
— Ronald Reagan
“Gaslighting” is when you psychologically manipulate someone into questioning their sanity.
You tell them what they see isn’t really what they see.
Or, as George Orwell predicted in his dystopian science fiction novel, 1984…You make them believe War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, and Ignorance is Strength.
I don’t think I’m going out on a limb when I say…we can all use a break from the lying, cheating, and manipulation that is so prevalent in society today.
That’s why in this post we are going to shine a bright light on the virtue of freedom and everything it represents.
Throughout history, people have fought, suffered for and some have even paid the ultimate price for causes in which they believe…
The emancipation of slavery, voting, women’s rights, apartheid, democracy, free speech, education, worker’s rights, prison reform, economic inequality, animal rights, gay rights, healthcare, religious freedom and even the right to die to name just a few.
It can be argued that one simple idea — the concept of freedom — has been the driving force of civilization and may be the most influential intellectual force the world has ever known.
Like most everything in life…
Freedom is a choice and with choice comes responsibility.
In my many years of coaching and consulting…
I’ve found that, in virtually every case, the decision to take on a challenge, to confront fear and to achieve important goals comes down to the desire for greater freedom in one’s life.
While many have difficulty putting it into words…
I assure you…the opportunity to enjoy and continually expand one’s personal freedom is what distinguishes high and low achievers.
That’s a point worth repeating…
The opportunity to enjoy and continually expand one’s personal freedom is what distinguishes high and low achievers.
WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO SUFFER FOR?
And once secured, it must be diligently protected at all costs.
We all were born into a culture that took generations to create. The people who came before us secured many of the freedoms you and I enjoy at the cost of great suffering and sacrifice.
Freedom, along with every goal you want to achieve, and every dream you want to manifest comes with a price tag.
There is no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to enjoying greater freedom and fulfillment..
To enjoy freedom and to achieve any goal…you must choose the suffering that’s right for you…you must accept that reality…you must embrace that truth…and then you must live with it every day of your life.
Unfortunately most people do not want to hear nor accept this truth, and I suppose that’s why the truth tends to be treated as a pinata…something people prefer to smack around.
HOWEVER…
The moment you choose not to continue to pay the price of freedom and success is the precise moment you choose to suffer the consequences of failure and regret which is the worst kind of suffering.
And…completely unnecessary.
Be mindful…the suffering cost of failure is ALWAYS HIGHER than the suffering price you must pay for freedom and success.
The following are examples of the suffering costs of failure:
If you lack financial discipline…
You will suffer the painful consequences of debt, poor credit and sleepless nights.
2. If you do not manage your diet…
You will suffer the painful cost of diabetes, poor fitting clothing and low self-esteem.
3. If you do not keep your promises…
You will suffer the painful loss of reputation, contaminated character and live your life being known as someone with an integrity deficit.
Sooner or later, each of us must come to the understanding that neither freedom nor success is free and that we either willingly choose to pay the price of success or by default, pay the cost of failure.
I have come to know intimately that the price of success is often more than people are willing to pay, but not more than they are capable of paying.
The following are examples of the suffering costs of freedom and success:
If you suffer the costs of disciplined spending and investing habits…
You enjoy peace of mind, early retirement, and most importantly…FINANCIAL FREEDOM.
2. If you suffer the costs of daily exercise and nutrition…
You get to enjoy a great physique, an exceptional quality of life, and…PHYSICAL FREEDOM.
3. If you suffer the cost of excellence, keeping your promises and honoring your commitments…
You will experience a stellar reputation, enhanced social capital and expanded career opportunities.
This allows you to enjoy a future filled with virtually unlimited personal freedoms.
Ultimately freedom is the result of maturity and personal mastery.
It derives from the rigorous, ongoing deployment of noble virtues to include… discipline, accountability, commitment, perseverance, ingenuity, and good old-fashioned hard-work to name just a few.
The greatest gift you can give yourself is the gift of freedom as with it… you have the wonderful opportunity to do something big, bold and beautiful with your life…and ultimately leave a legacy that’s much bigger than you!
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