Something I've been thinking about recently is this concept of lifestyle vs. experience.

Something I've been thinking about recently is this concept of lifestyle vs. experience. If you haven't seen my initial thoughts, check it out here.

The basic premise is that if we don't distinguish between lifestyle and experience, we end up owning a life we don't desire to lead.

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about the application of this idea in my life as well as inside of my business. I want to lead a life where I have the freedom to choose how I spend my time and money. There are many experiences that can help me fulfill this. As such, I must be selective about what I choose.

Ownership creates responsibility.

Think about buying a home. When you become a homeowner, you're responsible for the ongoing maintenance and management of that space. Choosing the experience of homeowner determines what you're responsible for and subsequently impacts the opportunities you are able to pursue.

Identifying our responsibility is an important addition to the conversation because it dictates where we can give our attention.

Lifestyles breed ownership. Ownership creates responsibility. Responsibility determines attention.

So, why am I thinking about this? Well, I'm shifting my relationship with social media.

Social media can be great. Many of my clients found me via social and many of my partnerships and publication opportunities are tied to my social presence. However, in the last 5 years, I've lost my freedom.

The more I engage, the more I am responsible for things I don't care to be responsible for - the algorithm, finding trending audio for reels, learning how to create cool transitions, knowing hashtag strategy, etc.

I am responsible for more than I desire to be because I've identified with the wrong lifestyle. I am a thought-leader not an influencer.

When it comes to my business, I want to own the creation of ideas and the application/communication of those ideas via blogging, email, and coaching. That's it. You might think "there's a lot more to running a business than that" and you're right. That's what is guiding me as I build partnerships and manage business tasks. I want to work with people who desire to own the other projects. I want my attention to align with my zone of genius.

In this season of new goals, new resolutions, and new people (aka "new year, new me"), consider this, do you desire the responsibility of what you've taken ownership of?