In a previous article, we discussed how to blacklist toxic media from our lives. This time we’ll create a personal feed that contains approved sources. 

The goal remains the same. We want to limit exposure to negativity and benefit from relevant information about the world around us.

I developed a 5-Step method that requires 30 minutes to set up and 15-20 minutes (once per week) to tweak to perfection. 

Social media users average 2.5 hours per day across various platforms so this won’t require much of a time commitment.

So let’s get to it…

Step 1: Register a Feedly account

The Feedly application retrieves information from blogs and news outlets so you can view content from one location.

I prefer receiving new articles in my Feedly instead of searching on the internet. 

Why?

Because distractions lurk around every nook and cranny on the internet, whether it be a targeted advertisement or an unrelated article capturing my attention.

Clicking on 1 article turns into scrolling through 10 articles until I’ve forgotten what I was originally looking for. 

However, there are times when I’ll visit an actual website to leave a comment or read more posts from a specific author.  

Step 2: Add Up to 100 Sources

I reached the free 100 sources limit quickly at first, but the majority of the sources I assumed were good were later determined to be useless after evaluating them. 

The next two steps address the limitation issue. 

Step 3: Assign Sources to Categories

Group all the sources into categories based on themes you care about. If you don’t know where to begin, scan my list so you’ll understand the intent behind the approach. 

My feed categories:

It’s easy to drag and drop the sources underneath the new categories, and when you’ve filed away everything logout of Feedly.

Step 4: Filter Sources According to Your Criteria

Wait a week before logging back into Feedly because distancing yourself creates a disconnect between your life and the information contained in the feeds.

What becomes obvious is how most news doesn’t age well. We’re purposely reinforcing the belief that being “informed” within the context of the traditional news cycle is worthless.

At this point your Feedly should resemble an unwieldy stack of junk mail sprawled over the kitchen counter…. this is by design.

The stage is set for you to sift through headlines quickly because no one dreams of dedicating an entire afternoon to this kind of activity. 

Discriminate. Be brutal. Find the slightest reason to ditch a source: 

• Does this info benefit me?
• Is this information overly biased? 
• Does the author respect its readers? 
• Should a source be reviewed more than once per week?
• Are they publishing +300 articles (too much in my opinion) 
• Should a source be reviewed once every 3 months or deleted?

Evaluating a source is simple. Start by expanding a category and clicking directly on the source to display its list of published articles.

Scan the list and if there’s nothing interesting, purge the source from your Feedly account. 

All sources undergo this filtering process 4 times over a month, and the final result is an information feed customized perfectly to your liking. 

Step 5. Limit Access to Feedly

This step keeps us from logging in when we feel like procrastinating.  

Consider downloading one of the following website blockers:

Freedom

Rescue Time

Cold Turkey

Below is a screenshot of my Dashboard in Cold Turkey 

You may have noticed that the groupings limit my access to things I struggle with. The idea is to leverage technology to reduce distractions while I direct my focus towards more rewarding activities.

Give it try, you might be surprised with the results!

Freedom is a Choice,

Lee Miles 

The post Finally Here! A News Channel You Can Trust first appeared on Lee Miles.

I’ve blacklisted fake news!

President Trump didn’t have to point out biased narratives and I didn’t need to review mental health research before I made this decision. Life is too short to wait for others to make changes I can make on my own.

Our world possesses infinite opportunities to experience happiness and this reality manifests itself whenever I take the initiative to connect with people.

Unfortunately, the mainstream media has taken upon itself to play a key role in undermining the inherent goodness found in human connection by inciting friction amongst us.

Here are a few prevailing themes in the news:

• Outrage Culture
• Mobthink
• No good deed is done without an ulterior motive
• Candid opinions require scrutiny
• Success is tolerable
• Success + Wealth is a threat
• Poverty is noble
• You deserve (insert whatever)
• You’re a victim
• Someone or Something is the blame
• Those who think differently are the enemy

None of these beliefs empower anyone and they’re incompatible with living a lifestyle of freedom so I want absolutely no part of it!

I’ve realized that…

Mainstream Media Doesn’t Inform

The networks focus on attracting the most attention possible, which is an understandable objective for their business model. The problem is this is taken to the extreme at the expense of quality reporting.

Audiences are introduced to “Breaking News” which is nothing more than incomplete reporting released piece-by-piece until people tire of the story.

And it seems like most of the effort goes into crafting sensational headlines rather than uncovering facts from vetted sources and presenting the information clearly.

Often, the news stories leave so many information gaps that I’m left with 3 options:

Option 1: Allow media outlets free reign to monopolize my attention over a single matter for days or weeks.

Option 2: Curate news from media sources that take pride in the rigors of traditional journalism—out of respect for the audience

Option 3: Ignore the media.

For me, Option 2 strikes the perfect balance because trustworthy reporting can be an asset.

Most “News” Isn’t Newsworthy

“Who cares”! Is what I find myself muttering after seeing the typical headline.

Who cares about Kim Khardasian “clapping back” at her haters on Instagram?

Why is ESPN reporting on what Lebron James posted on Twitter?

Does it matter if a politician fumbled a response during a debate?

Politicians receive a bad rap for displaying fake and calculated behavior, but maybe… just maybe, qualified and inspiring people would consider serving the public if appearing human wasn’t treated as a fault.

The News is Outside of My Control

The KKK burns down another black church.

Am I supposed to be enraged, distrustful, or saddened?

Should I let these emotions stew over weeks until I’m subconsciously projecting a negative vibe towards white-skinned people?

I don’t attend a black church in Latin America, and neither do I meet white people (at least half aren’t American) who go out of their way to start problems.

Most News is Negative

Media outlets know that bad news attracts our attention like moths to a flame. The crazy thing is we know it will, at best, leave us agitated yet we indulge.

A man could live in the Garden of Eden where all his needs are met, but if he’s constantly exposed to negativity, real or imagined, paradise morphs into a living hell.

The mind is a work of art. It’s powerful, boundless, and fully equipped to serve whoever controls it.

I’m reclaiming what’s mine and I will protect it against negativity because my happiness depends on it.

If I’m not happy, how can I spread joy to others?

Now let’s move onto the actionable stuff. I’ve scribbled down 4 actions that’ll drastically limit your exposure to toxic mainstream media:

1. Compile a List of Media Websites

Lee’s blacklist:

reuters.com
bbc.com
npr.org
pbs.org
theguardian.com
wsj.com
latimes.com
dallasnews.com
politico.com
ap.org
denverpost.com
washingtonpost.com
time.com
seattletimes.com
kansascity.com
nytimes.com
usatoday.com
theatlantic.com
cbs.com
nbc.com
drudgereport.com
msnbc.com
abc.com
rushlimbaugh.com
fox.com
theblaze.com
huffpost.com
news.yahoo.com
infowars.com
socialmedia.org
breitbart.com
buzzfeed.com
occupydemocrats.com
heavy.com
upworthy.com
reddit.com
cnn.com
linkedin.com
twitter.com
facebook.com
espn.com
nba.com
nfl.com

2. Install Website Blocker App on Computer

Freedom, Rescue Time, Cold Turkey

Any website blocker will do, but I felt most comfortable with the privacy policies of the services presented here instead of other “free” alternatives.

Freedom App and Rescue Time are popular services.

On the other hand, I use Cold Turkey because it meets my needs at a wonderful price point, and I’ve communicated with the Canadian owner who writes and maintains the software by himself.

Whenever there’s a choice between competing services I support small companies that deliver exceptional value.

3. Install Website Blocker App on the Cellphone

My cellphone is used less than 20 minutes per day so it’s not a problem area for me, and App Blocker makes sure of that.

This Android app limits websites and app usage. The pro version costs $6.99 for a one-time purchase.

4. Disable Device News Feeds

On Android phones, Google curates stories based on your online activity.

If you don’t benefit from the information shown, reconfigure the phone settings to hide or delete the feed (if possible).

I hope these tips help you remove unnecessary negativity (caused by mainstream media) from your life.

Because… GOOD VIBES MATTER!

Feel free to comment below or share a solution you’ve implemented.

Freedom is a Choice,

Lee Miles

The post Good Vibes Matter: Blacklist Mainstream Media first appeared on Lee Miles.

Less than 3 months ago governments began shutting down entire countries to contain the coronavirus.

I was already in Colombia and most of the foreigners who were here grew worried about the situation. 

Until then life was all “sunshine and rainbows” but attitudes had shifted.  

They spoke of possible chaos.

I just sat there and listened.

When it was my turn to speak, I told them that staying in Colombia was the best move for me. That was it.  

Colombia’s positive traits keep me returning every year, but ultimately, I felt that I needed to gain awareness of the country’s flaws and accept them before establishing myself.  

Every country has strengths and weaknesses. Some are known for maintaining a high standard of living, and others struggle to deliver clean water to their citizens.

But this situation is unique…

For once in my lifetime the entire world faces a common issue in the coronavirus.  

The virus doesn’t recognize skin color, political ideology, or net worth.  It attacks everyone. We either defeat it or die.

Adversity tends to expose a person’s true character and what better opportunity than this moment to see what people are made of.

I kept tabs on the actions of various groups such as politicians, media, bankers, citizens, and my network.

Most importantly, I focused on what I needed to do to protect myself and improve the lives of those around me.

I won’t discuss any of those specific groups mentioned earlier, however, I wanted to provide context regarding the intent of my assessment.

Here are my observations about how Medellín handled the situation

The Positive

• Education campaigns aggressively informed the public about preventing Covid-19 infections

• Army deployment at the beginning of the lockdown signaled a commitment to the containment strategy

• Local newspaper tightened reporting and:
  • Informed the public about the virus
  • Highlighted the struggles of citizens
  • Scrutinized government contract discrepancies
  • Summarized operations against criminal groups
  • Published few, if any political opinion articles
  • Minimized celebrity gossip
  • Didn’t report on Twitter and Instagram posts  

• The government ensured the availability of essential services.

• 3 respirators designed in Antioquia received approval to begin production. These models cost less than imported versions and gives Colombia the option to scale faster in response to demand

Whenever a decision caused an issue they fixed it quickly.

I struggled to identify areas of improvement after learning some of the constraints they dealt with.

Covid-19 exposed multiple constraints:

• The coronavirus threatened to turn hospitals into death boxes if protocols and equipment weren’t adapted to protect patients and medical staff.

• The informal economy is a primary income source for many people.  If they don’t work, they feel the pressure immediately.

• The government’s ability to raise capital during the pandemic appeared limited

• Most essential services are heavily subsidized, and fees are scaled according to the ability to pay. Utilities, public transportation, and education are a few examples

• Limited internet access in the poorest areas makes rapid coordination difficult

• Lack of banking accounts slowed the distribution of monetary aid to those who needed it most

• Online education and remote work aren’t practical options for households that don’t have access to computers or broadband internet.

Considering these constraints, after 4 weeks of lockdown I no longer worried about accessing essential services or feeling safe.  This was probably the key to maximizing lockdown compliance.

The locals have remained civil in the face of uncertainty which is a testament to their resiliency. 

Good News: Normal is on the Horizon!

On June 1^st, most businesses received approval to operate and it was timely because I could sense everyone’s eagerness to direct their attention towards something productive.

This morning I walked past business owners arriving at work early, brooms and mops in hand, preparing to serve customers.

Further along in my stroll, I saw approximately 15 insurance agency employees modifying office workstations.

And for my friends who own restaurants, please open today so I can take a break from cooking.

I’m SERIOUS!

“Normal” may not return soon but staying in Medellín was worth it because it feels more like home now.

Freedom is a Choice,

Lee Miles

The post My Coronavirus Lockdown Experience in Medellín first appeared on Lee Miles.

All travelers know that feeling when wanderlust settles in…

Our happiness suffers until we act upon it. Soon enough, we book a flight or settle for a car ride outside of town.

I used to experience these impulses regularly because my lifestyle was restrictive. But now my situation is different, I have freedom and the sudden urge to escape my situation rarely comes anymore.

A long weekend away makes me desire routine again.

That’s why I need a reason.

Traveling must accomplish more than collecting photos to post on Instagram or getting shit-faced drunk every night.

Because of this I’ve assembled a shortlist of reasons that compel me to move; maybe you can find new reasons of your own.

Learn Self Defense

I seek the purest version of training available in the world, so let’s apply this requirement to martial arts training.

Go to Thailand for Muay Thai. Grapple in Rio De Janeiro for Brazil Jiu Jitsu. Hone Taekwondo combat moves in South Korea.

Some of you might be thinking, “Lee, I live in Atlanta… why travel when I can train at gym down the street?”

In America, we are often sold a diluted form of martial arts which has been stripped of the cultural elements responsible for its evolution. Without this key feature, it lacks the key substance that makes it worth studying.

It’s been Americanized.

I felt betrayed after comparing the native country’s training approach to what I encountered beforehand in America. Due to this realization, I’m skeptical of anything imported from somewhere else claiming to be authentic.

Attend an Education Program

Education positions a man to capitalize on opportunities that arise because he’s dedicated to his craft. Mastery is achievable regardless of luck or social standing.

Public libraries in the United States are my favorite place to acquire secondary knowledge, so I spend as much time a possible within them when I visit home

The basic information needed to thrive in modern society is available in a book, video, or audio form. And public libraries are funded by tax dollars which means everyone can access them, and in the major cities I can access 20+ libraries worth of resources without having to swipe my debit card!

On the flip side is the diploma mill. The student debt hungry education system is enlisting America’s young folks into debt servitude

The American University, as we currently know it, is an institutionalized scam.

Heavily regulated industries receive a soft pass on a judgment in this rant—think legal, scientific, and mathematics driven professions.

Outside of a few fields, the remaining students passively attend lectures and skim through textbooks which demand more effort to read the “college-level English” than to understand the subject matter.

After following a curriculum, students demonstrate mastery by assembling the ideas of published members of the academic community into a deliverable known as a “thesis”

Finally, the course ends with a trivia-based exam designed to make students recall information about the course. Every bit of course material is considered testable material regardless of its importance.

This system is accepted as the premier method to educate America’s future…

But I refuse to pay into such nonsense ever again.

Don’t worry, I have good news. We all know that one guy who always voices a problem and never offers a solution.

I won’t abuse you like that! Please slap me upside the head when I do.

If you’re still sold on the diploma mill approach, overseas schools charge $1000 – $4000 per semester to roll out the red carpet to foreign students.

Picture yourself gaining industry-level fluency in a foreign language and possibly a residency visa. Eventually, you’ll qualify for a permanent resident status which grants equal treatment as a citizen minus the right to vote.

On top of these benefits, you’ll have established a network that can support future lifestyle and business opportunities.

Switching back to America…

Trade schools and apprenticeships still offer value because students learn theory and actually apply it.

Improve Health & Fitness

This point comes with a caveat: I rarely keep healthy routines during short trips, because I want to indulge. I expect to pack on at least 5 lbs to my gut when I visit Guadalajara, Mexico.

Long stays are different.

India attracts yoga and spirituality enthusiasts.

But Thailand is my ultimate go-to place.

In Phuket, Thailand, the Chalong neighborhood attracts foreigners willing to invest in their bodies.

More than 20 fitness camps operate year-round. Muay Thai, Pilates, Crossfit, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and yoga—whatever you’re looking for is there or will be.

Almost an equal amount of massage clinics are on standby to help athletes recover quickly before the next intense workout. At times it feels like the Thai masseuses were beating the tension out of my muscles.

Yes, I said “beat”. I was surprised that a 110 lb woman can effortlessly manhandle someone twice the size. Those women contorted my body into positions I never knew were humanly possible.

But don’t worry, it was so worth it! The cost for a two-hour thai massage averaged $12, and compared to a one-hour session that costs $60 in America, I always left feeling rejuvenated!

I’ve trained in Chalong twice, and each time my health and fitness improved significantly.

And best of all, an all-inclusive stay surrounded by beaches costs approximately $1000 per month.

Speak a Foreign Language

Language immersion is learning to communicate in a foreign language within an environment full of native speakers.

Students experience the liveliness of day-to-day cultural interactions instead of grinding through mind-numbing textbook exercises.

I wrote about my first Spanish Immersion in Guatemala here: How To Speak Conversational Spanish in 6 Weeks

Immersion helped me establish a solid foundation in Spanish grammar, and I quickly became comfortable with speaking because I spoke for 90% of the class.

Most immersion students return home and continue improving via Skype; 30 – 60 minutes conversational sessions become super effective because students have mastered the basics already.

On that note, my short list of reasons to travel is done. I’ll revisit this topic with Part II discussing more reasons to explore our beautiful world.

What’s your reason for traveling?

Freedom is a Choice,

Lee Miles

The post Need a Reason to Travel? first appeared on Lee Miles.

Americans have earned reputations as workaholics. We accept that “working our butts off” is necessary to succeed so we’re left scrambling for “life balance” to avoid burnout.

Rather than rely upon therapy or medication, some people switch things up by pursuing a hobby or setting aside time for their loved ones.

I, like many people I know, take exotic trips to reignite the feeling of adventure.

We envision cobblestone streets and sailing the seven seas—but trip planning is rarely an inspiring part of this process

When to go?

Where to go?

How do I get there?

Can I afford it?

These details stand in the way of making our dreams a reality. I’ve jotted down 4 ways to plan an affordable trip with little effort.

1. Credit Cards for Travelers

Most airlines offer branded credit cards that provide customer loyalty rewards. You must spend with the card to qualify, but priority seating, VIP lounges, and free flights can prove valuable on lengthy trips.

Airline cards are worth it if the carrier flies directly to many places you like.

An option that I prefer is a travel credit card branded by a bank. Travel credit cards provide a predetermined amount of points assigned to certain categories of purchases.

For example, purchasing gas may accrue two points per dollar which is more than the standard 1 point per dollar.

Points can be exchanged for cash and gift certificates, but the most valuable redemption levels are reserved for travel perks.

My favorite card over the last 3 years is the Capital One Venture.

Recently, the annual fee dropped to $59. I used the purchase eraser feature to remove $550 of travel expenses from my credit card statement.

How many products can claim that customers receive 10 times the benefit paid for it?

To make the deal even sweeter, all foreign exchange fees are waived so it cost me nothing to use the card.

The sleek metal card’s heaviness leaves an impression when handed to someone.

Let me know if you have any questions about the card, visit my referral link at Capital One Venture.

2. Use flight aggregators

An aggregator pulls real-time prices from multiple sources which makes it a valuable research tool.

Savvy travelers reduce search time by sorting airfares according to date, location, and price points. Some aggregators handle purchases inside the application to make buying easier.

I used to struggle with comparing data in 10 different browser tabs and now I don’t have that problem anymore.

Google Flights, Expedia, and Skyscanner are popular websites that provide this service.

3. Subscribe to Scott’s Cheap Flights – U.S. only

Scott’s Cheap Flights is the ultimate convenience. All you have to do is sign up with an email address and choose a USA airport to fly from.

Relevant deals are sent directly to your inbox throughout the week.

I was living outside the U.S. when I subscribed at first so I didn’t realize the benefit of paying for it yet.

Upon my return to America, I took a chance on the premium service based on a friend’s recommendation.

So far, the $39 annual subscription clearly delivers awesome deals more often than I expected.

This is what you’ll receive from the service…

Sometimes 2-3 emails arrive within a day showing destinations I’d ordinarily disregard because the fares were too expensive the last time I checked. Using Scott’s Cheap Flights, I plan trips at bottom rates without any effort.

Subscribe to the free service without submitting payment information. After seeing how it works you can upgrade to premium level when you’re ready.

If you use my link I get referral credit for sharing this with you, thanks in advance! Scott’s Cheap Flights

4. Fly into Capitals, Continue Domestic in Latin America

Air Travel to and amongst Latin American countries can be relatively expensive when the destination isn’t a capital city.

On the other hand, domestic airfare prices are accessible to the average citizen, so American visitors buy at a steep discount because of our strong currency.

This tactic takes more planning than booking a direct journey from home, but it can save hundreds of dollars.

That’s all I have for now. Travel well!

Freedom is a Choice,

Lee Miles

The post 4 Ways Americans Buy Cheaper Airfare first appeared on Lee Miles.

If only I could receive $1000 from everyone that’s asked me for money management tips…I wouldn’t need to work anymore.

Nowadays, I’m becoming stingy with my attention. I’ll give it to people who consistently improve themselves because I find it personally rewarding and I know they won’t waste my time.

I don’t have any finance credentials. Zero diplomas. Zero certifications. Zero titles. So naturally people want to know how I can afford to live the way I do.

I’ll tell you now. There’s no secret sauce.

My lifestyle of freedom relies on systems. And whatever I put in place has to meet the K.I.S.S. criteria. Popular versions of this acronym are “Keep it simple, stupid” and “Keep it stupid simple”.

I like the provocative tone of K.I.S.S. because it helps me to evaluate whatever the hell I’m doing. Whenever I forget this principle, I end up wasting time with busy work and communication issues, and I don’t achieve my objectives because of unnecessary complexity.

With the K.I.S.S. principle in mind, let’s check out 4 ways to slay the debt monster:

1. Know why being debt-free is right for you

Answering these questions beforehand will provide clarity to the objective:

● How does being debt-free benefit you?

● Is being debt-free compatible with your ideal lifestyle?

● What decisions do you need to make?

There aren’t any wrong answers to these questions, and your perspective may change as you learn more about yourself over time. But if you’re still basking in the glow from a motivation seminar or the latest self-help book, that in itself won’t solve anything. These questions add a dose of realism into the mix so we’re ready to execute.

Excitement without action solves nothing.

2. The Financial Checkup is Your Friend

In this case, we consider debt to be undesirable so how much are we dealing with?

The figure I care about on is net worth. This number is calculated by taking the (sum of everything you own) – (sum of everything you owe).

As such, my definition of debt-free is maintaining a positive net worth.

You may decide to exclude debt that was obtained to purchase assets like real estate or investments in your calculations. Do as you like, but remember to keep it simple and that it’s not a competition.

I’ve tested many ways to track my finances over the last 5 years. Throughout this process, I’ve embraced technology that offers a “set it and forget it approach”.

I want to view my financial standing within a dashboard summary and have the option available to drill into transactional details if I spot something odd.

Personal Capital is a free financial tracking service that uses real-time data to perform the exact role!

The net worth calculation tells us the extent of our debt. A $5000 debt requires a different Course of Action than a $50,000 or $500,000 debt.

Can you survive a no-frills lifestyle to pay off debt faster, or will a disciplined approach over a longer period of time be more sustainable?

Discomfort is normal at the beginning, but I wouldn’t recommend a strategy that’ll leave you miserable throughout the process. Crawl, walk, THEN RUN is a respectable approach so set yourself up for success with realistic expectations.

3. Little Costs Add Up

Finance gurus commonly point to Starbucks coffee and dining out as wasteful expenses when the homemade versions cost a fraction of the price and can be healthier.

I won’t tell you what to do, but you can save thousands of dollars per year by limiting similar purchases or choosing lower-priced alternatives that meet your needs.

A simple activity is to create a list of all your expenses—if you have Personal Capital, all your information is readily available—and assign all purchases into two buckets: “must haves” and “live without”.

We care about the “must haves”.

Next, switch to cheaper priced alternatives for everything listed in this category. The benefit of doing this is that all of the leftover money can help pay off debt quicker.

4. Observe & Adjust

Expect plans to change as your financial habits evolve. You may become motivated to pursue an aggressive repayment schedule or pull back because the impact is negatively affecting your life too much.

For me, watching a 5-figure negative net worth drop to 4-figures and so on was encouraging. Money management has become a game I truly enjoy.

Before I sign off, I leave you with some parting words.

Life happens whether we’re prepared or not. Be flexible. Understand the goal. Lean on your systems. And most importantly, keep it stupid simple.

Freedom is a Choice,

Lee Miles

The post Want to Become Debt Free? K.I.S.S first appeared on Lee Miles.

Often, the questions I receive become an inspiration for a blog topic so let’s get to it…

Lee,

How do you navigate cultural norms outside of America?

– RG

I love this question because it points to what I find most appealing about travel. Humans around the world have cobbled together vastly different solutions in response to a universal problem: How to live.

I’ve seen a wide range of collective stances on:

– Family

– Gender roles

– Dating

– Sex

– Governance

– Personal Freedom

– Privacy Protection

– Socialism

– Money

You name it…

My curiosity leads me to choose to experience someone else’s culture myself instead of passing judgement on their lifestyle from afar.

Recently, I wrote about my slow travel method which involves planting myself at a single location for months at a time. When you have the chance, give it a quick read to see why it’s my favorite way to travel.

A one-week vacation isn’t enough time to feel a place out, and the typical nature of a short visit is touristic. Hop on a plane. See this. Snap photos. Do that. Snap photos. Hop on a plane.

I enjoy being a tourist. But I couldn’t tell you with a straight-face that I know a culture after lounging in a resort for a week. That’s a sure way to lose all credibility!

Back to the question at hand, how do I navigate social norms?

I start with observation. I use all of my senses to see, smell, touch, hear, and so on without any judgment of what’s happening. If something seems peculiar, I’ll take note, but I won’t attempt to make on-the-spot comparisons.

I shove my bias aside for 1-2 weeks.

Next, I switch to empathy by walking in the shoes of someone else. I’ll admit this now, I refuse to be a one-eyed beggar in the streets of Amman if I have a choice in the matter, but I’ll roleplay inline with the interactions occurring around me.

In all cultures, there are written and unwritten rules, and yes, this phenomenon exists in America too. I’ve spoken to many foreigners who’ve visited the States and left confused about our way of living. It just happens…

Role-play is a shortcut for exposure to the unwritten rules because the interactions provide immediate feedback from the responses you receive.

However, there is a slight limitation to this approach. If it’s obvious to all locals that you’re a foreigner, you might not receive a negative response for offensive behavior.

Make a local friend who can offer guidance on the matter. They’ll help you avoid behavior that presents you in a negative light.

I prefer to not offend the locals because I want to connect with them.

And finally, observation and empathy prep my mind for acceptance:

“Their way is the right way.”

I’m interested in hearing what you think about this topic.

Freedom is a Choice,

Lee

The post How I Navigate Cultural Norms During Travel first appeared on Lee Miles.

Do you remember purchasing your first smartphone? You know, those pocket computers that demand so much of our attention these days. For me it wasn’t too long ago…

Throughout my student years, all I’d ever owned were dumbphones. Their call quality was exceptional, and short texts could be read if it had a display screen. Texting wasn’t mainstream yet because calling a friend was easier and only the Blackberry phones with a full-size keyboard offered a pleasant texting experience.

In 2011, I exchanged my dumbphone for the hottest smartphone available in the marketplace—the iPhone 4s. I was a cool kid finally, and just like a child with a new toy we were inseparable.

Not more than 6 months later, the iPhone 4s fell victim to tech innovation as had the Nintendo Gameboy and Sony Walkman. Apple released the iPhone 5 which drastically improved upon every feature my phone had. My reign as a cool kid didn’t last for long.

Today, my iPhone 4s serves as a throwaway phone in case someone tries to rob me in a rough neighborhood. I don’t care if it goes missing. Just look at it….

The screen is tiny. It struggles to perform basic functions. And for some reason, the iPhone thinks it’s in Thailand when we aren’t. Maybe being ran over by a 3-ton SUV in Phuket left a few screws loose.

How could one of the best smartphones of its time become a useless hunk of metal and glass?

Well… that’s easy to explain. This gadget was doomed to the same fate as the Sony Walkman and shag carpeting. They captivated the masses at one time, but boredom settled in, and consumers flocked towards trendier options.

Those are things. Objects. On the other hand, an experience that still registers highly on my happiness scale was playing varsity basketball as a high school freshman.

The training regimen kicked my ass and we lost many games at first, but towards the end of my competition days the wins piled up. I went from playing one quarter per game to having opposing teams formulate schemes to counter my abilities.

This experience built character because I learned how to properly frame happiness while in the midst of struggle.

Happiness can be triggered by experiences and things, and since everyone is different the optimal mix depends on the person.

The Value of Experiences

I assign more weight to experiences because 80 – 90% of my life design is independent of social programming. Living outside of the “matrix”, my home country, helped me think for myself and develop my own values.

That being said, I appreciate the goodness in American culture more than ever since I’m no longer a mental captive to it. I cherry-pick the useful parts and discard the beliefs that repel happiness.

Most people would nod in agreement with these principles, but within a few minutes I can tell they don’t live this kind of life.

Some are interested in making the transition to a freer life but they get derailed with the expectations management part. They want clear indications showing they’ve finally achieved freedom.

But in reality, the timeline is different for everyone since we’re all carrying varying amounts of mental baggage that must be released. This mental clutter distorts how we perceive ourselves and the world.

I hated my baggage, so I made moves while most people are discouraged by the ambiguity involved in the process. Removing mental clutter is a lifelong activity that demands constant attention.

Another drawback of living for experiences rather than acquiring things is a lack of outward proof. No one knows unless they’ve been told, and worst of all, when a person is no longer wedded to the matrix they become less relatable to those who are still in it. I wouldn’t be so quick to say that friends and family don’t care, but bridging this gap in perspective may be unreasonable to expect of others.

Blogging is a popular medium for this exact reason. A quick search has the power to connect people who share familiar experiences.

Being receptive to life has delivered beyond my wildest imaginings. I don’t get to dictate the terms but when I live in the moment unique experiences abound. Boredom has absolutely no place in my life.

The Value of Things

Things are efficient at delivering happiness. Some of the best marketing effectively presents a service or product as an integral part of a worthwhile experience.

Here are a few examples:

● Meeting up with fellow sneakerheads in a limited-edition pair of Jordans

● Valet parking a new BMW M3 Sedan at Caesar’s Palace

● Giving a tour of your custom-designed home in a trendy neighborhood

Regardless of whether someone has the desire or means to purchase these things, the values can be determined easily. And most of the world can relate to these things in some form.

With things, the buyer sits in a powerful position because he’s calling the shots. Buy or don’t buy. The marketer tells him what to expect, and if his expectations aren’t met he can demand a refund—simple as that. However, within this convenience lurks the pitfall of relying on things for happiness which I’ll get to soon…

If you reside in the United States then you live in a consumer’s paradise. In the slim chance something you desire isn’t available, a company will step in to fill that demand quickly. E-commerce giant Amazon delivers millions of orders to doorsteps within 2 days for pennies on the dollar. Also, anyone with a pulse can be approved for a credit card so there are minimal external factors that impede consumption.

The novelty of a new purchase wears off faster in this buying environment because consumers are chasing their “next high” through impulsive spending. I’ll call it what it really is… ADDICTION.

Consumers extend mortgages for bigger homes, sink money into exotic cars, and book vacation spots based on Instagram worthiness.

They’ll pat each other on the back for working 60+ hours per week to live the “good life”, so the grind is supposed to magically end at 65 years old if their networth survives multiple stock market crashes and skyrocketing health care expenses.

Claims of severe depression from people who appear to have it all no longer surprise me. I was a slave to the madness not long ago.

Overall, I believe happiness can be found in experiences and in things, but it helps to understand the limitations and define how each contributes to your lifestyle of freedom.

Freedom is a Choice,

Lee

The post Experience or Things, Which Brings More Happiness? first appeared on Lee Miles.

Expenses play an enormous role in designing a lifestyle of freedom; even a rock-solid plan can’t survive overspending.

During good times, cost management is often an afterthought. It’s when the stable job disappears that people began taking note of their situation. By then, it’s more difficult to handle things on your terms.

“Control expenses. Don’t become a slave to them.”

Spend in ways that support your desired lifestyle — nothing more, nothing less. Let’s assume that you know yourself, what you want to become, and have begun designing your lifestyle.

Great! The hard part is finished.

Since our affairs are in order, we’ll discuss the mindset of people who want to control costs. They fall into two main camps: Cheapwad or Frugal.

Cheapwads only care about getting the cheapest price while a frugal person will spend on things he considers valuable.

Which mindset do you believe complements a lifestyle of freedom?

Continue reading to see if you’re being frugal or a cheapwad…

Price vs Value

Two runners have signed up for their first marathon, a 26.2-mile race that attracts thousands of runners who train for months to prepare. Just crossing the finish line is a grand achievement!

Most people squeeze in training sessions throughout the workweek, and as the race nears, the training commitment increases to multiple hours per day to prepare their bodies. This isn’t a weekend warrior activity.

The problem is that some marathon hopefuls don’t make it to race day because they suffered overuse injuries due to poor running form and improper footwear. To protect the runner, special running shoes are worn to support the feet which undergo constant pounding in distance running.

A cheapwad and a frugal person evaluates this information differently. So what does a cheapwad do?

After hearing the prices mentioned by members in the running club, he completely rules out proper running shoes because he’s appalled by the costs. His Solution: Dust off a pair of old tennis shoes, because all tennis shoes are the same.

Ok, that example was a tad extreme. Let’s assume that Mr. Cheapwad acknowledges that 5-year-old tennis shoes which serve as lawn-mowing slippers aren’t suitable for marathon running.

He pays a visit to a shoe store recommended by the veteran runners in his training club. The clerk matches his feet with a shoe that fits perfectly, and it feels like he’s jogging on clouds. But there’s a glaring problem… the shoes are ugly as hell and cost $130.

Mr. Cheapwad shudders inside and can’t envision himself doing anything other than running marathons in those shoes, so he reluctantly passes the shoes back to the clerk. He’s convinced that a better deal exists somewhere else.

On the way home, he strolls into the local sports equipment store and snaps up a pair of $60 Nike cross-trainers from the discount rack. They feel comfy enough. He proudly walks out with shoes in hand after saving $70.

The frugal man approaches the purchase differently. He’s prepared to invest months of his life into achieving his goal, so he wants to ensure the best experience possible.

While at the runner’s shoe store, the clerk hands over a $130.00 pair of shoes. They fit like a glove, and he barely notices they’re on his feet. These shoes will allow him to train comfortably, push his limits, and recover sooner.

Spending $70 more than the cheapwad is an obvious bargain because he increases his chance of finishing the marathon.

Willingness to Pay

I’ve observed an interesting trait common amongst cheapwads. They’re vocal about not receiving what’s rightfully owed, yet, in the same breath, utter every excuse known to mankind for not paying others what they deserve.

They expect discounts solely for the privilege of having them as a customer. Seems a bit hypocritical, doesn’t it?

I firmly believe in the idea of: “I am who I attract”.

When I began graciously compensating others, an amazing thing would happen–they’d over-deliver without me asking for it!

Could I consistently receive amazing service if I tried to milk every situation possible? Probably not.

Frugality is about letting resources flow to others that support our lifestyle of freedom. Kind words and a pat on the back are cool, but few acts show appreciation like handing over cold-hard cash with a smile.

How Do You Value Time?

Time management is a pillar of designing a lifestyle of freedom. We make a conscious effort to experience life, connect with friends and family, upgrade skills, and play more.

I advocate taking back control of your life for one purpose only, so you can release control of it on your terms.

Here’s a brief example of how I value my time by the hour. Your numbers might be higher than what I’m working with; in that case, let me know if you have an opening for an apprentice!

I categorize my activities into four levels: $10 tasks, $25 tasks, $100 tasks, $1000 tasks.

Imagine that your goal is to make $10,000 per month within a 20-hour workweek. Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself:

Are the tasks I’m doing necessary?

If the answer is no, drop the busy work and delegate all $10 tasks. The next move is to delegate the $25 tasks and so on….

What are your high-value tasks?

Activities that you like or require your special touch should be done by you. Everything else can be delegated to capable people. As I mentioned earlier, be willing to let the money flow to maximize this strategy.

A cheapwad can’t fathom paying others to do something that he can do himself. His opportunities are limited as a result.

Overall, cost management is worth doing whether the money is flowing in or you’re struggling to pay the bills. Frugality can help make the most of your opportunities.

Freedom is a Choice,

Lee Miles

The post How to Tell if You're Frugal or Cheap first appeared on Lee Miles.

The short answer is… YES!

I say this now and I’ll continue saying this in the future.  

“Freedom is a Choice”  

A lifestyle of freedom hinges on the decisions that we make, which goes beyond the large matters. Similar to a game of football and how games are won “in the trenches” because of key roles performed outside of the spotlight.

Our daily activities either push us towards our desired outcome, offer nothing to further our mission, or pull us away from what we’re trying to accomplish.  

Debt is a touchy topic. And it seems like everyone’s got it.

I vividly recall securing a new loan every 3-4 years so I could drive a new vehicle. Why not? The smell of a brand-new Audi sedan with leather interior is marvelous. And when a $60,000 loan is stretched over 5, 6, 7 or more years the notes appear manageable.  

On cue, the salesman drives this point home by comparing my salary to the car note, then he wraps all the tedious expenses into a tidy proposal. How nice for him to do that!  

Another kind of debt I blindly accepted as a cost of becoming an adult was college loans. Colleges appear to enroll anyone with a pulse, and I’ve met people saddled with 100,000 dollars of debt. Despite the cost, some of the degrees were essentially worthless.  

It’s difficult to build wealth or the financial stability needed to afford a family. But this is business as usual in America.  

The colleges don’t care. Tuition rates increase every year as more fees are collected to fund revenue-generating sports programs.

The federal government doesn’t bother with stepping in, because it’s banking on young Americans to boost its paltry balance sheet. Our all-knowing government has amassed a negative $75 trillion net worth.  

75,000,000,000,000 freaking dollars!  

Government assets come in at $4 trillion, and $1 trillion of that is student debt. The ship is sinking and bringing the futures of young Americans with it.  

So, what can we do in our situation?  

Don’t get sold on the hype slammed into our skulls by politicians touting the merits of the “American dream” or that voting for them is necessary for economic security. Based on the numbers reported, the government is insolvent and politicians are making promises they can’t deliver.  

On a positive note dreams can still come true, but now more than ever, we must assume 100% responsibility for them to occur. We must rely on our decision-making, grit, and persistence.  

There are many ways to become debt free like cutting expenses or using a debt management program, but today, we’re going to focus on why we should even bother with becoming debt free.  

Having no debt plays a foundational role in supporting our dreams. Here’s how:

Cash builds faster 

Your bank account grows faster when you don’t owe anyone. No duh! But if you haven’t experienced this yet, observing the growth every month becomes a source of calm instead of anxiety.  

Who in their right mind, would stop this magic after making the changes required to savor the sweet taste of victory?  

Budgeting enables opportunities 

Budgeting is no longer a bad word after arriving in debt-free land. Rather than simply putting money into the hands of creditors, the focus switches to paying yourself. Most people aren’t used to that.  

I definitely wasn’t. This is coming from a guy who had financial knowledge but didn’t act upon it.  

Learning basic finance is necessary to understand the many ways we’ll be paying ourselves for the remainder of our lives.  

Like Biggie said, “More money, more problems.”  

But we’ll gladly accept these “problems” compared to the options available in the past.  

Budgeting gives us the legs to chase active income opportunities, or maybe a situation calls for a passive investment, so moving funds does the trick.

I’m frequently in awe of the money making opportunites available around the world.  

Find inspiration in your workplace 

After becoming debt-free, you’re now able to transition from survive-mode to thrive-mode. So, use this time to discover what gets you excited. Do you want to: 

Follow a passion?  

Start a business?  

Work from anywhere in the world?  

Serve a cause? 

Accept a mentor role? 

Take a few swings, then take some more. It doesn’t matter if you miss when the end result is a better version of you. A lack of debt lets you absorb the losses and maximize the wins.  

Freedom is a Choice.  

Lee Miles 

The post Is Being Debt Free Worth It? first appeared on Lee Miles.