IMAGINE YOUR PERFECT LIFE—HAS IT CHANGED?
Now that you’ve spent some time thinking about financial independence, considering bartering, saving, and simple living, take a moment to think about your dream life. Has your vision of it shifted from a few weeks ago or last year?
For me, my dream life is always evolving. One thing is clear: I don’t want the life Hollywood and marketing agencies tried to sell me 5 or 10 years ago. I don’t crave a large, extravagant house or a flashy sports car.
I want a simple life.
I don’t need many things. I want to travel occasionally without worrying about what I left behind. I want to host friends at home to enjoy their company, not to show off a big house.
I want to be proud of my life.
For me, that means a life filled with joy and personal growth, something manageable yet meaningful. I enjoy interacting with people, but I don’t need a $200 dinner to do so. I value the few possessions I have because they make my life easier. I don’t need the latest version of these things and hope they last a long time.
This is my dream life.
It’s much different from before. If you’ve started on the path to financial independence, think about what your dreams were and what they are now. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big. You might want a high-paying job, long hours, and a fancy car. I prefer freedom and time to follow my dreams. There’s no right or wrong, just the effort you put into achieving your own goals.