Bond is an icon. A man of confidence, character, poise and style. I realised that Bond can teach us a lot about Lifestyle Design, and has some key characteristics that have been crafted over decades to make him in to the ultimate double-o agent. Check out this list of things we can learn from this great character;

1. You don’t always need to follow the rules.
James Bond doesn’t always check in with agent M, sometimes he doesn’t follow the rules because he is confident that his way is the best to do what he needs to do. Just because popular culture defines the 9-5 as the ‘rule’ you have to live by does not mean that you have to conform to it. Break the rules if you need to.

2. Always get the girl (or prize).

Ever noticed how Bond always gets the girl? He is used to success, he thinks success and he lives success. You should too.

3. Confidence.
Part of the reason Bond is the main man is because of his confidence. Be confident in yourself and everything you do.

4. Defeats the villains (internal and external).
There is always a villain in Bonds way, but he works hard to defeat them at all costs. Fight your internal and external villains and don’t let them stop you from getting what you want.

5. Always have the right tools available to you (gadgets) when you need them.
Agent Q provides Bond with some awesome gadgets. Have you ever noticed that he uses all of them? He only carries the items he needs, and always utilizes the gadgets he carries. Don’t clutter yourself with things you don’t need but do make sure you are equipped. Find the balance, simplicity and harmony in your skills, possessions and relationships.

6. Set your sights high.
Ever seen Bond doing something easy? Double-0s don’t do easy work. Aim high and be prepared to work hard for what you believe in. You’ll get a greater sense of achievement this way.

7. Dress to impress.
Bond always dresses to impress. Even when he is alone in his swanky hotel room he looks his best. He is always ready for action and you should be too. You will also be taken more seriously when it matters if you are well-presented.

8. He does something scary every day (and accomplishes it).
If you don’t challenge yourself you don’t grow as an individual. Challenges are the most effective way to make positive changes in your lifestyle; when you aren’t challenging yourself, you are sinking further in to your comfortable rut.

9. He can adapt to his environment.
Bond is sent to all corners of the world and can adapt easily to his environment. If your circumstances change are you agile enough to adapt quickly? If you are not perhaps you have areas of your life that you need to simplify, declutter and organise.

10. He never gives up.
Bond never gives up pursuing the bad guy and you should never give up in the pursuit of your target.

11. He’ll pay for quality (when it’s needed).
OK, so MI6 picks up the tab, but Bond certainly knows that quality is worth paying for. Don’t scrimp on the things that are really important to you, but don’t waste money on things you don’t need.

12. He is always early.
If Bond needs to assassinate someone, he is there early to scope out his environment and lie in wait. Give yourself the edge. Be early.

13. Possessions are functional rather than material and do not define him.
If Bond needs a car, sure it’s a nice one, but he rents or borrows it. Possessions don’t define bond, his actions do.

14. He is not scared to use his real name.
Bond doesn’t like cover names. He is James Bond and doesn’t care who knows it. Sure it might get him in trouble, but if you believe in yourself and what you do then you shouldn’t hide.

15. He’s a big tipper (again when necessary).
Bond is generous. He knows the value of service he receives and is prepared to reward for it when appropriate. If you are getting value out of something, be sure to give a little back (note: this does not always mean money).

16. Bond is a man of action.
Have you ever seen bond wondering what to do? No. He is a man of action, you should be too.

17. Doesn’t care what people think.
Why would he and why should you?

18. Expect the unexpected.
Bond always knows when someone is sneaking up behind him. He knows the risks of a situation and is always prepared. Make sure you are prepared for the unexpected and reap the benefits.

19. Shaken not stirred.
Stirring a drink apparently encourages equal diffusion of the components throughout the volume (or something like that). You might be a slow stirrer of your life to make the changes, or maybe you should start to shake things up a little? Make some positive changes and challenge yourself outside of your comfort zone.

20. Knows how to use his weapon.
In both the literal and anatomical sense (it’s Bond, you’ve gotta have innuendo), Bond sure knows how to handle himself and equips himself with the right tools for the job and knows how to use them.

21. Bond keeps himself fit.
He is ready for action at all time. Bond doesn’t get sick, Bond is fit and can act instantly. Eat, sleep, exercise and rest well so you can be prepared for anything.

22. Knows when to ask for help.
Bond knows when he needs to rely on someone else’s local knowledge or expertise to progress with tasks more effectively. If you are operating outside of your skill set then don’t be too proud to ask for help.

23. When he has his target he goes for it.
He doesn’t procrastinate, he goes for it.

24. Bond is human.
Bond gets hurt both emotionally and physically, he may get knocked but it is only ever a temporary blip. He gets back on his feet and moves on to the next mission.

25. Sometimes you have to kill someone.
OK, so I’m not suggesting you have to kill anyone! But sometimes you have to make sure you that people don’t block you from reaching your target.

26. Knows what he likes and how he likes it.
He knows what he likes and how to get it. Be assertive in what you want and know how to get it.

27. But he’ll try new things…
Bond will always try new things. Change is good, embrace it.

28. Knows how to relax.
Bond certainly knows how to do this, and you should too. Sometimes you have to recharge your batteries to be effective.

29. Bond leaves everyone hungry for more.
So the Bond franchise has been going for longer than I’ve been on this earth (in my current form). That’s because people are always hungry for more. Do you leave your readers, clients, interactions wanting more?

30. Be lucky.
Let’s face it, Bond is lucky at lot of the time and that’s why he hasn’t died yet. It is easier said than done but you do make your own luck to a certain extent. Good luck!

Can you think of any James Bond inspired Lifestyle Design Tips? Let me know in the comments below!

All images found on Flickr via Creative Commons, in order of appearance:

Bond Poster – titlap
Bond Girl Now – Rob Beyer
James Bond Island (Thailand) – Lutz536
Aston Martin – Kmeron
Casino Royal Premiere Amsterdam – Katerina Plevkova
James Bond Invasion – helter-skelter