It’s been a long time coming… and we’ve finally done it! Welcome to the all new Paid to Exist.
I’m incredibly excited to finally unveil the new home we’ve been carefully building for the past four months. Working on this has been one of the most emotionally, mentally and spiritually demanding undertakings I’ve ever embarked on (just ask my wife). Myself and our team have poured our hearts, sweat, blood and souls into this thing, and I think it shows.
What do you think?
Personally, I’m absolutely in love with this new space and I have a feeling I’ll be spending a lot more time here because of it.
Here are a few of the things that I love about it:
- It’s mobile-optimal. I would say mobile-friendly, but it goes far beyond that. Go ahead, view the site on your iPhone, iPad or other mobile device. Your experience should be just as awesome as if you were hanging out on your laptop.
- Content-focused. We’ve got a lot of stuff built into this theme that will make the presentation of our content much more interesting, dynamic and fun to engage with.
- It’s centered around our message. We’ve done a ton of work to get this design in line with our message and voice. We think it feels like a place you’d want to hang out as a pitstop on your remarkable journeys.
The all new Paid to Exist toolkit (aka “Backpack”)
We didn’t just change the website, we’ve also created a seriously awesome new toolkit you’ll get access to when you join our community. It’s a handcrafted collection of resources designed to help you get off the ground running to get paid to be you. We call it the Backpack.
You can see what it’s all about here. After signing up, you’ll also get a brand spankin’ new email series on quitting your day job and building a lifestyle business that supports your freedom. Our aim is to never send you an email that doesn’t matter. So feel free to unsubscribe at any time if you’re not getting any value out of your membership.
What you can expect from us next
We’re not just changing the design and the content on our email list — we’re revamping and retooling all of the content we publish on the blog. Doing this rebranding has inspired us to rethink the way we approach our content and we want to take this opportunity to bring our content to another level.
Here’s what we’ll be bringing you:
- More in-depth guides on specific topics. Think long, action-specific articles on building community, uncovering your passion, and more.
- Detailed case studies. We’re going to start featuring more case studies and stories from people living lives of purpose getting paid to do what they love. We’re looking for people that can share and chronicle their journey with specific steps, actions and details to back it up (scripts, examples of what you did, resources, etc.). If you’re interested in pitching us an idea, please contact us.
The muscle and genius behind the new headquarters
Of course I didn’t create this by myself. I had a lot of help from some incredibly talented people. Our genius developer and responsive designer Chase Reeves made every pixel here perfect. He seriously went a bit overboard (you should see our email exchanges…).
If you’re looking for a site that’s engaging, mobile-friendly and that converts, I highly recommend getting in touch with him. His attention to detail and service is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
Dustin Lee, our resident brand expert and lead marketer, also poured his heart and soul into this launch. He’s responsible for most of the graphics you see here, as well as all of the hard work laying out the Backpack. Thanks man, you can get some sleep now. :)
Also, thanks Robert (our IT ninja), Ev’Yan (Chief editor) and Adrianne (our Community Ambassador) for all of your hard work. You’re all awesome. We’re going to party soon.
Celebrate with us
So, what do you think? Want to help us celebrate?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment down below. Or say hi on our brand new Twitter account.
And expect more from us later this week. We’ve got some kickass content coming your way shortly.
The PTE team
This is only my first day here but I’m completely blown away by the simplicity, elegance and focus on Value + Adding Subscribers…
Love it and would love to get out of Genesis and over to Thesis with my design.
Great stuff and I look forward to being part of this community.
Ryan H.
The materials are very personable, very thoughtfully crafted and yes, the graphics are amazing. I’ve been part of this community since early this year and it is a great community to be part of.
This offering delivers value and is quality work for FREE!
You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
Sign up and enjoy~
You’re a doll Teresa. Seriously. Couldn’t ask for a better ambassador than you. Stay awesome.
I’m so excited for the launch! Going to have a good look round and get comfortable.
This is truly a wonderful change, I can’t believe how beautiful the site is. I see only success in the future for all the Paid to Exist team.
Please, get some well deserved rest. you did an awesome job! :)
You’re too kind Alejandro. Thanks for all your support.
Still poking around, but so far…looks damn good! Congrats!
Is Chase Reeves the hottest designer out there right now?
Yep.
He is.
He doesn’t know how to dress himself, but he sure knows how to dress up a website.
LOL.
Derek, i’m humbled by your thought… especially since I know you’re sitting in one of 3 godawful Lacoste v-necks you’ve been wearing for the past 8 months.
A man like you commenting on *my* fashion sense… {deep breath} is humbling. :)
Thx man. Means a lot.
Jonathan, CONGRATS my man! Go forth and multiply…
5 months.
When it’s cold out, I wear Dexter shirts. :-)
Yep, you’ve done it.
It’s definitely one of the nicest projects I’ve seen recently. I can see you making a few tiny little changes. I’ll not say here and see if it happens as the weeks go on, but there are more tiny details that actual design.
Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dustin and Chase, so impressive. One of the best sites out there :)
You guys rock.
Congrats to you Jonathan and your team of people! The site looks amazing. I love the focus on the content and the Backpack rocks! I can’t wait to share the link to it with everyone I know. Thanks for being a stand for people having a life they love.
Looks great! Fantastic job. Looking forward to what comes next. :)
Unbelievable. You guys nailed it.
Big time congrats – looking forward to the journey ahead.
Thanks brother. Grateful for your support.
So excited to have this finally out for everyone to see! You guys rocked this one :)
Looks great!
Browsing on my LG windows phone, and hell yeah, the PTE website is Gorgeous.
I’m totally looking forward to more butt kicking with this awesome community
Congrats on the new site. It’s simply beautiful. Can’t wait to take a look around. Great job!
Don’t really know what to say but WOW. This is explosive. It’s such a lovely new home. Congrats!!!
I love it! I love the clean look, the vintage funky quirky feel and the nice large type. It seems simple, direct and effective. I hate sites that continue to tease you about topics without ever really telling you anything. This seems quite the opposite. Fantastic work!
Hey Jonathan!! Congratulations! Site looks fantastic and I’m enjoying the Backpack so far.
Question for you ~ since I got the early Backpack email yesterday, does that mean I’m already on the email list going forward? I definitely want to be ~ just thought I’d check in and make sure. Also, you probably have a couple of different emails for me so I want to consolidate my account (including affiliate #, etc) into one email address. Shoot me a message offline when you have some time…
Also let me know if you’re still up for that beer we talked about having many months ago! Need to make that happen.. I’d also love to take you and Ev’Yan out paddling sometime if you’re interested. A couple of us are going Wed afternoon and I’m sure there will be several more days on the river this summer.
Congratulations again! Keep kicking ass! :)
Tracy
Love the fresh new site/look, Jonathan…
I’m sure this one’s going to kick more ass than the previous one =)
Fabulous look and feel. I have not bought one single product or service from illuminated mind. What I know is from the value provided through the newsletter and posts without a doubt any person who does purchase something will get insane value.
It is clear Jonathan does not do go for half measures. It is full on or not at all. Paid To Exist is just another example of that approach to excellence and commitment to helping people achieve there dreams.
Congrats Jonathan! The site looks phenomenal, and that Backpack. Yup. I dig it. :)
Thanks Emilie! You inspire us all the time.
Jonathan,
I’ve followed you for a few months now, and although I’m 1/4th through college, (And thus I’ve juggle a bit with college responsibilities) I’m already crafting a life I’ll feel fulfilled to have. Your writings have been a constant reminder that if I want to live the life I want, I’ve to break away from some things that are holding me back.
I like the simplicity of the site! Look forward to your new ideas!
Congratulations from México!
Congratulations! Absolutely love this new look…
Love, love and love the look. I know that’s cheesy that I just typed love three times, but I like cheese. Been trying to decide once and for all what framework would be best for my site. So this is Thesis correct? Looking forward to watching you guys blow-up. Congratulations.
Not cheesy at all. We love compliments. :)
The site looks beautiful! And I LOVE the design on The Backpack. Such a great, congruent feel all the way around.
Thank you Sherelle. Dustin will be pleased to hear that. :)
Big, big high-tens to Chase (you always look nice in my opinion, brother) & Dustin (YOU ARE THE MAN OF ALL THE MEN) for their hard work designing, coding, brooding, sleeplessness, & obsessive compulsive attention to detail. If it weren’t for you two, this site would’ve looked 1/4-assed. You both deserve to be kings for a day.
Adrianne, you’ve been the shiniest, prettiest gem in this entire endeavor. It means so much to *me* to have your feminine energy on our team. Without you, it would be a sausage fest. And while I like sausage (tofu), I deeply appreciate your voice, your tenacity, & your dedication. We couldn’t have done this without you. THANK YOU.
And to Jonathan Mead, my love, my hero: To watch you go through the ups & downs & sideways emotions regarding this change was excruciating. I am protective of you — you know this — & I was getting worried that you were going to pour so much of your self — your heart, your blood, your life force — inside this new endeavor that there wouldn’t be anything left of you but an empty, cold, cynical shell. But you are strong & resilient, & only a few square inches of cynicism trickled in (which is warranted at this point). I love you & am so proud of what you have birthed. YES — men give birth too, & I stand in awe of the empire you’re creating. Your reward (from me) will come soon — perhaps tonight if you don’t pass out from utter exhaustion. Then again, you don’t have to be lucid to receive it. /wink
We are the champions, my friends. xo
Yup, colors, layout, & other design elements rock. Mobile interface is clean and friendly :)
(though I must admit on my 3rd gen iPod touch the initial load took nearly a minute)
Having followed your work since before illuminated mind, I’m excited to see this evolution; I agree that it is a return to the core of your mission, and look forward to continuing to share your inspiring ideas with friends and family. I’ve also enjoyed getting to see your students’ work emerge into the world. Thanks for rockin your awesome self!
Thanks Anne. Yeah, mobile load times seems to be a bit slow right now. We’ll be looking into that. Thanks for your comments!
Yay! Congratulations Jonathan. It looks awesome. love the layout and design. Can’t comment on the mobility of it as don’t use a mobile device, but it looks tight on my mac laptop! And I am loving the Backpack. Well done you guys! x Jacs
The new site and layout is unquestionably authentic and awesome. It rocks!
You’re unquestionably awesome. Thanks Colby.
Love the new site and name. Its always a massive move to change domains, but this is where you belong. PS – looking forward to another short film!
Illuminated Mind has been on my iGoogle homepage since this post https://paidtoexist.com/the-future-and-evolution-of-illuminated-mind/
I’ve been a bit poo at commenting, but now I can’t help it: this rebrand is stunning. The name, the design (yay for responsive layouts!), everything.
I’ve always loved how upfront you’ve been about the direction of the site. It’s so much fun to go back in the archives and watch how everything’s developed.
Again, the rebrand is fantastic. Keep it up: the fantastic writing, the amazing guides, the inspiration, everything.
Thanks,
Anna
In my humble opinion from across the pond? Great look, great content, great site. Expected nothing less of course! The backpack’s been slung across my shoulders for most of the day :)
This is quite striking. I’m excited for PTE. Love the bold vibe and direction you’re taking this. Looking forward to all the more focused content and case studies! Congrats to you and everyone that’s worked so hard on this!
Jonathan & Co.–
This looks awesome. Trailblazer was awesome, but this takes it up a notch. I also really like the concept of the Backpack. It puts some great tools all in one place (for free, no less!) and ties them together in a way that makes you want to step on out.
The one question I have about the Backpack is the Yammer sign-up. It will not accept personal email addresses, which sort of baffles me. Is there something I am overlooking?
Many thanks,
J
Hey J
Had some trouble with the initial setup of the yammer group. You can try again (and it should let you in) but if you have any trouble just drop us an email and I can help you out!
Adrianne
Being a hiker and outdoor nut I’m absolutely loving the backpack and the color schemes. Congratulations on the new stunning design and the smooth transition.
Thanks for the PtE kit!
All my best,
Liz
You’re a class act, Mead. Rock on.
Congrats on the re-launch, Jonathan! The new site looks incredible, and the focus feels a lot tighter and truer to what you’re all about. Well done!
Thanks Tyler — you do awesome work. That means a lot coming from you.
Congratulations! Thank you so much for the great work you are doing. I am working at doing something complimentary in the “Christian” world; the ones who focus on helping and loving people. Thanks for staying at it.
Mark
Looks fantastic, Jonathan, really looking forward to exploring. Congratulations!
Would love to see an easy way to subscribe to the blog via RSS!
Simply, resourceful and more over inspiring! Using your words – nothing is getting in the Way of your Awesomeness!!!
Wish you all the best,
Tanja
Site is downright gorgeous, Chase’s work is killer.
Very earthy crunchy! Since I love to hike and get out in the back country, I love the ties to the backpack and trail blazing. I think I’ll enjoy hanging out here. Great work, guys!
J-Mead and PTE team,
Congrats on the site. Looks prettier than a lady on her wedding day. #TRUTH!
Best wishes and continued success! It’s well deserved.
Best.comment.ever.
I’m not going to fight you on that
Figured you had something completely and totally badass planned for the new space… but this AMAZING. Congrats to the PTE team!
Jonathan,
Thank you so much for this site. I unpacked my Backpack last night. It’s a great book!
I look forward to reading more…
Claire
Jonathan- the site is absolutely gorgeous, and I can’t get over how much you’re giving away in the backpack. I’m so happy your site looks unique, and not like a generic “high conversion” wordpress theme. It’s clear that a lot of thought went in all around. Cheers!
CONGRATULATIONS Jonathan & Team!
The new design really rocks!
I just LOVE the simplicity of the site, the colours, the design…what more can I say! WOW!
The content of course, is always Topnotch!
I am so excited to see what’s in store next…
You surpassed my expectations man. I was looking forward to checking out the new site, but didn’t think it would be this badass. Everything looks great. Congrats to you and your team on the job well done. Here’s to a life of doing what we love!
Take care,
Justin
Congratulations from the bottom of my heart.
I love this. It’s so spacious! OK, I know that’s about looks and not about ‘real’ space, but my mind needs room to breathe. I can think here.
I’m gonna root around in the Backpack and find a late-night brain snack. Thank you!
Congrats on the launch! I’ve been surfing for..well, way too long now… and this place looks GREAT. Can’t wait to see everything you roll out…The case studies sound especially (I’m so excited I almost typed expecially) awesome – seeing others live their dreams gets me pumped to do the same. Nice job!
Congratulation and great thanks for all stuff you do from Siberia!
A mild problem with feedburner. I got here from the title of your blog but couldn’t from clicking on the article title.
Hey Evan, you might try this link: https://feeds.feedburner.com/paidtoexist
Simple, Elegant, and Comfortable. Even on my iPhone. Thank you and great job guys!
The new design resonates really nicely.
What a huge amount of work you’ve all done to shift the content over and redesign.
Just beautiful.
Kudos to you and your team, Jonathan. I just finished a site redesign yesterday (also to a responsive theme!), so I’m painfully aware of the challenges and work involved. I really like your design.
Congrats! Absolutely love the new design (happy clappy reader syndrome with pretty site interfaces) Just got a copy of Backpack Toolkit and am enjoying it so far.
Looking forward to where this site heading. All the best!
Wow… I love it. You guys nailed it.
Dear Jonathan and team
Great work and a simple, yet elegant layout.
All the best. Keep it going.
It’s one of the most beautiful sites I’ve ever seen! You have done a brilliant job – just looking at the site inspires me to get on with my own work – thanks!
Live long and prosper.
The site looks awesome. I have been thinking for a little bit that I am going to get a redesign on my site as well. I will definitely contact Chase.
This is just flat out awesome. The whole design has a very unique look and feel. Very engaging. Congratulations. I am excited to read your new content and see where all of this goes.
Great job :)
I know envy is a sin but this site is just gorgeous. It is cool, clean and direct. I know already that it’s going to help me and lots of others too. Thanks for all the inspiration Jonathan.
Love it! Totally catches your attention – and the Compass is brilliant, as are the other resources. Have linked to your website on my Inspiration for Career Development page.
I read once in Marty Neumeier’s Zag that your brand is essentially a client’s gut feeling about your product – if this is true, then you’ve nailed it with Paid to Exist (especially the name itself).
Thanks so much for the continuing inspiration, Jonathan and team.
Enjoy celebrating the launch! :)
Yo Yo Jonathan & Crew!
Exciting stuff… Love the message and feel.
Kudos to Chase for ROCKIN’ this design
Hey J, I see amazing and increasing clarity coming to your vision. Well done Bro.!
Wow. Just, wow. I’ve been subscribed to Illuminated Mind for a couple of years now, and have both taken full advantage of the free stuff and purchased most of the products available here. Everything has helped me so much, and this new direction is SPOT ON.
The design is impeccable, I love the font choices, the slightly deconstructed look, and how easy it is to navigate everywhere.
The backpack is absolutely brilliant- not only is it a fantastic resource for wherever you are at in your journey, but it perfectly weaves together everything you have ever created, Jonathan- from Reclaim Your Dreams to Paid to Exist to the Limit Erasing Technique…it is all here, laid out beautifully and accessible to all.
This website and community has changed my life, and I am so excited to see where it grows from here.
Really, really well done all of you!
Makes my heart full hearing that from someone who’s been with us for so long. Thank you Kate.
Congratulations on your launch! The site looks amazing and the toolkit is fantastic. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us… :)
Here’s to taking it to a whole new level. Loving what you’re doing and congrats to you and the team. Seriously. Amazing work!
Wow – this is fantastic. Your writing in inspirational and has changed my life this year. The website symbolizes your message and content–and that was no easy task. Congrats to all of you!
Jonathan and team,
Just when you thought that Trailblazer was full of awesome, you guys pull this out of your hat and blow the old site away!
This thing rocks from top to bottom and the value of the materials is unbelievable.
As we used to say in the Navy: Bravo Zulu!
I bet there’s a really interesting story behind that saying…
Thanks Mike!
Hi guys, just want to send some applause to you straight from Amsterdam, NL. Site looks awesome and am already inspired (have been on your site for only 3 minutes!). Keep it up!
What site ate its organic Wheaties for breakfast? This one! Website of champions.
Great site – good luck!
I came across Illuminated Mind a few months ago by happenstance while surfing the net,turns out I was just in time to follow through to your transition to Paid to Exist. I think the new site is fabulous and a wonderful tool. Clear, inspiring, direct and actionable. I have been working hard toward making the type of transition you support for the past few years. I am finally nearing my goals, but boy do I wish I had found you sooner. I bet if I had I would have saved a lot time. Anyway, I’ll keep checking in regularly, because even when one is finally on the right track, it’s great to get a motivation booster. Thank you for your passion, authenticity and generosity of spirit.
The site looks great, it’s really engaging and encourages you to explore deeper. Also didn’t realise I was reading posts that were a few years old until I investigated further. Slick design and timeless content, glad I came across it!
Wow! Beautiful site Jonathan. You’ve come a long way since we first connected in your first Paid To Exist course. It’s really wonderful to see the progress you’ve made in your own life. Congratulations!
This is great Jonathan! and in honor of your efforts and the PTE team allow me to share my testimony…Today I am beginning to blaze the trail so that I can impact the world. I feel like I have recovered my lost niche. Thank you for the teachings. The 25th May Webinar and the new PTE website have been inspirational. I will walk the road and eventually fly, no matter bumpy it will be I will keep on blazing. I promise to tithe and invite the team to visit and blaze the people of Africa in near future.