I’ve had the great opportunity to travel, live, and work in over 40 countries around the world.

In many, it was a matter of open (read: violent) debate about what country I was actually in. A few had reached a stopping point in their debate. In some cases, that meant some kind of independence was achieved. For others, independence was denied. For still others, it was merely a pause. A time to lick wounds before rejoining the battle.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Many people, if not most, yearn to be free.
• Freedom is very messy.
• Freedom is so messy that some people start to wish that things weren’t so free.
• There is always someone willing to grant that wish and tell them what to do.
• Many people, if not most, return to yearning to be free.

Freedom

I’ve learned that freedom comes more from within than without.

I’ve seen men and women living under violent, totalitarian governments who walked and lived with their heads held high. Dignity in their eyes.

I’ve seen men and women living under tolerant, pluralistic governments who were trapped within themselves. Resentment or shame masking their face.

Freedom is less about someone else’s rules and more about the willingness to assume self-responsibility.

The more I expect or demand from others – the less freedom I have. The more responsibility for myself and my situation I accept – the freer I have become.

Opportunity

I’ve learned that opportunity is about perspective.

Yes, if you want to get academic about it, laws around property and land rights matter. More than most appreciate. Economic structures do too.

But many people who’ve been given or offered opportunity either waste it, can’t recognize it, or don’t have the confidence to pursue it.

Others, who came from little and had less, chose to prepare for and seize opportunity. They recognized it, pursued it, treasured it, and stewarded it.

That comes from within.

I’m Grateful

For all of the very real ways the United States should still grow and improve, I’m grateful for what we have. What we experience is unique and rare.

For all of the histrionics and hyperbole that political antagonists engage in: We are a resilient, strong, and great country.

Most immigrants that I meet immediately understand what I’m talking about (I talk to a lot of Lyft and Uber drivers!). There is a reason they left family and familiarity. They wanted and found freedom and opportunity.

I wish more Americans were able to appreciate this.

Reflections on Independence

• What are you grateful for right now?
• How free do you allow yourself to be? What is the most important change you could make to create more freedom?
• What is the greatest opportunity in front of you right now? What is one thing you could do to pursue or retain that opportunity?

Happy Fourth!

Christian

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗻 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘽𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝘁.

Be prepared for a smooth transition in the event of an unplanned emergency succession. My guide will show you step-by-step how to devise your own plan.

Download my free guide here.

Free Leadership Resources

Whether you are a new CEO, thinking of succession or exit, or wanting to strengthen your leadership and your team, I’ve got resources to help:

New CEOs

Succession or exit planning

Enhancing your leadership skills

Improving company performance 

Are you interested in learning more about becoming a successful CEO? If so, get a free copy of my book The Successful New CEO. Not a new CEO? I’ve been told by “old hands” that they felt any CEO should read this. So, click here to get your copy today.

Let’s connect.

I’m passionate about helping leaders to create workplaces they love going to and increasing the value of the services they offer. My results-oriented approach is tailored to each client’s specific situation and needs.  As a leadership coach, I have developed a wealth of resources to help you and your team grow and become stronger.

Weekly Newsletter – sign up to receive my weekly articles addressing critical leadership challenges and issues.

The Leadership Coach Podcast – In my podcast, we explore effective, high-impact, and enjoyable leadership. Subscribe.

There are 𝟭𝟮 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 to ask before accepting a new CEO position. Do you know what they are?  Instantly download my free e-book here.

Find the value of your company with my free assessment tool: The Value Builder System

The Value Builder System™ is a 13-minute online questionnaire that evaluates your business on the eight factors that contribute more to its attractiveness and value. These factors are scored on a scale of 1-100. Businesses that score over 80 are likely to command 70%-100% higher value than others.

Opportunities

Executive and Leadership Coaching: Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you not getting the results you expect from the effort you are putting in? Do you find yourself facing similar challenges time and time again? Would you like to change specific ways of relating or reacting? If you would like to experience predictable, measurable growth Contact me.

Profitable Exit Strategy Workshop: Are you a business owner or partner? Over 55? Starting to think about exiting your business or active management in the next 3-5 years?

• Curious about what your business might be worth?
• Would you like to discover the specific steps you need to take to increase its value and become highly attractive to a buyer?
• Are you planning on handing it over to family or employees and you want to ensure long-term success?

If so, contact me now