The Future and Evolution of Lifestyle

By Mia A. Mackman

Over the last ten years, our lives have dramatically changed as a result of new technologies. For many of us, the ways we live and do business have changed forever… The tipping point of these new technologies has spawned a new division of the global workforce, allowing people to work from the comforts of home or while traveling and exploring the globe. This has also rapidly amplified our ability to share information and multiply our social and professional networks.

These newfound freedoms and flexibilities have transformed the way we look at our lifestyles. Today, heading to the office may mean remaining at home, sitting in a favorite coffee shop, a hotel lobby or on a lounge chair by the beach. The ability for many people to work is virtually at our fingertips.

According to an American Community Survey, “telecommuting has risen 79 percent between 2005 and 2012.” This estimate includes 2.6 percent or 3.3 million full-time U. S. teleworkers in 2012. GlobalWorkplaceAnalytics.com sites the statistical growth of telecommuting in the U.S. throughout a myriad of different industries, with all data pointing the continuous growth of this dynamic remote workforce.

What does this mean for the future of our lifestyles and business? It means the lines will continue to cross between home life, work, family and social experiences. The task of balancing our lifestyle and daily activities will become essential. New tools will endure to help people cope, manage busy routines, and assist in performance, metrics and business management. Some of these new technologies already include 3-D printing, holographic imaging, time management and an expansive line of virtual reality and wellness devices. Wearable devices are only the beginning of technology merging with our biology and lifestyle.

This increase in technology will create an enhanced need for person-to-person connectivity, with a gap in personal connectedness. We are already seeing a rise in social activities to substitute the experiences of meeting people “at work” and having regular face-to-face engagement. Finding a healthy, social equilibrium will be key to enjoying the freedom and flexibility of working on a version of Cloud 9.

In addition to the growing number of people in the remote workforce, educational programs and home schooling platforms are seeing similar growth. Together these two elements are redefining the conventional family. When living nearby work or school are no longer household factors, the doors to the world are open wide. These are major shifts in our lifestyle definitions and they will directly impact how we exist and interact in the world in our future lifestyles.

Other components we are seeing on the rise are business travel and teleconferences. Meetings no longer require the traditional environment of a boardroom. I was recently on a conference call with 16 people from 7 different countries and our faces were tiled on the screen in real time. Technology and the bandwidth of which we communicate, continues to impress me.

Many executives and business professionals around the world are combining business meetings with retreat experiences, as a way to add more depth and discovery to the meeting process. This approach is rich with inspiration and balances the intensity of work with a healthy combination of relaxation and rejuvenation. Companies are beginning to recognize the importance of company-wide wellness and employee health is becoming a high priority.

Ultimately, our lifestyles are rapidly evolving. The future holds exciting opportunities and incredible technologies that guarantee more freedom and flexibility for all of us. How we choose to use that freedom and enjoy that flexibility is up to each of us. One thing is certain in order to live well in any lifestyle; it’s important to follow your heart. Do what you love. Believe in yourself and make your routine one that supports your happiness, growth and personal measures of success.

Whatever your path, embrace your lifestyle. Be grateful for your freedom and stretch your legs to remind yourself; you always have the flexibility to choose. Choosing a path that empowers you to live a beautiful, satisfying life is the essence and beauty of a life well lived!

Published in Enjoy Beauty International, Issue 4