallivant around the world, and to put myself in situations that make me more knowledgeable, capable and interesting long term.

Also we function by running the “programs” we have learnt before. So if you learnt bad habit’s you will continue then until you change the program.

Mac