This is not going to be a typical article as it’s a little bit all over the place but don’t worry as it has a central theme.

It came as a result of reader asking how to deal with the thought of downgrading their lifestyle to pay off their debt. They didn’t want to give up their current lifestyle for a variety of reasons.

At the same time, there are masses out there envying the lifestyles of the rich and famous they see on TV to the point where it becomes an unhealthy fixation.

Here’s how I resolve both issues with this simple truth.

We eventually adapt to our current lifestyle, whatever that may be.

For the reader, yes, it might suck to downgrade, but over time, as little as in a month or two, you will eventually adapt. It won’t be as bad as you think. You’ll find other substitutes to replicate your former lifestyle that provides the same, if not more utility for less money.

For the people who envy the lifestyles of the rich and famous, realize those people – they’ve adapted to their lifestyles as well. It’s “background noise” for them. The Ferrari and the mansion are nice but over a couple months, it’s all the same.

We’ve all experienced it. The new car we drive is great the first week. Not so hot two years down the road as we look at the brand new models rolling out.

The point I want to drive home is since we adapt to whatever lifestyle we have, don’t put so much focus on the lifestyle in it of itself.

Lifestyle is not the main focus.

Should you determine that it is, I guarantee you that should you “arrive” there, over time, you will become jaded and eventually adapt and realize why you pursued it in the first place as you start to feel empty real quick.

Do the whole white beach, clear water, mojitos, relaxing in a hammock under a palm tree thing for two months. It will become second nature. It won’t seem as glorious as it did before.

Studies have shown that people who live in countries with high incomes did not become happier in proportion with increase in income. It hit a plateau and no increase of income caused an increase in happiness. Once you have enough to meet your needs, a few wants, and save for the future, then any additional amount doesn’t contribute to happiness.

That’s key here too because when this lifestyle issue comes into debate, somebody always pulls out the homeless bum card so it’s important to note that yes, you need to earn enough to meet your needs, a few wants, and save for the future but anything after doesn’t contribute to happiness.

Then what does?

The bigger issues in life.

Purpose. Meaning. Relationships. Service. Mission.

These are the things we should be on the forefront of our minds, not something as trivial as lifestyle.

Some might argue that they need the lifestyle FIRST to support their mission. For example, they need freedom from their 9-5 job to build homes for the poor in Africa.

No.

You start building homes for the poor around your neighborhood on the weekends NOW.

You start building homes a few days after work NOW.

You get in contact with some people in that organization of how you can take a trip to Africa in 6 months so you start saving like crazy to help support yourself while you’re there.

If you wait for the lifestyle FIRST, you’re never going to pursue the mission.

Do what you want to do NOW.

The lifestyle will come later to support you.

Sure the lifestyle might not be that of the rich and famous, but it doesn’t really matter to you that much anymore because your focus is on the bigger issue. All that other stuff is trivial to you now.

I wrote this because I know there are people out there who are being misled by the media and their portrayal of the lifestyles of the rich and famous. They’re looking to eat the spices of life and will later figuratively starve to death.

I also wrote this to alleviate any concerns people might have of changing their lifestyles to support a bigger cause because in the big picture, it doesn’t really matter. You will adapt to whatever lifestyle you are in. We are creatures of habit.

What’s more important is what we want to do with our lives and build a lifestyle that will support it.

That will give your lifestyle meaning and take away the empty feeling so many people have when they finally reach it.