Is it possible to have a customized life? A life designed for a specific purpose? Or, as Wikipedia describes it, of ones own design or modification. When I pose this question, the immediate response is to say that of course, every life is customized. That is what gives the tremendous variety which exists in the world. But, lets dig a little deeper, lets see if there is more to be learned if we peek under the covers of customization.

When we install a program on our computer, we are soon faced with the choice to use the default settings, or to customize. Some programs even advise that the custom settings are for the advanced user. This is a caution that has caused many a mouse to tremble. So we choose the pre-sets, the default setting. Its easier and safer that way. This is the path of fewer surprises. Or as the software programmer declares, This setting is common, or at least usable, with minimum interaction. A life could be lived this way.

Somehow though, this value automatically assigned, with no user intervention, to use Wikipedias definition of a default setting, fails to inspire. And we are just talking about a computer program here. How much more would the principle apply to our day-to-day activities? It is no wonder the call to customization is everywhere. Your phone supplier advises, Your cell phone should reflect your personality. Just listen at any public space, as each cell phone announces its personality by inflicting its unique ring tone on a long-suffering public.

Sometimes I suspect that this call to customize may be excessive. Just today, I saw an advertisement which suggested Customize your closet, unclutter your life. And what auto enthusiast could resist the invitation to Pimp your ride? Even the humble guitar has not escaped customization. The Pencilina shown on this web site, http://pencilina.com/insts.html carries customization about as far as it can go. Describing the instrument, the maker tells us it is completely idiosyncratic, yet within its idiosyncrasy lies a world of possibilities.

A world of possibilities: here lies the charm and attraction of customization. Here too dwells the promise of constructing a life that reflects your values, that is true to your vision. When thought of this way, the easy, default choice fails to satisfy. The best choice may be a delicate balance that allows us the advantages of both methods. We can imagine just enough automation but with the freedom to dare generous customization. Perhaps we can make good on our dormant capacity. Perhaps we can make our days flow smoothly and still achieve goals worthy of our promise. Assuredly, this new thing we will have fashioned will be rewarding, creative and bring us joy.

About the Author:
Kevin MacAskill works at home in British Columbia, Canada, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. This prompts him to reflect on life and the human condition. You may use this essay in an ethical manner, providing this resource box is included.

To find links to sites which will help you in your goal of creating prosperity, intrinsic motivation and affluence, please visit:
http://www.prosperity-patterns.com/
His Blog
http://prosperinet.blogspot.com