What Does It Mean to be Free?

Editor's Note: There are many theories. methodologies, techniques on goal setting practices and what-not but when it really comes down to it the best way to set goals is to start by guess what, setting goals. I get it. For many years I did not set goals, it's scary. After all if I didn't make a goal then I don't have to worry about missing it and all that negative self-talk that comes with it. But did I? Do you? Deep down inside yourself somewhere you know you are not meeting your own standards call it goals or not. What if this unspoken goal costs you freedoms you could be enjoying now rather than in 20 years or never? I encourage you to take a few minutes this 4th of July holiday week to examine what freedom means to you, and what has been your single best strategy for achieving it? 

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FREE 

Having more freedom in business does not necessarily imply that you should work less hours in your business. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs still work 30-40 hours a week! But being free means having the capacity to work on your own terms, making your goals and reaching them. Set your priorities each week and don't deviate from them.

FREEDOM MEANS LETTING GO

Having the right people in your business is important if you want to free yourself from your day-to-day chores. Creating freedom in your business won’t be possible if you are still burdened with tasks that are not tied to your WHY. Are you still doing your books? Do you still prepare client reports or marketing flyers? If you are still afraid to leave your front doors at the thought of ‘missing something’, maybe it’s time to hire or train someone to do these things for you. Be willing to let go and start trusting other people, so you can use your time efficiently. Don't be afraid to outsource if necessary e.g. employ a virtual assistant to help with marketing etc.

Gradually remove yourself from the day-to-day operations and let your team take it from here. To achieve this, you need to inspire leaders in your business and encourage your team members to step up and work on the business for you. Soon you will realise it is okay to let go of tasks that are not giving you the fulfilment you long for.

FREEDOM MEANS HAVING NO FINANCIAL WORRIES

We know you would agree if I say there is more to freedom than having a hefty bank account; high income does not necessarily guarantee financial freedom. Wikipedia describes financial freedom as a ‘state of having sufficient personal wealth to live, without having to work actively for basic necessities.’ Put simply, it is the ability to spend our resources as we desire without having financial limits.

ou can achieve financial freedom when you are no longer forced to actively work in your business to cover all your expenses. Financial independence is more than having money. It is the ability to do what you enjoy in life.

Probably one of the best books I have read on financial freedom is Robert Kiyosaki’s "Cashflow Quadrant: Guide to Financial Freedom". In this book, Kiyosaki explains that the only way to escape the unending cycle of INCOME and SPEND, is we need to make a significant shift from having an active income to a passive income. To be financially free we must be willing to move beyond being ‘secure’ and begin to find our own world of financial freedom. I believe the following words sum it up:

"You only have so many hours in a day and you can only work so hard. So why work hard for money? Learn to have money and people work hard for you, and you can be free to do the things that are important."- Robert Kiyosaki

FREEDOM MEANS HAVING THE RIGHT CHOICES TO CHOOSE FROM

People usually associate freedom and choices. Freedom means you are free to choose. It means you are free from boundaries. And it follows that the more choices we have, the more freedom we have.

Does it really work that way?

Having more options means having to invest more time and energy into making sound decisions. Your focus and attention are often consumed by making everyday choices which leave you with less time to live your life. Reducing our options in our daily routine can help us divert our attention to more important things.

Making challenging decisions and choices in life is no easy job, but you will know you have made the right choice when everything feels right. Learn to trust your instincts and believe in yourself.

Your turn: Tell us what does freedom mean to you, and what has been your single best strategy for achieving it?

Source: What Does It Mean to be Free 

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