Freedom Is Yours. Are You Claiming It?
One of the statements from my most recent No Cry Zone podcast generated far more conversation than I expected:
Reluctance is relentless. It does not respect your goals.
No one really argued with it.
In fact, one longtime listener replied, “I just wish it wasn’t so.”
I understand that reaction. We all wish our good intentions counted for more. We wish our dreams carried enough weight that reluctance would simply step aside and let us pursue them.
It doesn’t work that way.
Reluctance never says, “Well, that’s a really worthwhile goal. I’ll leave you alone.”
It doesn’t care whether you want to write a book, start a business, repair a relationship, lose weight, become healthier, or simply become more authentic.
It keeps asking the same questions.
“Maybe tomorrow?”
“Are you sure?”
“What if people don’t like it?”
“Wouldn’t it be easier to wait?”
Reluctance is relentless.
It does not respect your goals.
Another question I hear fairly often comes from people who know I spent many years as a corporate executive.
They notice that Reflection Power Day falls on March 31, UnReluctance Day on June 30, Maximum Momentum Day on September 30, and then Maximum Momentum Month begins October 1.
They smile and ask, “You never really got away from that quarterly corporate calendar, did you?”
Actually, that’s not why I chose those dates.
I chose them because I believe ninety days is enough time for meaningful change.
A week isn’t long enough.
A year is often too long to stay focused.
But ninety days? That’s enough time – plenty of time – to build momentum, develop better habits, and prove to yourself that you’re capable of far more than you imagined.
Our personal development cycle is intentional.
March 31 is reflection.
June 30 is overcoming reluctance.
September 30 is maximizing momentum.
October is sustaining it.
Then, as the year winds down, we prepare for New Year’s Evolution Day by reflecting on what we’ve become and deciding who we want to become next.
I’ve watched people make remarkable progress by following that rhythm.
There is another reason I especially like June 30.
It sits just before the Fourth of July.
In the United States, Independence Day reminds us of – it celebrates – freedom.
But there is a profound difference between having freedom and making the most of your freedom.
Many people possess tremendous freedom, yet never fully exercise it.
They don’t say what they believe.
They don’t pursue what matters most.
They don’t become who they were capable of becoming.
Why?
Often because of social pressure.
I’ve spoken extensively about social pressure, and I’ll continue to do so. It’s one of the greatest forces shaping our decisions.
But today I’d like to amend my earlier statement.
It has become even more complete in my own thinking.
Reluctance is relentless.
It does not respect your goals.
And it does not recognize your freedom.
Freedom gives you permission.
Reluctance tries to convince you not to use it.
Every meaningful life is built one courageous decision at a time.
Not because reluctance disappeared.
But because someone finally decided that their freedom mattered more than their hesitation.
Aspire.
Exercise Your Freedom.
Come Upwards With Us™
