Would You Choose This Life Again if You Ever Got the Chance at a Do-Over?

Making it in life was once a big house behind a white picket fence, with a new car, a wife, and a family. But this hallmark of life achievement crumbled under high inflation. So, the goal became freedom. Let’s be honest. It’s hard to keep up with the ever-changing concept of freedom.

First, the prerequisite was rich enough to say screw off to your boss.

Then, it evolved.

Newer items crept into reach while others disappeared. Hello, lush lawns, a red Ferrari in the driveway promoting a digital course. Next. Nomad lifestyle posts. Earn there and live elsewhere, with the exchange rate working in your favor. This too lost its magnetic pull.

So, now gurus preach about empty calendars. Earning multi-figures from a few clients, no sales calls, with plenty of time to do whatever you want. Yet, this too doesn’t hit the mark. I realized something: freedom isn’t anything external or based on money. That’s why many can’t find it. And the ones who claim they found freedom journal a different tune every 5 years or so.

Let’s break down what real freedom is.

Passion + Lifestyle — the Hallow Trap

You’ve made a career in the profession you enjoy. Whether you work for someone or you’re an entrepreneur, you start out loving it.

Soon, debt owns you. Critics, your neighbours, and anyone you fear judgment from own your creativity. You’ve only two options. Perform to maintain your reputation. And play your accepted role to keep the brand you’ve built and income intact.

The boring performance isn’t even the worst part? When you’ve become known (even to a small community), people don’t appreciate your work as much. Buying your product. Working with you is a status symbol. Others, via an assortment of copycatism, use you for clout.

Societal Boxes — the Glistening Treadmill

You’re humble. You’re deserving. But there’s also a hint of insecurity. You believe you’ve got to work hard, prove your skill, and show you belong.

Accomplishments check boxes. Moments of shocking earnings are proof you’ve arrived at the heights of your career.

But it doesn’t feel enough.

One day, you’re asking GPT, “How to optimize your process? What opportunities have you been missing?” As if this path will lead to satisfaction.

Actual Freedom

Freedom is genuine happiness.

Welp, right? It’s when you make yourself happy by inspiring joy in others. It’s simple times. Enjoying and living through experiences. When to help your community wasn’t just about making the most in the least amount of hours. But you found joy and satisfaction in being of service to others. With the cash and unlimited vacation days being a bonus.

But if the look of having it all doesn’t match your emotional state, you aren’t living a life of freedom.

Freedom isn’t escape.

It’s a life you run towards. You’d choose it daily. So, a life of freedom doesn’t mean you’re wealthy or employed in a dream job. Instead, you love what you do. Plus, enjoy the company of the surrounding folk despite humanly moments of dispute.