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We often think of freedom as the ability to do whatever we want, whenever we want, without restrictions. But the truth is, true freedom is more nuanced than that.
Yes, we’re free to think, feel, and act in any way we choose. But every action has consequences. It’s a basic principle we all learned in school, thanks to Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This law applies not just to objects in motion, but to our lives, and especially to leaders. Yet, how many of us truly apply this concept to our daily choices?
Freedom isn't about avoiding responsibility. It’s not about indulging in immediate desires without considering the long-term impact on ourselves, others, or the world around us. Every decision ripples outward, affecting people and circumstances beyond our immediate sight. What we do today shapes our tomorrow.
GRIT: The Path to True Freedom
Freedom isn’t just an abstract idea—it’s something we earn through intentional living (i.e. having accountability). In my experience as a leadership development coach, I’ve found that GRIT—Generosity, Respect, Integrity, and Truth—is the foundation for real freedom. To be genuinely free, we must start by embracing our Truth. And true freedom begins with self-awareness.
The Illusion of Being Trapped
Too often, I see people feeling stuck in their lives. They feel like they can't speak their minds or be their authentic selves. They suppress their emotions, avoid conflict, and vent their frustrations on others. Whether it’s complaining about their job, their partner, the political landscape, or society at large, these people feel trapped by circumstances.
But here's the truth: They’re much closer to freedom than they realize. In fact, they might only need a shift in perspective to begin breaking free from the negativity and frustration that holds them back.
Freedom Is About Choice
At the core of freedom is choice. It's about the power we have to decide how we respond to the events that come our way—whether we’ve set them in motion or not. When I began to understand this, it was difficult at first, but eventually, I started to find joy in catching myself when I slipped into negativity. I realized that this self-awareness was a crucial step toward ending the cycle of frustration. The key? The power to choose how we respond.
But here’s the catch: we can't make intentional choices if we aren’t self-aware. We must first understand our thoughts, feelings, and motivations. And that awareness comes from accepting our truth.
The Key to Freedom: Taking Ownership as a Leader
The path to true freedom lies in taking ownership of our actions—and our reactions. We can't blame others for where we are, nor can we ignore the impact our choices have on our lives and the lives of others.
Taking ownership as a leader means fully embracing responsibility for your decisions, actions, and their outcomes. It’s about leading with integrity, acknowledging both successes and failures, and empowering your team through accountability—creating a culture of trust, growth, and shared purpose.
Ask yourself:
Are you taking things personally?
Are you complaining or blaming others?
Are you numbing your feelings with distractions like TV, social media, or even substances?
These are signals that we’re not fully embracing our freedom. We’re avoiding the responsibility that comes with it. To unlock true freedom, we need to face these questions head-on, take responsibility for our choices, and begin applying the principles of GRIT.
GRIT: The Framework for Self-Discovery and Empowerment
1. Truth
Start with self-awareness. Accept where you are right now. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. Are they aligned with your values? Are they true? If you’re complaining, blaming, or taking things personally, it’s time to pause and reflect. Self-awareness allows you to identify what’s happening beneath the surface, and to see the impact of your choices. From there, you can choose more consciously.
2. Integrity
Take ownership of your actions. Your choices matter, and they impact both yourself and others. Living with integrity means aligning your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with what you truly want. Integrity empowers you to lead with purpose and make decisions that support your long-term happiness.
3. Respect
Respect begins with yourself. Nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Sleep, eat well, exercise, and practice self-reflection. When you respect yourself, it becomes easier to respect others. Don’t assume you know what anyone else is thinking, feeling, or doing. As my grandmother used to say, “Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see.” This includes the assumptions we make about ourselves and our circumstances.
4. Generosity
Be generous, but not at the cost of your well-being. Give freely and authentically, but also allow yourself to receive. Generosity flows best when it’s genuine, not driven by guilt or ulterior motives. This applies not just to your interactions with others, but also in how you treat yourself.
The Freedom You Seek Is Yours
True freedom isn’t about escaping responsibility or avoiding difficult emotions. It’s about taking full ownership of your choices and your reactions. It’s about being honest with yourself and others, living in alignment with your values, and understanding the impact of your decisions.
The freedom you seek is not outside of you. It’s within—waiting for you to claim it.
By embracing GRIT and taking responsibility for your choices, you’ll not only unlock a life of purpose and fulfillment, but you’ll also lead with authenticity and confidence.
Conclusion: Accepting the Full Spectrum of Being Human
Personal accountability as a leader means owning your blunders and missteps, learning from them, and consistently holding yourself to a high standard of integrity and performance. It does not mean that you won't make mistakes or encounter difficult circumstances. But by embracing all aspects of the human experience without judgment or denial, you will be on the path to freedom and fulfillment, personally and professionally.
Freedom is living the life you want, not the life you think others expect of you. It’s about enjoying the journey, accepting both the highs and the lows, and taking responsibility for your role in creating the life you desire. When you step into your truth, embrace your responsibility, and live with GRIT, you unlock the ultimate freedom—freedom from negativity, from fear, and from the limits you’ve placed on yourself.
True freedom is not just an idea—it’s a way of living. And it starts with you.
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