July 4th in the United States is a day to celebrate our Independence. While enjoying the traditional BBQ’s and fireworks and getting together with friends and family, it’s also an important time to stop and reflect on our independence.
Freedom is not something I ever take for granted and I’m going to guess it’s probably the biggest reason you started your business. To be free from the cubicle or the four walls of corporate. To be free of having to report to someone or call to others. To have the freedom to think “outside-the-box” or better yet, to think “like there is no box”.
When I left the corporate world in 1998, I had a very clear intention – to work half the time and make the same amount of money as I had when I left. I reached that goal in 2 years with my Corporate Training and Coaching business. I don’t share that to brag because that following year, the high tech bubble burst and I went from 6 figures to no figures overnight.
But, here’s what had me dust myself off, turn that around and stay in the game for almost 19 years now – my commitment and strong intention to freedom. Going back was not an option. Even when my logical mind knew it would be the safe and secure bet, my soul couldn’t go along for the ride.
Freedom is the strong pull to remove the shackles that bind you from what others think you should do or be.
Freedom is full self-expression in the face of the status quo or not fitting in.
Freedom is speaking your truth when not everyone is able to hear it.
Freedom is authenticity without walls.
What does freedom look like to you?
Has being in business truly set you free? Or does your business have you in shackles? Have you set yourself and your business up to have the flexibility to take time off when you want to, work badass hours if you need to and support the kind of life you truly desire?
Don’t get me wrong – being an Entrepreneur is not easy and there are times I want to throw in the towel, times I feel isolated and “on my own” and times I am waiting for the next paycheck to come in. But, I wouldn’t trade any of that for the freedom, flexibility, creativity and full self-expression it gives me.
On this day of Independence, I invite you to explore what freedom truly means to you. If you desire more freedom in your business, what’s the one thing you could take on or let go of to make that happen?
Freedom is here waiting for you.
How will YOU create the kind of freedom you desire in your business?
Happy Independence Day to you today and every day.
p.s. I would love to hear what freedom means to you. Comment below!
