I’m going to admit to a guilty pleasure – I binge watch #vanlife and #skoolie conversion videos on Instagram. Do I secretly want to throw all my earthly possessions in a backpack and hit the road? No, definitely not. Do I wish my life were simpler, more minimalist with a low carbon footprint or I was lounging on a remote beach somewhere exotic? Yes, absolutely.

Somehow I got hooked on these vehicle rehabs and tiny home renovations (check out this or this for example) because my partner and brother often wax poetic about living off grid in a cabin in the woods. It’s hard not to be inspired by the ingenuity and practicality of those who choose to live with less and enjoy life more.

I love seeing how these various creators who envision a simpler (presumably lower cost) life approach their challenge based on their budget, skills and goals. Of course, how and where they end up is a function of so many factors, including whether they’re in a place with good weather and how much money, time and effort they have to spare (this vs. this).

Creating a mini-masterpiece of chic minimalist comfort is no easy task, as much as the “after” photos might want us to believe. Just clear out the space, nail in a few boards and appliances, then voila, instant home. If only it were that easy. Some renovations take years of hands-on work while other creators start whole businesses doing rehabs after going through it themselves and then will gladly convert your van, bus or RV (for upwards of $100K or more) with custom finishes.

NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION

The Stoics had it right, we become creative when we have to be. When you’ve got a small space to live in, you have to focus on what’s essential. Which appliances, gadgets or clothing do you need? How important is that hot shower, toilet and closet space? How do you maximize storage and make things multi-functional? Do you need new materials or can you upcycle what you find? What matters and what is extraneous fluff that’s going to weigh you down, clutter your space and hold you back?

Mostly I find these visual images capture powerful experiences and tap into the power how to create transformation in whatever way we seek. Not just in our spaces, but in our lives. We can reimagine how and where we live, spend our time and focus our energy. How can we build something fabulous out of nothing as it were? First it’s a school bus, now it’s a cozy and charming bungalow home on wheels. Maybe your anxiety-inducing job can become a fulfilling creative life calling?

Though we often don’t realize what actually goes into creating true and lasting transformation. The amount of time, money and effort that’s required to produce a new and different outcome from our current experience. Cue the true life videos that show the heartache of measuring things wrong, uncovering hidden headaches you hadn’t anticipated and messing up as you learn the ropes..

If we’re ready to do the work, here’s how to start.

• First we have to envision it and believe that something else is possible.
• Next, we need to plan and set aside resources to move forward.
• We might need to learn some new skills.
• Maybe we need to save up and stockpile to build our readiness.
• Perhaps we assess the best time to start.
• We could outline important milestones and checkpoints to hit.
• Then of course we have to start.

But that’s just the beginning. Our work isn’t over until we finish the job and complete what we began. And then we get to start all over again as we approach our next challenge.

Being with the process

Can you see how much is involved to create change? Nothing new happens overnight. It’s often the result of concerted effort over time to drive a different outcome. You get to decide how much sweat equity you’re prepared to invest. Will you scrape together the resources to build your dream or buy it by paying someone else to do it for you? This is a bit of an eternal question for so many challenges.

And of course there’s a middle way between DIY (do it yourself) and DFY (done for you), which is DWY (done with you) where you get expert guidance along the way. You get to choose how to proceed. DIY is incredibly satisfying with those who have the fortitude and disposition to dig in and learn what’s needed, as well as the patience and time to invest in learning. What costs less in outright expense may take significantly longer in time and energy, those hidden costs. Whereas paying up may produce instant gratification, but obviously this comes at a price.

I find that my decisions about which route to take often are a function of how badly I want something and how much effort I’m prepared to expend to make it happen. When I’m committed to doing something for the long haul, then I often choose to spend the time and do the work because I see the value in going through the process on my own.

And I often get guidance and advice along the way. For whatever reason, I’ve found that paying someone to do it for me, while good in theory, never really seems to work. There’s always hidden catch – have I defined the requirements clearly enough and ask the right questions to what was truly needed to prepare for change. There’s no easy way around figuring out what you need and want, then expanding that vision to communicate and share it with others – you have to go through it yourself.

The truth is that mastery of any kind takes time. We don’t always appreciate just how long that can take. Learning often occurs gradually through trial and error, even for smart high achievers who are used to having things come to them quickly. That’s not always the case. Some skills use different modes and may require expertise that we lack (or haven’t yet cultivated). So, can you pace yourself if and when you need to learn something new?

Can you be patient with yourself and acknowledge where you are in your process? Have you recognized that changes require doing things differently and by design may need rethinking to find a new way forward. We often underestimate what is needed.

Learning to Learn

Sadly, there’s no fast track to wisdom. Okay, AI chatbots aside, you can’t outsource your knowing to anyone else. Of course you can pay someone to show you how to do something or buy new tools or software to try to game the system, but those are quick fixes. They may work in the near term, but not give you what you’re looking for over the long term – the learning needed to grow and step into what’s next. You still need to have a clear goal in mind and provide the direction.

We all want shortcuts – to get to the end result faster, quicker or better than we could if we took the long route. But then we would miss the journey and lose out on the experience of growth, development and knowing. IYKYK – If you know you know. If you don’t, then you may be faking, cheating or deluding yourself.

So as you contemplate your next transformation, whether personal or professional, for yourself or your environment, what will you do? How will you approach it? Regardless of whether you choose to do it yourself, get support or purchase a turnkey solution, make sure to consider your goals and evaluate your options. Understand your level of commitment and manage your expectations.

Personally, I’ve found that many things worth doing take time. Sometimes slow is better. Giving yourself grace when you’re starting something new to acknowledge what’s required can be more helpful than beating yourself up because you’re not getting it or making it happen faster.

Wherever you are in your journey – contemplating something new, ready to take action or moving through it – know that you are exactly where you are meant to be. See if you can shift your perspective to enjoy the process and learn as much as you can from the experience. That’s where the value comes – mining every bit of what you are going through to see where it can take you.

And if you decide you want some support and guidance, you know where to find me. Setup a free Discovery Call to connect around your desired goals and vision.

To being in the process,

Lenore