Freedom can be a dynamic thing.

I would know because it’s one of my top core values. It’s something that drives a lot of my decision making. Freedom is what I’m usually optimizing for.

At the time of this writing, I’m leaving Boston, Massachusetts – arguably the birthplace of freedom for the United States. I’ve been immersed in learning more about the historical events that led to the freedom of the country I currently live in.

I’m sensing a better understanding and appreciation of freedom as a US citizen. The humans who fought for US freedom from Great Britain were valiant. Without promoting any specific beliefs or political views, I think they demonstrated courage and integrity. I think they modeled the culture that we still [generally] honor in America today.

To that extent, I’m also inquiring deeper into freedom and what it really means to me.

What exactly is freedom?

Here’s the traditional definition:

The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.

That’s pretty similar to how I define freedom.

  1. Freedom to design my days and overall lifestyle.
  2. Freedom to invest and optimize time with my family and friends.
  3. Freedom to travel, seek adventure and explore the world.
  4. Freedom to work when I want, how I want, on projects that give me energy.
  5. Freedom to speak my truth and embody my fullest expression, without governance or someone to dictate my actions.

Freedom drives a lot of the WHY behind my actions. I’ve created a life centered around freedom in many ways. With intentional planning and action, I’ve experienced a lot of freedom.

In some ways, freedom is everything to me.

I’m grateful for the freedom I’ve created, realized and continue to experience. I’ve worked hard to earn this freedom. I still work hard to protect it.

And to be clear, I am also grateful for the freedoms as a US citizen.

However, there is a difference between the general freedoms you’re granted as a citizen of a society – vs – the personal freedoms you experience.

I’ve experienced personal freedoms by taking action to create a better life that I believed in.

Freedom is a Choice

At the end of the day, I believe you have freedom in every moment.

Why?

Because you have choice in every moment. You have an opportunity to take action on what you believe in.

We all have that power.

I decide how free I really am by my actions. I always will, and so will you.

If you don’t agree with me that’s totally fine. But take a moment to pause and consider if you really have a choice? Challenge your thinking. Ask yourself:

“Do I have a choice in this moment?”

Chances are you do.

It might not be the easiest choice. It may not be the most comfortable, practical or possible choice. It could require extraordinary effort and action.

It might even require radical action.

Radical Action

Our greatest freedom is often connected to radical action, which is doing things that most humans won’t do. Radical action often comes with challenges, discomfort, uncertainty and letting go of attachments.

That’s why most of us don’t take radical action.

For example –

You don’t like the government of your country. Cool, then move.

Oh, you don’t want to move because…

  • It’s hard to relocate and find a new home, new work, new friends, etc.
  • You’re comfortable in your current home and environment.
  • You’re attached to family and a certain social life.

You likely won’t move because you’re not willing to take radical action, but let’s be clear, you do have the choice to move.

You don’t like your job. No problem, quit and find a new one.

Oh, you don’t want to do that because…

  • It’s hard to find a better job or start your own business.
  • You’re comfortable with the role and compensation.
  • You’re attached to the steady income and financial certainty.

You won’t let go of your job because you aren’t willing to take radical action, but you do have the choice to find a new job, at any moment.

You don’t like the way you look and feel. Great, then make some changes.

Oh, you don’t want to do that because…

  • It’s hard to prioritize time to work on yourself.
  • You’re more comfortable with the couch, unhealthy food, screens and “feel good” dopamine hits.
  • You’re attached to the familiar habits and feelings.

You won’t likely change because you aren’t willing to take radical action, but you do have the choice to change, today.

Sounds pretty trivial… right? So what’s the point?

  • What if some changes could give you greater health and vitality?
  • What if a new job could give you greater purpose and fulfillment?
  • What if a new home could give you a greater sense of joy and freedom?

That’s what I really took home from my trip to Boston. The humans that fought for our country and its liberties didn’t just change the course of history. They didn’t just establish freedom.

  • They embraced extreme discomfort and uncertainty.
  • They made really hard choices with severe potential consequences.
  • They let go of a pretty good life for a much greater life.
Most importantly, they took radical action on their beliefs.

That’s what real freedom [and life] is all about. Standing up for what you really believe in. Navigating some discomfort and uncertainty with courage. Making the hard choices for the easy, better life.

If you’re not taking radical action on what you believe in, where is your freedom?

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Ali Jafarian

Ali is a creator, seeker and explorer who's energized by guiding people to their truth. He's a family man, entrepreneur, conscious technologist, podcast host and many other things that inspire him to stay curious and learn. He's a strong advocate for nature, adventure, self discovery and testing human capacity.