“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” – Viktor Frankl
Unlocking our freedom from within
When we think of independence, we often think of it as an external event, like Juneteenth or the Fourth of July. But freedom and independence, including personal freedom, is actually a process and practice that requires ongoing effort.
Internal freedom is our ability and willingness to live into our own creative potential. It’s a mindset and comes from within. To achieve internal freedom, spend time reflecting on your values, motivations and authentic desires. Double-check that the dreams you’re chasing are yours and not someone else’s. We unlock greater personal power when we recognize self-limiting beliefs and behaviors that inhibit our internal freedom.
The benefits are great: when we gain internal freedom, we live from a creative and empowered mindset.
What Internal Freedom looks like:
[07:46]“It looks like creating visions for our own life and then taking steps toward those visions. We’re honest and clear about what we want, not what someone else wants of us, or what we feel obligated to do.”
“Using discretion and intention for where we place our focus and attention…Know where you want to spend your time and attention and create boundaries and practices so that you find that sweet spot.”
How we hold ourselves captive:
[12:35] “Complying, staying small, and not rocking the boat. Staying quiet in meetings and agreeing.”
[14:47]“Not recognizing and valuing our own worth, expertise, contribution, impact – a feeling of not belonging.” For example, “’Everyone at my company has specific expertise…I run customer support so don’t have much to contribute.’” One way this belief impacts someone is in feeling unable to say no in an attempt to prove one’s worth. Burnout and resentment follow.
For further exploration:
Journal Prompts for Freedom pdf https://mailchi.mp/rise-leaders/journal-prompts-for-freedom
Rise Leaders Radio Episode #13 with David Emerald: Three Vital Questions for Transformative Results and #33 with Jerry Magar: Putting Your Values Into Action (www.rise-leaders.com/podcast)
CliftonStrengths assessment
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Books by David Emerald: The Power of TED* The Empowerment Dynamic + Three Vital Questions:Transforming Workplace Drama
Mastering Leadership by Robert J. Anderson and William A. Adams (socialized/self-authoring, creative/reactive)
Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry Colonna
Cassandra Speaks: When Women are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes by Elizabeth Lesser
Owning Your Own Shadow by Robert A. Johnson
Loving What Is by Byron Katie
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