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Time Business News
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time Business News
Design Your Ideal Life: A Practical Guide to Lifestyle Design
Ever get the impression you are living life on autopilot? Wake, work, sleep, repeat. You are not alone—and you are not stuck either. Welcome to the dynamic idea that puts you back in the driver's seat of your life—lifestyle design. Building a lifestyle involves more than just clothes. It's a framework for designing a life free from your values, interests, and aspirations. We will guide you through the practical actions needed to design your ideal life—that which is deliberate, satisfying, and entirely yours. Tim Ferriss and his bestselling book The 4-Hour Workweek helped the concept of lifestyle design become popular. Ferriss questioned the conventional 9–5 grind and presented a new picture of life—one guarded based on freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. Still, lifestyle design is more than merely working less. It's about producing more—more significance, more time, more pleasure. At its core, lifestyle designing is finding means to match your everyday activities with your most basic values. It's not only about reaching objectives; it's about building a life that feels proper. Unlike conventional goal-setting which centers just on results, lifestyle design emphasizes your entire life—your health, relationships, finances, passions, and purpose. What energizes you? What drains you? What would you do if money were not a consideration? Close your eyes and envision your ideal day from morning to night. Where are you? What are you doing? Who are you with? This vision becomes your blueprint. Common barriers include: Fear of failure Lack of clarity Comfort zonesAcknowledge them—and be ready to overcome them. Break your vision into measurable goals: Want to travel more? This year, I aim to save $5,000. Want more freedom? Start a side hustle. Divide them into daily, weekly, and monthly chores. Use whatever works for you: Notion, Trello, pen and paper, whatever works for you. Choosing a lifestyle design is not a one-time choice. It's a cycle. Try something. Change it if it fails. You can change your mind. It's about alternatives, not just about wealth. The riddle consists in passive income, investing, and budgeting. Why stay stuck in one place if you don't want to? Many lifestyle designers become digital nomads or move to cities that better match their values. A well-designed life includes mental, physical, and emotional health. Schedule time for sleep, movement, and mindfulness. Who you surround yourself with matters. Design a social life that nourishes you, not drains you. Vision Boards: Great for visual thinkers. Choose old-fashioned with scissors and glue or utilize Pinterest. Great for visual thinkers. Choose old-fashioned with scissors and glue or utilize Pinterest. Journals: Consider your emotions, ideas, and progress. Consider your emotions, ideas, and progress. Habit Trackers: Daily action monitoring helps you to make sure your objectives match those of goals. It's scary to let go of stability. But change is the doorway to growth. Others may not get your path—and that's fine. You are not here to live another person's life. Start small. Progress is better than perfection. Emma, the Remote Marketer: Left her corporate job, moved to Bali, and now works 4 hours a day from her laptop. Left her corporate job, moved to Bali, and now works 4 hours a day from her laptop. Carlos, the Minimalist Entrepreneur: Downsized, reduced expenses, and built a six-figure business with zero debt. Downsized, reduced expenses, and built a six-figure business with zero debt. Jenna and Mark, the Traveling Couple: Built a blog and traveled full-time while homeschooling their kids. Hustle culture glorifies working non-stop. Lifestyle design says: Work smarter, not harder Prioritize rest and joy Live intentionally, not reactively Build Daily Habits: Tiny actions lead to big results over time. Tiny actions lead to big results over time. Use Accountability Systems: Tell a friend. Hire a coach. Join a community. Tell a friend. Hire a coach. Join a community. Celebrate Small Wins: Progress is progress. Give yourself credit! The first step in designing your perfect life is a choice: to stop settling and start shaping. You lack the need for authorization. You just need a strategy, some bravery, and a readiness to experiment. You may create whatever you want—more freedom, joy, time, impact—lifestyle design gives you the means to do it. Starting today. Your ideal life is waiting for you to construct it. 1. Beginning lifestyle design with what step? 2. Is lifestyle design only for entrepreneurs? No! Anyone—student, parent, freelancer, or 9-to-5 worker—can plan their life. 3. Can I do lifestyle design while working a full-time job? Absolutely. Start small—adjust your schedule, side hustle, or priorities gradually. 4. How long does it take to design your ideal life? There is no set timetable. It is an ongoing trip of education, adaptation, and development. 5. What should I do if my perfect life evolves over time? TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Are Gen Z and millennials sold on the micro-retirement trend at work?
Long sabbaticals are becoming passé. Today's Gen Z – and some millennials – are warming up to the idea of micro-retirement: short, intentional career breaks to focus on personal goals and desires, mental well-being, or simply to catch a breath. Unlike earlier generations, who postponed such pursuits to post-retirement years, younger professionals are choosing to hit pause — now. According to Forbes, micro-retirement is 'reshaping workplace norms.' So, what motivates Gen Z (born 1997–2012) and millennials (1981–1996) to this trend? Sejal Ved, a 2021 IIM Rohtak graduate, took a three-and-a-half-month break after 20 months in the corporate sector — to travel. 'I did a 10-day meditation course at a Buddhist centre in Dharamkot, McLeod Ganj, visited some places I'd been to before, met friends and then explored the Northeast, including Meghalaya, which had long been on my list,' said Ved, 28. She returned to work for eight months, but took another seven-month break during which she spent three weeks in Kashmir and explored PhD options. She is currently back in a corporate role and has been working there for 10 months. Rishabh Chauhan, 27, a Delhi-based public relations professional, is planning a break – after being in the job for five years – to work with a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) involved in cleanliness drives in the Himalayas. 'I was always looking for opportunities to give back to the planet,' he said, calling it an 'experiment' in his life. First popularised in 2007 by Timothy Ferriss in his book The 4-Hour Workweek, the term has recently resurfaced on social media, with many taking extended periods off to travel, pursue hobbies, or simply avoid work stress. While the term may sound like a Gen-Z innovation, millennials are embracing it too, as they increasingly prioritise work-life balance. Kamal Tanwani, 35, a data analyst from Bengaluru, took a six-month break after a 'crazy' three-year project that left him burnt out. 'I'd usually take breaks quarterly, but this project was all-consuming. I needed a longer pause. It's been amazing so far. I've travelled to Mauritius, Malaysia, Japan, and the Philippines, learned to swim, and went scuba diving with whale sharks. While I miss having a routine, this break has shown me what retirement could feel like,' Tanwani told Shraddha Subramanian, certified business coach and founder of Sparkling Soul, said people are becoming more aware of their physical and mental well-being, and micro-retirements are a natural outcome of that shift. According to Subramanian, the benefits include the following: Focus on well-being: The time off helps prevent burnout and brings clarity. And the intent ensures the break is meaningful. Skill development:Breaks offer time, space, and freedom to learn new skills, revisit old interests, or take up new hobbies. Fulfilment and contribution: Micro retirement can also enable contributing to social projects and earning fulfilment. Self-discovery: 'Always being in action is not a sign of healthy, happy living. Taking conscious breaks and trying new things can help you identify your true calling or purpose,' said Subramanian. According to Shraddha Reghe, vice president, People Practices, Seclore, the shift is towards a more intentional, balanced, and impact‑oriented way of working. 'Gen Z advocates for flexible schedules, hybrid models, and structured support for mental health. It isn't about carving out lengthy breaks, but they are focused on making a difference and have a purpose-driven approach,' said Reghe. Reghe said that organisations that respond with agile career frameworks, regular 'innovation sprints,' and transparent feedback loops find that these professionals thrive and stay longer. 'Benefits like unlimited paid leaves offer a flexible way to rejuvenate without fully stepping away. In innovation‑led workplaces, these breaks are seen as tools for creativity, not as exit ramps,' said Reghe. Aryan Surana, 26, a journalist from Madhya Pradesh's Barwaha, said that he 'won't opt for micro-retirement because in a fast-moving world, a sabbatical of a year or two can peg you back so significantly that it might become very hard to catch up later on. If you go cold turkey, your skills corrode, so many opportunities pass by, and others climb up the ladder in your absence.' Recently, Aryan found himself in a 'life scenario' –– his home was being renovated, work wasn't fulfilling, and he wasn't in a good mental space. 'Instead of quitting, I scaled back my goals temporarily but stayed in the game. When things stabilised, I was ready to bounce back,' he said. Surana believes breaks make more sense after you've established yourself professionally. 'When you're still finding your place in the industry, taking time off can hurt more than help.' Subramanian listed a few drawbacks to consider: Lack of connection and continuity: Frequent breaks can cause disconnection from work and reduce consistency. This may lead to a feeling of being out of place. Career stagnation: For entrepreneurs or those in competitive sectors, regular breaks may slow progress. Financial stability at stake: Taking frequent breaks also requires you to fund yourselves. If finances are not planned well, it may cause more challenges and burnout in the later years of life. Micro-retirement isn't for everyone, and that is okay. It's a personal decision that depends on one's goals, financial situation, and stage in life. For some, it's a path to clarity and growth. For others, it's a risk best avoided. Jayashree Narayanan writes on fitness, health, food, culture and everything lifestyle. She is an alumnus of AJKMCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia and Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi ... Read More
Tatler Asia
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
From ‘Let Them' to ‘The Rules', 6 self-help books and concepts that didn't hold up
2. 'The Rules' by Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider Above 'The Rules' was criticised for framing having healthy boundaries as needy behaviour. This '90s dating manual told women to play hard to get, never call first and hide interest at all costs—a blueprint for emotional inauthenticity. Though it was wildly popular when released, The Rules has since been widely rejected for promoting manipulation and gender stereotypes. Relationship experts now consider it outdated, if not harmful, particularly in a time when emotional intelligence and clear communication are considered essential. 3. 'The 5-Second Rule' by Mel Robbins Above In 'The 5-Second Rule', author Mel Robbins writes about the secret to one's life. Another entry from Robbins, this concept urges people to count backward from five and act before hesitation takes over. While effective as a short-term motivational nudge, psychologists have questioned its scientific legitimacy, noting the lack of peer-reviewed evidence to support long-term behavioural change. For all its virality, the rule is more of a life hack than a life strategy—hardly the transformative framework it's often marketed as in self-help books and seminars. 4. 'Girl, Wash Your Face' by Rachel Hollis Above Critics of 'Girl, Wash Your Face' claim that it offers tone-def and privileged advice. Rachel Hollis' empowering tone—focused on radical self-accountability—initially resonated with millions. But critics pointed out how it glossed over structural inequality, promoting hustle culture without nuance. Her downfall wasn't just philosophical. Hollis ignited public backlash after comparing herself to social activist Harriet Tubman (who escaped slavery and saved friends and family from the same fate) while defending her use of housekeepers, then doubled down in a tone-deaf apology. Her brand of self-help was exposed not just as problematic, but also woefully unaware of its own privilege. 5. 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck' by Mark Manson Above 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck' has sold over 20 million copies, but critics say its simplistic and misogynistic. With its brash title and anti-positivity stance, Manson's book offered a welcome break from sugar-coated affirmations. But some mental health professionals say it swings too far into emotional detachment, encouraging people to disengage rather than process. In trying to help readers prioritise what truly matters, it risks promoting a flattened emotional spectrum—one that can diminish empathy and discourage vulnerability. It's also laced with profanity, which puts off a lot of readers. 6. 'The 4-Hour Workweek' by Tim Ferriss Above 'The 4-Hour Workweek' has been heavily criticised for promoting modern exploitation. Once seen as the ultimate entrepreneurial guide, The 4-Hour Workweek is now viewed by some as tone-deaf and ethically fraught. Ferriss' philosophy hinges on outsourcing life's grunt work—often to underpaid virtual assistants in the Global South—so the wealthy can 'escape the rat race'. Critics argue this amounts to a tech-age fantasy built on modern exploitation, privileging freedom for the few at the expense of the many. The book's promises also feel increasingly out of step in a post-pandemic world where work and life have blurred beyond Ferriss' tidy formula.
The Guardian
24-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Micro-retirement: has gen Z found a brilliant fix for burnout?
Name: Micro-retirement. Age: Coined in 2007, but surging in popularity. Appearance: Like quiet quitting, but luxe. Is this one of those things where gen Z takes an old concept, gives it a new name and pretends they invented it? Not at all. The concept is taken from a 2007 book called The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss. I take it back. Although nobody really talked about it until this year, when a bunch of TikTokers started doing it, so you're partly right. So what is it? You know work-life balance? I am vaguely aware of it, yes. And you know how the company you work for only cares about wringing every last drop of energy out of you, and nothing you do is ever enough, and it exhausts you? This I am more familiar with. Well, why not try a micro-retirement? It's where you combat burnout by taking some time to focus on you. I'm listening. One big proponent is Adama Lorna, who was inspired by Ferriss's book and took a six-month micro-retirement. She says: 'Instead of waiting until you're 60 or 70 to travel the world and indulge in hobbies, you do them while you have your youth, your energy and health.' This isn't new. It's called a sabbatical. It isn't really a sabbatical, because people want to make a lifestyle out of micro-retirements. For instance, some micro-retirees are planning to spend the rest of their lives travelling for a year after every three years spent working. But when will they actually retire? Oh, they won't. They'll just keep working three years at a time until they die. What if they get sick or become incapacitated in old age? Shh, this is about micro-retirement, not the inability of the young to acknowledge the inevitability of declining health. Does micro-retirement have to involve travel? Not at all. Retirees don't always travel. Some take up hobbies, or find ways to get involved in the local community. Others just watch lots of bad television and are sad because their children never visit, so there is always that. I don't think I'll be able to afford a micro-retirement. Then why not try a micro-micro‑retirement instead? And what exactly is a micro-micro-retirement? Well, I just made up the term. But it's where you sneak away from your desk three times a day to cry in a toilet cubicle. It keeps me going. Do say: 'Screw you, guys, I'm taking a micro-retirement.' Don't say: 'See you next week.'
Express Tribune
28-01-2025
- Lifestyle
- Express Tribune
Gen Z Mocked for 'Micro-Retirement' Trend: Taking Time Off to Prioritize Mental Health
A new trend is sweeping through TikTok, as Gen Z and millennials pledge to take "micro-retirements" throughout their careers. This movement, which involves taking periodic breaks from work to focus on personal well-being, has been gaining momentum despite its critics, who argue that it is merely an extended holiday. The idea of "micro-retirement" is to take time off work while still young, rather than deferring all leisure to the later years of life. Gen Z believes that this allows them to "make the most of youth" and "optimise [their] mental health." TikTok/ @uri8tor One TikTok user explained: "It's basically where, throughout your career, you time off instead of waiting [or] deferring [till] you're older to take all of your retirement." These breaks can range from a few weeks to a year, with many using the time to travel or work on personal projects. In a video, British creator Adama Lorna explained: "It's this idea that instead of waiting until you we're 60 or 70 to travel the world and try and indulge in these hobbies, you do them when you have your youth, energy and health - you dot them around your life." Despite its popularity, the trend has raised some skepticism. One critic commented: "The American mind cannot comprehend long term leave so they invent micro retirement." Another pointed out: "Isn't this just going on holiday?" The term "micro-retirement" was originally coined by entrepreneur Tim Ferris in his 2007 book The 4-Hour Workweek , although the reality of working a four-hour week remains elusive for most. Anaïs Felt, a 31-year-old American creator, is one of the prominent figures embracing this trend. She took six months off from her corporate tech job, a decision that she describes as transformative. "I have never felt better. I've never felt healthier, I've never felt more rested, it's been amazing and I highly recommend it," she said in a video. Despite taking time off, she maintains that potential employers did not seem concerned about her career break. "I will say I am interviewing with some of the top companies in tech right now and none of them seem to care." @anaisfelt If you can swing it, totally worth it imo. I should note I paid off my 70k in student debt and saved a sizeable chunk of $$ before taking the leap. I also am childfree. I come from a low income background and am the first person in my family to go to college and do this….so it is possible with the rught strategy, grit and resilience. ♬ original sound - Anaïs Other young people have shared similar experiences. Morgan Sanner, 27, highlighted that Gen Z is more open to non-traditional work models, such as freelancing and contract work. "I think Gen Z is interested in less traditional models of employment, in general. For example, we're far more likely to freelance or do contract work than previous generations," she said. While the idea of taking time off work appeals to many, it isn't always feasible for everyone. Anaïs admitted that she had planned her break by saving a significant amount of money and paying off a large portion of her student loans. "I also am childfree. I come from a low-income background and am the first person in my family to go to college and do it is possible with the right strategy, grit and resilience," she shared. Other creators, such as Leona Marlene, spoke about their own "mini-retirement" experiences, noting how stepping away from the workforce has led to personal growth and better health. "This has been the best decision we ever could have made for ourselves," she enthused, reflecting on the time she spent away after being laid off from a job she disliked. However, not everyone is convinced by the trend. One commenter questioned how individuals could afford such extended breaks, while another remarked: "My parents won't be able to retire at 65. 70 is unlikely for most millennials. Most of us are just getting by - quitting and taking that much time off is so impractical especially for the majority of people." Despite these challenges, many are hopeful that the trend will continue to grow in popularity. A recent survey revealed that 76% of young people aspire to become their own bosses, with 45% believing they can make a living through social media or by running businesses from their phones. The rise of "micro-retirement" is part of a broader movement among younger generations who are prioritising mental health, personal fulfilment, and work-life balance over career longevity and progression. Guy Thornton, founder of Practice Aptitude Tests , observed: "As the younger generations have begun to normalise a heavier focus on well-being and a good work-life balance, comes a new career trend." While "micro-retirement" may not be realistic for everyone, it is evident that young people are reshaping how we think about work, leisure, and long-term career planning.
