Happy Independence Day! When I meet a coaching prospect, we talk about their goals. We keep talking until we get to the core. We peel back the superficial layers, like peeling away the layers of an onion. Eventually we get to the inner issues. What are they? People want freedom, financial freedom, freedom from stress about money, health, tension, boredom, pressure. They want options and the wisdom to choose and use the options wisely.

Of course, with freedom comes responsibility. We learned that in American history. If you want an American revolution, if you want to have freedom from taxes on your tea, you then have to run the country yourself. If you want choices, then you have to take responsibility for the choices you make. If you want to learn how to invest, then visit this website. If you take the responsibility, then you deserve the freedom. Hence no ‘taxation without representation’. Our Independence Day holiday is a reminder of all that we hold dear nationally, our individual freedoms that we fight wars to maintain.

But what about some other freedoms? We get caught in habits, auto pilot types of reactions to situations, somebody pushing our buttons, entrapments of our own self-limitations of how little value we think we can  accomplish in the world, ideas about how much or how little we deserve, chips on our shoulders that cause us to think small or play the victim. What about these examples of loss of freedom? They happen in both our professional and personal lives.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• If you are way too heavy, are you giving yourself the freedom to live a longer, higher quality, energy rich, healthy life?
• If you’re stuck in a job you don’t like, are you giving yourself the freedom to be happy, engaged, productive and developing your true potential?If you have conflicts with a loved one, are you giving yourself the freedom to live a harmonious life surrounded by love rather than conflict?
• If you have undeveloped talents and passions that you’re afraid to uncover, are you giving yourself the freedom to live the adventure of true authenticity and ease?

My mother always said, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ ‘If you can’t find a door, open a window’. The way to independence may not be easy,(i.e. American Revolution) but if you’re committed to true independence, you will find a way to make it happen, people who can help, passion to motivate yourself and others. That’s the responsibility part. That’s when you’re truly independent and not marching to someone else’s drum.

Will you abdicate your freedom or take responsibility to create the life of freedom that you deserve? Please leave your comments about personal freedom and independence as we celebrate our national independence day. Thanks. Enjoy!