From downsizing to upshifting

Joanna — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 15:58:47 +0000

Many people label the radical shifts they make in their career as "downsizing" – opting for less money, a smaller house, less stress, escaping from the rat race. But downsizing has a number of negative associations – it’s a term used in the corporate world for increasing efficiency and laying off staff, and many people find themselves ‘downsizing’ because their employer has forced them into it, rather than moving into a new way of living of their own volition. It also suggests that we’re settling for ‘less’ – less money, less status, less stress, less hassle.

If you’re on the path to zenployment you might want to change this for a more positive, useful and productive frame: focusing on the things that you want to have more of.

Emma Bird’s done just that, identifying all the extras she’s now got in her life. A story that she’d rather call upshifting than downsizing. Upshifting for her has meant:

More time
More freedom
Better health
Improved quality of life
More money

Plus the chance to experience those priceless moments that come from living in a beautiful place (Sardinia), having enough time to enjoy them – and the right frame of mind to appreciate what you have.

What extra benefits has upsizing brought to you? And if you’re on the path to creating a new future – what happens if you focus not on what you want less of, but what you’d like more of?

Coaching Wizardry » downsizing

From downsizing to upshifting