How to Live the Good Life (without growing veg)

I’ve been reading a couple of books recently; The Moneyless Man by Mark Boyle and How to Be Free by Tim Hodgkinson. They’ve really heightened my awareness over money, happiness, fulfilment and guaging what is enough.

Many of us dream of a simpler life where we have more freedom and autonomy over our time. We dream of working less hours and spending our working hours doing more fulfilling work. We want to get back to basics and spend more time with family and more time reading and pursuing hobbies. This is possible for all of us, but first we have to cut back on our love affair with conveniences and frivolities like mega widescreen televisions (a pet hate of mine). If you’ve had enough and you want to embark on a different journey then consider my 12 Step Lifestyle Blueprint course which will start you on a new path with the support of our Facebook group.

In the meantime if you just fancy a taster of the good life, try these;

1. Get a Grip on Your Direct Debits

Every unnecessary pound spent is another needless few minutes you’ve spent doing something you have to do rather than something you want to do. Time spent making money is the price we pay for the conveniences (running water, electricity, car..) and the luxuries (widescreen tv, flashy car..) that we enjoy. In this modern age most of us are pretty ok with enjoying a few conveniences and luxuries in life and we’re happy to trade a bit of our energy for them. A FEW being the key part of that, cut the frivolities and wastage and you could save several hours from your working week.

2. Look at How Much Money You Need

Have a proper look, with direct debits now reduced, at how much money you really need. Is it necessary to work overtime or ‘full time’ hours. How many hours do you need to work to earn the money you need? Free up some time to do the things you want to do. Read Your Money or Your Life if you need a lifelong money plan.

3. Cook Your Own Food

If growing veg is a step too far, then get back to basics in the kitchen. Get rid of all the expensive processed food and start cooking your own dishes from scratch. Home cooked food is tastier, more nutritious and better value (it goes further).

4. Turn off the TV

The television is a one way advertising channel that encourages you that you need crap that you don’t. It’s also an incredible time suck. Switch the tv off and read or do crafts or socialise. Wean yourself off bit by bit if you need to.

5. Start an Income Stream or Micro Business

Begin to take control of your income by creating your own streams of income that could eventually free you from employment. At the least it may help you to go part time. Start a micro business doing something you enjoy. Create a website on a topic you’re knowledgable about. Join a network marketing business like Utility Warehouse (disclosure: this is one of my income streams)

6. Build Your Community

Make an effort to get to know your neighbours. Find out how you can get involved with the community. Start a local trading or bartering system. Help people and they will help you. Link yourself back up with people in your community and get that warm fuzzy feeling.

The good life awaits you, you just need to choose it.