Comments on: Is Lifestyle Design A Manifestation of Perfectionism In Disguise? A Self-Reflection http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed REJECTING THE STATUS QUO & REBELLING AGAINST MEDIOCRITY Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:25:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Occupation Paralysis: Feeling Stuck? « Ms Karen Au http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-1142 Occupation Paralysis: Feeling Stuck? « Ms Karen Au Sun, 07 Mar 2010 05:55:48 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-1142 [...] in Lifestyle Design perfectionists a la Gen Y. (Thank you Ashley Ambrige for noting this [...] [...] in Lifestyle Design perfectionists a la Gen Y. (Thank you Ashley Ambrige for noting this [...]

]]> By: TMFproject http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-1025 TMFproject Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:37:23 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-1025 Such a salient point you make, Karina--"it's the constant searching, pulling and pushing..." Isn't that the biggest catch 22 ever? You can have contentment, but you've got to fight like hell for it first to really appreciate it. Also--I think that so many people are just kind of moving through life hoping that it's the best path, so it's difficult to be certain that they're living the way that they want...your point is excellent in that it's probably a better idea to do the opposite, and ascertain the way that you want to live, and then align your life with that path instead. Thanks so much for stopping by with your thoughts! Such a salient point you make, Karina–”it's the constant searching, pulling and pushing…” Isn't that the biggest catch 22 ever? You can have contentment, but you've got to fight like hell for it first to really appreciate it. Also–I think that so many people are just kind of moving through life hoping that it's the best path, so it's difficult to be certain that they're living the way that they want…your point is excellent in that it's probably a better idea to do the opposite, and ascertain the way that you want to live, and then align your life with that path instead. Thanks so much for stopping by with your thoughts!

]]> By: Karina http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-1006 Karina Tue, 23 Feb 2010 05:13:49 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-1006 Definitely don't have all the answers - but here are a few thoughts:<br>For me, the purpose of "lifestyle design" is simply to be mindful about the way we are living, in every way, and not just zombie-walking through life at all moments besides those "BIG" ones. Though I suppose there is such a thing as being hyper-concious of the way you are living, the beautiful part of designing your life is that you take the reins for things you can control: your job, your attitude, your relationships, etc ... with the knowledge that once you're living the way you want to live, the out-of-our-control stuff will just fall into place, or at least not suck so much. But I'd argue that absolute contentment should not even be the goal - because then what? Its the constant searching, pulling and pushing that brings us our greatest achievements, and ultimately our greatest pleasures, even if its agonizing in between. Definitely don't have all the answers – but here are a few thoughts:
For me, the purpose of “lifestyle design” is simply to be mindful about the way we are living, in every way, and not just zombie-walking through life at all moments besides those “BIG” ones. Though I suppose there is such a thing as being hyper-concious of the way you are living, the beautiful part of designing your life is that you take the reins for things you can control: your job, your attitude, your relationships, etc … with the knowledge that once you're living the way you want to live, the out-of-our-control stuff will just fall into place, or at least not suck so much. But I'd argue that absolute contentment should not even be the goal – because then what? Its the constant searching, pulling and pushing that brings us our greatest achievements, and ultimately our greatest pleasures, even if its agonizing in between.

]]> By: TMFproject http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-923 TMFproject Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:57:35 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-923 I've been heavily labeled as a "Gen Y blogger," so if that's the case, then I suppose it'd be likely I'd have a Gen Y following. That said, I think that the technology curve also plays a part. How many "mature adults" are following blogs compared to young adults? Furthermore, only 18.3% of my total subscribers have email subscriptions; the remainder are subscribed via RSS. I would argue that many non-blogging individuals don't know about RSS feeds, or, if they do, don't utilize them. Therefore, I'm guessing that a majority of my readers are writers and bloggers themselves. <br><br>I certainly don't think that 35 year olds and above are at a point where they've already figured it out or gave up - I'd guess that it's a generational thing that is being defined by technology and where you stand on the savvy continuum. I've been heavily labeled as a “Gen Y blogger,” so if that's the case, then I suppose it'd be likely I'd have a Gen Y following. That said, I think that the technology curve also plays a part. How many “mature adults” are following blogs compared to young adults? Furthermore, only 18.3% of my total subscribers have email subscriptions; the remainder are subscribed via RSS. I would argue that many non-blogging individuals don't know about RSS feeds, or, if they do, don't utilize them. Therefore, I'm guessing that a majority of my readers are writers and bloggers themselves.

I certainly don't think that 35 year olds and above are at a point where they've already figured it out or gave up – I'd guess that it's a generational thing that is being defined by technology and where you stand on the savvy continuum.

]]> By: TMFproject http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-922 TMFproject Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:46:52 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-922 Fantastic comment - thanks for making it. I'm really not sure if I could give a definitive yes or a definitive no, but my first instinct is to say that it's not fear of death itself, but fear of not accomplishing what I'm compelled to accomplish--or, "be," if you will--before death arrives. The worst that could happen is that I'd be devastatingly disappointed with myself, I suppose, but I think that disappointment would be comparable to death, without having physically died yet. If THAT makes any sense. Then again, it could certainly be a fear of death on an unconscious level that I'm not aware of. Excellent point. Fantastic comment – thanks for making it. I'm really not sure if I could give a definitive yes or a definitive no, but my first instinct is to say that it's not fear of death itself, but fear of not accomplishing what I'm compelled to accomplish–or, “be,” if you will–before death arrives. The worst that could happen is that I'd be devastatingly disappointed with myself, I suppose, but I think that disappointment would be comparable to death, without having physically died yet. If THAT makes any sense. Then again, it could certainly be a fear of death on an unconscious level that I'm not aware of. Excellent point.

]]> By: TMFproject http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-921 TMFproject Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:33:17 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-921 Again, great questions! The way you've put it here, I am almost inclined to think of it as a tool to propel you continually forward, despite the common claim that it's an unhealthy perspective to keep, because it implies that you're never happy with what you've got. Then again, isn't that the whole point of personal development? Again, great questions! The way you've put it here, I am almost inclined to think of it as a tool to propel you continually forward, despite the common claim that it's an unhealthy perspective to keep, because it implies that you're never happy with what you've got. Then again, isn't that the whole point of personal development?

]]> By: TMFproject http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-920 TMFproject Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:28:19 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-920 Moments are fleeting. Time is fleeting. Life is fleeting - that's exactly why I have this incessant need to get out there and experience as much as I possibly can. That said, even just sitting here right now, relaxing with a glass of wine and responding to comments is an experience, and I'm present in this moment, too. I think it comes down to looking at the broader picture, at all times, instead of constantly remaining so focused, that your vision becomes narrow and you only see the immediate implications of whatever you're doing. <br><br>These are all really thought-provoking questions that you pose here, and I'm into it! I don't know that I truly worry about being perfect, as much as I spend time trying to achieve perfection. That said, by "perfection" I don't mean perfection in the sense that it sounds; I mean perfection in the way that I've got it defined for myself in my head, which is to be constantly living an engaging, meaningful life wrought with experience, passion, love, lust, wonder, excitement, fulfillment & beauty. Those are the things I demand from life, and the moment life stops giving them to me...if only for a brief time...I become obsessed with finding them yet again. It's what I crave. It's what I need. It's what I thrive on. And that, to me, is perfection. What is it to you? Moments are fleeting. Time is fleeting. Life is fleeting – that's exactly why I have this incessant need to get out there and experience as much as I possibly can. That said, even just sitting here right now, relaxing with a glass of wine and responding to comments is an experience, and I'm present in this moment, too. I think it comes down to looking at the broader picture, at all times, instead of constantly remaining so focused, that your vision becomes narrow and you only see the immediate implications of whatever you're doing.

These are all really thought-provoking questions that you pose here, and I'm into it! I don't know that I truly worry about being perfect, as much as I spend time trying to achieve perfection. That said, by “perfection” I don't mean perfection in the sense that it sounds; I mean perfection in the way that I've got it defined for myself in my head, which is to be constantly living an engaging, meaningful life wrought with experience, passion, love, lust, wonder, excitement, fulfillment & beauty. Those are the things I demand from life, and the moment life stops giving them to me…if only for a brief time…I become obsessed with finding them yet again. It's what I crave. It's what I need. It's what I thrive on. And that, to me, is perfection. What is it to you?

]]> By: TMFproject http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-919 TMFproject Sat, 30 Jan 2010 03:00:44 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-919 Agreed! Whether it's my crazy mental deficiencies or something else, I'm definitely not planning to give up and return to the mundane zone. Time well spent hits the mark - reminds me of a Ferris concept that is that we don't actually want to be millionaires; we just want the lifestyle that being a millionaire can afford us. Pretty sure I would have to agree. Agreed! Whether it's my crazy mental deficiencies or something else, I'm definitely not planning to give up and return to the mundane zone. Time well spent hits the mark – reminds me of a Ferris concept that is that we don't actually want to be millionaires; we just want the lifestyle that being a millionaire can afford us. Pretty sure I would have to agree.

]]> By: TMFproject http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-670 TMFproject Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:57:35 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-670 I've been heavily labeled as a "Gen Y blogger," so if that's the case, then I suppose it'd be likely I'd have a Gen Y following. That said, I think that the technology curve also plays a part. How many "mature adults" are following blogs compared to young adults? Furthermore, only 18.3% of my total subscribers have email subscriptions; the remainder are subscribed via RSS. I would argue that many non-blogging individuals don't know about RSS feeds, or, if they do, don't utilize them. Therefore, I'm guessing that a majority of my readers are writers and bloggers themselves. <br><br>I certainly don't think that 35 year olds and above are at a point where they've already figured it out or gave up - I'd guess that it's a generational thing that is being defined by technology and where you stand on the savvy continuum. I've been heavily labeled as a “Gen Y blogger,” so if that's the case, then I suppose it'd be likely I'd have a Gen Y following. That said, I think that the technology curve also plays a part. How many “mature adults” are following blogs compared to young adults? Furthermore, only 18.3% of my total subscribers have email subscriptions; the remainder are subscribed via RSS. I would argue that many non-blogging individuals don't know about RSS feeds, or, if they do, don't utilize them. Therefore, I'm guessing that a majority of my readers are writers and bloggers themselves.

I certainly don't think that 35 year olds and above are at a point where they've already figured it out or gave up – I'd guess that it's a generational thing that is being defined by technology and where you stand on the savvy continuum.

]]> By: TMFproject http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-669 TMFproject Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:46:52 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-669 Fantastic comment - thanks for making it. I'm really not sure if I could give a definitive yes or a definitive no, but my first instinct is to say that it's not fear of death itself, but fear of not accomplishing what I'm compelled to accomplish--or, "be," if you will--before death arrives. The worst that could happen is that I'd be devastatingly disappointed with myself, I suppose, but I think that disappointment would be comparable to death, without having physically died yet. If THAT makes any sense. Then again, it could certainly be a fear of death on an unconscious level that I'm not aware of. Excellent point. Fantastic comment – thanks for making it. I'm really not sure if I could give a definitive yes or a definitive no, but my first instinct is to say that it's not fear of death itself, but fear of not accomplishing what I'm compelled to accomplish–or, “be,” if you will–before death arrives. The worst that could happen is that I'd be devastatingly disappointed with myself, I suppose, but I think that disappointment would be comparable to death, without having physically died yet. If THAT makes any sense. Then again, it could certainly be a fear of death on an unconscious level that I'm not aware of. Excellent point.

]]> By: TMFproject http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-668 TMFproject Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:33:17 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-668 Again, great questions! The way you've put it here, I am almost inclined to think of it as a tool to propel you continually forward, despite the common claim that it's an unhealthy perspective to keep, because it implies that you're never happy with what you've got. Then again, isn't that the whole point of personal development? Again, great questions! The way you've put it here, I am almost inclined to think of it as a tool to propel you continually forward, despite the common claim that it's an unhealthy perspective to keep, because it implies that you're never happy with what you've got. Then again, isn't that the whole point of personal development?

]]> By: TMFproject http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-667 TMFproject Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:28:19 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-667 Moments are fleeting. Time is fleeting. Life is fleeting - that's exactly why I have this incessant need to get out there and experience as much as I possibly can. That said, even just sitting here right now, relaxing with a glass of wine and responding to comments is an experience, and I'm present in this moment, too. I think it comes down to looking at the broader picture, at all times, instead of constantly remaining so focused, that your vision becomes narrow and you only see the immediate implications of whatever you're doing. <br><br>These are all really thought-provoking questions that you pose here, and I'm into it! I don't know that I truly worry about being perfect, as much as I spend time trying to achieve perfection. That said, by "perfection" I don't mean perfection in the sense that it sounds; I mean perfection in the way that I've got it defined for myself in my head, which is to be constantly living an engaging, meaningful life wrought with experience, passion, love, lust, wonder, excitement, fulfillment & beauty. Those are the things I demand from life, and the moment life stops giving them to me...if only for a brief time...I become obsessed with finding them yet again. It's what I crave. It's what I need. It's what I thrive on. And that, to me, is perfection. What is it to you? Moments are fleeting. Time is fleeting. Life is fleeting – that's exactly why I have this incessant need to get out there and experience as much as I possibly can. That said, even just sitting here right now, relaxing with a glass of wine and responding to comments is an experience, and I'm present in this moment, too. I think it comes down to looking at the broader picture, at all times, instead of constantly remaining so focused, that your vision becomes narrow and you only see the immediate implications of whatever you're doing.

These are all really thought-provoking questions that you pose here, and I'm into it! I don't know that I truly worry about being perfect, as much as I spend time trying to achieve perfection. That said, by “perfection” I don't mean perfection in the sense that it sounds; I mean perfection in the way that I've got it defined for myself in my head, which is to be constantly living an engaging, meaningful life wrought with experience, passion, love, lust, wonder, excitement, fulfillment & beauty. Those are the things I demand from life, and the moment life stops giving them to me…if only for a brief time…I become obsessed with finding them yet again. It's what I crave. It's what I need. It's what I thrive on. And that, to me, is perfection. What is it to you?

]]> By: TMFproject http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-666 TMFproject Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:00:44 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-666 Agreed! Whether it's my crazy mental deficiencies or something else, I'm definitely not planning to give up and return to the mundane zone. Time well spent hits the mark - reminds me of a Ferris concept that is that we don't actually want to be millionaires; we just want the lifestyle that being a millionaire can afford us. Pretty sure I would have to agree. Agreed! Whether it's my crazy mental deficiencies or something else, I'm definitely not planning to give up and return to the mundane zone. Time well spent hits the mark – reminds me of a Ferris concept that is that we don't actually want to be millionaires; we just want the lifestyle that being a millionaire can afford us. Pretty sure I would have to agree.

]]> By: Brian W. http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-653 Brian W. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:06:46 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-653 You know what's interesting, Ash? Everyone who posts responses to your posts looks 23-28.<br><br>Are 20 year-olds not worried about this stuff yet? Are 35 year-olds at a point where they already figured it out or gave up? Do people who read your blog stop aging at 26?? You know what's interesting, Ash? Everyone who posts responses to your posts looks 23-28.

Are 20 year-olds not worried about this stuff yet? Are 35 year-olds at a point where they already figured it out or gave up? Do people who read your blog stop aging at 26??

]]> By: PedroSobota http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/is-lifestyle-design-a-manifestation-of-perfectionism-in-disguise-a-self-reflection/comment-page-1/#comment-652 PedroSobota Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:06:32 +0000 http://www.themiddlefingerproject.org/?p=659#comment-652 Could that be fear of death? I know I really fear it. We see premature, undeserved, violent deaths happening. Subconscious fear of that happening? Could that be fear of death? I know I really fear it. We see premature, undeserved, violent deaths happening. Subconscious fear of that happening?

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