Designing a Personal Economy
How I Stopped Chasing Success and Built a Life That Works for Me
For most of my life, I’ve felt allergic to the idea of chasing status. Flashy job titles never appealed to me. Ever since a young age I liked the “simple” idea of being a consultant, or advisor. In my mind that meant I didn’t have to do anything or be good at any skill in particular, but could help other people do what they were good at. It wasn’t about me, but about them.
I’ve come to realize it’s not necessarily that easy, but there’s a truth here. I was never trying to climb some corporate ladder or score a six-figure salary just to check a box. Life has to be more than that, right?
Vocation vs vacation
Instead, I found myself coming back to the same question every 5-10 years or so:
What would it take to build a life I don’t need a vacation from?
One of my mentors, Dr John Demartini1, once said “once your vocation feels like a vacation, you’ve mastered your life.” That perspective changed everything, more than once in my career. Every couple of years this question forces me to re-think the status-quo, and make a few tweaks, that over time change everything.
This lifestyle-by-design thinking became the north star that helped me redesign my life from the ground up a few times. It was never about reinventing yourself, but more about making small changes that over time led to big results. It didn’t lead to instant riches or viral success.2 What it did lead to was freedom, the kind that’s deeply personal and quietly powerful.
Once your vocation feels like a vacation, you’ve mastered your life. ~ Dr John Demartini
What Is a Personal Economy?
A personal economy isn’t about net worth or trending hashtags. It’s the combination of income streams, lifestyle choices, and simple systems that allow you to live your life on your terms.
It’s not necessarily about making millions, although (let’s be honest) there’s nothing wrong with that. Often a lot of passion and meaning are lost in the pursuit of millions. First, it’s about creating enough: enough time to do what matters, enough money to take care of your needs (and the occasional nice-to-have), and enough breathing room to say yes to what inspires you and no to what doesn’t.3
Your version of that economy will look very different than mine. Your goals are different. But I’ve come to realize that the process to get there shares a common DNA: clarity, consistency, and the courage to try something different and think outside the box. And to follow a system consistently, regardless of where you are today
How I Built Mine (Without a Windfall or a Breakthrough)
If you’re expecting a rags-to-riches story or a startup pitch, this isn’t it. I didn’t quit my job in a blaze of glory or have some massive breakthrough moment. I started slow. Deliberately. Quietly. And then kept going.
I looked at what I already had: a background in IT service management and consulting, a passion for travel and photography, and a love for writing — especially about things I’ve tried and tested myself. Contrary to most humble-bragging social media posts, my books and courses also share what didn’t work. They’re cautionary tales sometimes, helping you truly live by experience. That approach might sound random, but for me, it has become a mindset for success.4
From there, I began layering in different ways to earn and share. Trying to add new and different things that I enjoyed. I built online courses based on what I knew people were already asking me. I wrote books, not because I had all the answers, but because I had stories and systems that worked. My photography, once a private pursuit, found its way into prints and art gallery exhibitions. Even a few affiliate partnerships grew naturally from the tools and platforms I already used and loved.5
Nothing was overnight. But over time, I built something more valuable than a business: I built momentum. I built the ability to make decisions based on values, not fear. That’s what freedom looks like: not unlimited money, but the power to make a different choice.
Why This Approach Matters More Than Ever
In a world obsessed with hustle culture, productivity hacks, and passive income promises, it’s easy to get swept up in someone else’s idea of success. Most gurus sell a model that worked for them, back in the day. Their model will probably never work for you or me (that’s a real promise). I’ve spend a lot of money learning that lesson the hard way. You’ve got to do things your way. Using other people as advisors and consultants is fine, but please avoid the idea they have the final answer for you. Nobody does, not even if they charge you $15,000+ for an exclusive mastermind retreat. Just saying.6
What good is a six-figure side hustle if you’re still exhausted? What’s the point of financial freedom if it doesn’t actually make you feel free?
Designing a personal economy is the antidote to all of that. It’s a quiet rebellion against burnout. It asks: What matters to you, what gives you joy, and how can you shape your life around that? Not in some abstract, someday sort of way. But here, now. On your own terms, nobody else’s.
It took me decades to figure that out. And the truth is, I’m still figuring it out — but I’m no longer starting from scratch. I have a framework, and more importantly, I have a life that reflects my values instead of undermining them.
If You’re Ready to Explore This Too…
I’ve just updated my Financial Freedom course with the exact tools I used (and still use) to create and sustain my personal economy. It’s not a pitch for entrepreneurship. It’s not a get-rich scheme. It’s a practical, no-fluff resource for anyone who wants to live a little more intentionally and earn a little more creatively.
You’ll find a behind-the-scenes look at how I built multiple income streams without a massive following, along with 12 unconventional ways to earn more, even without ever starting a business. There’s also a 30-day action plan and printable worksheets to help you get started.
You can preview the course for free. If the preview resonates, keep going.
The final goal isn’t money. The goal is freedom: the kind that lets you wake up without dreading the day ahead. If that sounds like something worth building, have a look at the course and take that first step.
After all, the best version of success isn’t something you chase. It’s something you design. Cheers to you.
Further reading
Yes, Dr Demartini did have something nice to say about my Freedom Project book: “Fabulous! You inspire others to embark on the most magnificent journey of their lifetime. Thank you for your insightful contribution.” 🙏
Sorry. But let’s keep it real: anything or anyone promising overnight results is wrong. Success takes work, dedication, and most importantly: time. Anything else is just a hack. Most gurus preach a system that worked for them, back in the day, when they first started. Their system will likely never work for you.
There’s a simple money management system for this that takes care of all these wants and needs, regardless of how much money you’re making today. Preview my class to find out more.
Unlike most, my books aren’t about flaunting successes—they’re celebrations of failure. They share the good, the bad, and the ugly, offering an always honest and sometimes entertaining look at the journey. By sharing my experiences and mistakes, I hope you can carve your own path with greater clarity and confidence.