Transform professional constraints into personal freedom, here’s the tools to become the architect of your own extraordinary lifestyle.
Remote work isn’t just about where you work—it’s about who you become in the process.
I didn’t realize that at first. I thought I was just working from home. But over time, I saw that I wasn’t just designing my work; I was designing my life. And that life could be so much bigger than I ever imagined.
I’ve been doing this for over 12 years, and I still don’t have all the answers. But remote work gave me the space to start asking better questions—about how I work, what I need, and who I want to be. The real work is learning how you operate, so you can build a life that truly fits.
Here’s what that process looked like for me—and what it might look like for you.
The Four Stages of Remote Life Design
This isn’t a checklist—it’s a cycle of self-discovery, permission, and growth. Wherever you are, you’re not behind.
- The Imitation Stage
In the beginning, I tried to replicate office culture at home. I stayed online too long, over-responded, and said yes to every meeting. I had the freedom of remote work—but I was still acting like someone was watching.
This stage is about undoing. It’s about noticing how much of our work behavior is inherited, not chosen.
Ask yourself: What am I doing out of habit or fear, not intention?
- The Permission Stage
Then came small experiments: a bike ride at lunch, a mid-morning surf, blocking off time for deep work. I used to hide my wetsuit so no one knew I went outside during the day. Slowly, I stopped apologizing for living my life.
Permission is a mindset shift. No one else is going to give it to you—you have to claim it for yourself.
Ask yourself: Where am I waiting for approval I don’t need?
- The Expansion Stage
Once I stopped asking if things were allowed, I started wondering what else was possible. Two years later, I moved to a new city. I reimagined my routines. Seven years later, I moved to a new country.
This stage is about stretching—physically, mentally, emotionally. It’s where remote work becomes life design.
Ask yourself: What would I do if I believed I could start fresh?
- The Integration Stage
Now, it’s not about chasing freedom—it’s about living in alignment. I don’t think twice about taking breaks, changing locations, or designing my weeks around energy instead of hours.
This stage is less about doing more, and more about being more you.
Ask yourself: What does my most intentional life look and feel like?
You’re Allowed to Live Differently
If you’re like me, you’re probably not going back to the way you worked before—and that’s a good thing. So stop fighting it. Stop trying to shove this new life into an old framework.
Give yourself permission to build something beautiful—something that fits who you are now. You’re not broken for wanting more ease, more autonomy, more joy.
You’re allowed.
