“Life on your own terms” is a phrase that gets used a lot, but what does it actually mean? What does it mean to be living life on your own terms? And why does that even matter?
Since our website and team mantra is “Life On Your Own Terms”, we wanted to take this chance to share with you what it means to us, why it matters, and how you can start living life on your own terms.
What Does Living Life on Your Own Terms Mean?
The phrase “life on your own terms” can and will mean different things to each individual. For our purposes, though, we’ll define it as the following:
Life on your own terms means the ability to live a life that is meaningful and fulfilling to you. It means being able to enjoy quality time with your family, while also having a purpose-filled career that provides financial freedom. It also means having the time freedom and flexibility to pursue the things that matter most to you, whether that is travel, volunteering, fitness, or any number of other hobbies or interests.
When we started Life on Your Own Terms, we wanted to create a team of people who desire to be more, do more, and live more. We believe that with the right company and the right support system and tools, living life on your own terms is possible.
Why Does Living Life on Your Own Terms Matter?
Many people go through life without a purpose or plan. They feel stuck in their jobs, believing that the only way to provide for their family is to work long hours. Some people are so overwhelmed by the bills they have to pay that they have no extra money for the things they truly enjoy.
Others are working jobs that they simply don’t enjoy, feeling unhappy each and every day. Many moms make the decision to stay at home and raise their children, but they don’t feel fulfilled because they aren’t using their professional talents and skills.
We believe that there is another way: you don’t have to stay stuck in a job you hate or work crazy hours in order to keep the lifestyle you desire.
It is possible to live a life that you love – a life on your own terms.
And when you live life on your own terms, you will be a more fulfilled and happy person. You’re likely to be a much better spouse and parent. You’ll be able to contribute more to those around you.
You might be thinking, “Well, that sounds great, but how? Where do I even begin?”
How Do You Start Living Life on Your Own Terms?
Here are 7 simple tips to help you start living life on your own terms:
- Dream a Little
It starts with knowing what you want your life to look like. What are some of the dreams you have for your life? What did you always want to do when you grew up? Take some time to consider what your ideal life would be if money and time were not an issue.
- Consider where you are
After you dream a little, next you want to consider reality. What are you doing currently? Is what you are doing moving you closer to those dreams and goals? Or are you stuck? Take a few minutes to assess your current situation.
- Think about the past
Next, think about the past. What have you tried in the past to get closer to your goals? Maybe you’ve tried a party plan business to earn some extra money. Or perhaps you attempted launching your own clothing business. Consider whether your past efforts have worked and whether they have helped you get closer to your ideal life.
- Assess your options
Now, assess your options. What can you change in your current situation that will help you get closer to living life on your own terms? Do you need to consider a career change? Restructure your family’s schedule by cutting out extra activities so that you have more time together? Perhaps you need to find a way to earn extra income so that you can pay off debt.
Brainstorm a list of potential options. Don’t edit yourself or assume you can’t do something – just write down everything that pops into your mind.
- Talk to others
Next, talk to someone else who is living life on their own terms. It is helpful to get the perspective of someone who is already where you want to be. This is why it’s important to start with what you want your life to look like. It will be easier to identify others who are living the way you want to be if it’s clear in your own mind.
- Make a plan
Once you’ve done a “brain dump” of ideas, and you’ve talked to others who are living life on their own terms, you’re ready to make a plan. It’s unlikely that you can create the life you want overnight. You may need to make a 6-month plan or a 3-year plan, depending on how far away you are from that goal right now. But if you don’t write it down and create a plan, it’s not going to happen!
Once you’ve created an overall plan to live life on your own terms, break it down into 90-day goals and objectives. This makes it less overwhelming and easier to accomplish.
- Team up and take action
Finally, take action! If you don’t start, you’ll never create the life you long for. You’ve got to start taking steps towards your goals each and every day in order to make it happen. It helps to have an accountability partner or a team to support you along the way. When you team up with others who are also working towards living life on their own terms, you’ll be much more likely to stay motivated and find success.
Living life on your own terms means having purpose and fulfillment in your life, as well as having freedom and flexibility to do what matters most to you. It’s important to do this because how you feel about your life and work affects not only you but also everyone around you. You can make this happen by starting today and taking action!
Come back for our next few posts, where we’ll be sharing more about what living life on your own terms looks like!