Mastering Independence

Freedom isn’t just some abstract concept or a buzzword thrown around by politicians. It’s a fucking way of life, and if you’re not actively pursuing it, you’re settling for a mediocre existence.

First things first, let’s define what freedom means. And I’m not talking about the dictionary definition or some philosophical bullshit. I’m talking about what freedom means to you on a deep, personal level. Because here’s the thing – freedom looks different for everyone, and if you’re not clear on what it means to you, you’ll never be able to achieve it.

So let’s break it down into three key areas: monetary freedom, lifestyle freedom, and the freedom of authentic expression.

Monetary freedom is all about taking control of your financial destiny. It’s about breaking free from the shackles of a 9-to-5 job and creating a life where you call the shots. And the only way to do that is by starting your own business. I don’t care if it’s a small side hustle or a multi-million dollar empire – if you’re not working towards owning your own means of production, you’re not truly free.

But starting a business isn’t easy, and it sure as hell isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes grit, determination, and a willingness to take risks. You’ve got to be ready to work harder than you’ve ever worked before, to face rejection and failure head-on, and to keep pushing forward even when everything seems to be falling apart.

Money is THE key factor, and hinge point for how free you can truly be. If something in life goes sideways, money can help you recover. If you need to move, change homes, or adapt to the circumstances life has thrown you – money will provide the means to start the solution process. Do not underestimate the power that gives you. I can promise you that working a 9-5 will not give you the ability to be financially free. Staying out of debt will help this become reality much quicker.

But here’s the thing – the rewards are worth it. When you’re in control of your own income, you’re not at the mercy of some asshole boss or a company that cares about your role instead of about you. You’re in the driver’s seat, and you get to decide how much you earn and how you earn it.

Get your mindset geared toward entrepreneurship. Read the letters HERE and HERE to get that mindset rolling. Here are some action steps to get you started:

  1. Identify your passions and skills. What are you really fucking good at? What sets your soul on fire? Use that as the foundation for your business idea.
  2. Do your research. Study your market, ignore competition (you are all that matters), and your market for potential customers. Know your shit inside and out.
  3. Create a plan. Break down your achievements into smaller, achievable steps. Set deadlines and hold yourself accountable. Get that accountability partner involved!
  4. Take massive action. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect idea, there will always be an excuse to not get moving. Start now, and figure it out as you go. Mistakes will happen, you will recover.

But monetary freedom is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly be free, you’ve got to master your lifestyle as well. And that means taking control of your time, your energy, and your priorities.

It means saying no to the things that don’t serve you and hell yes to the things that light you up. It means creating a life that’s aligned with your values and your purpose, not just going through the motions of what society tells what you should be doing.

And here’s the thing – lifestyle freedom is a choice. It’s not something that just happens to you. You’ve got to be intentional about creating it, every single day.

Get after it, here are some action steps to get you started:

  1. Get clear on your values. What’s really important to you? What do you stand for? Use that as your guidepost for making decisions. Don’t be afraid of what others think. This is about you – not them.
  2. Prioritize your health. You can’t be truly free if you’re not taking care of your body and your mind. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Workouts not necessary, but eating the right foods and sleeping properly for you is absolutely crucial!
  3. Cultivate strong relationships. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, challenge you, and support you on your journey. Ignore the haters, curate who has access to you.
  4. Simplify your life. Get rid of the clutter, the distractions, and the things that are holding you back. Focus on what really matters. Minimize “things” and focus on necessity.

But perhaps the most important aspect of freedom is the ability to express yourself authentically. To show up in the world as your true self, without fear of judgment or rejection. This means being unapologetically you, even when it’s scary or uncomfortable. It means speaking your truth, with conviction even when your confidence isn’t there yet. It means living in alignment with your deepest desires and passions, even when the world tells you to play it safe. And here’s the thing – authentic expression is a muscle. The more you practice it, the stronger it gets. 

Here are some action steps to get you started:

  1. Get to know yourself. Spend time exploring your thoughts, feelings, and desires. Journal, meditate, or talk to a therapist. Do whatever it takes to get clear on who you really are. Really dig deep into who you are.
  2. Set boundaries. Learn to say no to the things that don’t align with your truth. Protect your time, your energy, and your mental health. This means enforcing them as well.
  3. Take small risks. Start expressing yourself in small ways, even if it’s just wearing a bold shirt or speaking up in a meeting. Trust your confidence and embrace what you stand for.
  4. Find your tribe. Surround yourself with people who celebrate your authenticity and encourage you to be your best self. Others will try and keep you where you are. Break free of that and surround yourself with your “right people”.

But here’s the real secret to true freedom – you’ve got to master all three areas together to get started. Because monetary freedom without lifestyle freedom is just a gilded cage. And lifestyle freedom without authentic expression is just a pretty facade that will lead you nowhere. Putting them all into your aura at once is the fuel needed to get your body executing what your mind knows it needs to accomplish. 

When you combine all three – when you’re in control of your money, your time, and your truth – that’s when the magic happens. That’s when you can create a life that’s truly extraordinary, a life that’s full of purpose, passion, and unshakable freedom.

So if you’re ready to unleash your full potential and create the life you’ve always dreamed of, it’s time to get to work. It’s not going to be easy, and it’s not going to happen overnight. But with focus, discipline, and a willingness to do the hard things, anything is possible. Start by getting clear on what freedom means to you. Define it, in your own words. Write it down, and let it be your guiding principle moving forward.

Then, take action. Start building your business, optimizing your lifestyle, and expressing your truth. And don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way – whether it’s hiring a coach, joining a mastermind group, or leaning on your support system.

Remember, freedom is your birthright. But it’s not something that’s given to you – it’s something you have to fucking earn. So go out there and claim it, with everything you’ve got. Because life is too short to settle for anything less than true, unbridled freedom.