What It Takes To Be Free

by Darius Foroux

Without core values we’re aimless.

“When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” ― Ralph Ellison

To be truly free, you have to put your own wellbeing first. But instead, we think we need to be kind, nice, and self-sacrificing.

To care about other people’s expectations is a sure way to end up resentful.

You and I both know that all growth comes from pain. I’ve never met a person who achieved something great, was happy, free, or made a big breakthrough, that didn’t experience pain along the way.

To grow, you must do hard things.

We can do anything we want with this moment. But we don’t use that power.

“Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire.” — Epictetus

There’s nothing greater or nobler than freedom. That means everything you give up has less worth than freedom. And only a stupid person trades something of value for something that’s worth less.

when you do uncomfortable things, you will grow.

You become physically stronger by putting stress on your body. You become mentally and emotionally stronger by enduring hurt, sadness, grief, and loneliness.

If you commit yourself to growth and to improving your life, career, business, and relationships, you’re going to suffer. Nothing comes free.

Your relationship will die if you don’t invest time, love, and energy in it. It’s the same for your career, business, and job. There’s someone else, right now, ready to take your spot.

Growth hurts whether you are a beginner or pro. And there’s nothing you can do about it to make it easier. You simply have to commit and go through the pain. Because on the other side, you will find freedom.

“Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you.” — Ovid

Love means accepting people for who they are.

It’s not the “strong” who survive, it’s those who are the most adaptable.

Let anger serve a purpose. Sometimes it’s helpful. But mostly, it merely destroys your lust for life.

Regardless of how bad life is at times, these moments always pass. Time moves in one direction. And even the worst times are not here to stay.

“Through discipline comes freedom.” —Aristotle

Spend more time with your spouse than your co-workers. Get to know your siblings on a deeper level. Choose two or three friends to spend your time with. Love your family. The people you see every day should get your highest priority.

Never sacrifice your own mental well-being for others. Treat yourself like you treat someone you love.

What hurts more? The temporary pain of loneliness and disappointing people, or being unfree for a lifetime?

“Always plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.” — Richard Cushing

You earn money by generating value.

“Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” ― Warren Buffett

Be prepared for anything, have no expectations, and make the best out of every situation.