3 Big Ideas that I would like to see change the world in 2021

I am no forecaster. But here is some wishful thinking...

Simplify - focus on what matters

 A few years ago, I decided to live a simpler life. After many years of reading and thinking about it, I realised that the three things that matter are – good health, deep relationships and meaningful work. Of course I had to make trade-offs but my financial independence allowed me to work on what I want to.

This year, many of my friends started working out and lost weight during the lock-down. We bought bicycles to start riding regularly. Some called to check whether they can afford to quit the rat race. Others started de-cluttering with Mary Kondo. Maybe it’s wishful thinking that the whole world will do it, but I wish they would discover the joy of simplifying.

The rise of co-living, and sharing generally

 While LinkedIn and everybody else is predicting that we will go from renting homes to owning bigger homes with study rooms and outdoor areas, I am wondering how they will afford them. Of course, it’s a good idea to have more spacious living spaces with outdoor areas, but buying them will mean they will need to be far away from the CBDs.

An alternative would be the rise of co-living. Student housing and retirement homes are forms of co-living – and so far, haven’t made it attractive. But what if they do? What if they not only design beautiful spaces but also take away the stigma of sharing? I am already considering it.

Oh, while I am at it, I would like to rent out the power drill I have never used but I might need one day. The sharing economy makes sense and will not go away.

Sourcing proof on products

While I understand the benefits of globalization, I like the charm of buying seasonal local fruit, eating at family-owned restaurants, wearing handmade clothes made of natural fibres. If I am willing to pay for fewer well-made products, I should be able to. As a consumer, I want to be sourcing proof on the products I buy. This transparency in information will also help the increasing focus on ESG investing by allowing consumers to vote rather than letting investors trying to convince companies to behave better.

I guess there is a theme underlying my big ideas – live simpler, invest responsibly, be happy.

#BigIdeas2021