Freedom is often seen as the ability to do what you want, when you want.
But true freedom runs deeper than simply escaping daily responsibilities. It’s about creating a life where you’re free to pursue your passions, live authentically, and explore the world around you. Achieving this type of freedom requires a balance of discipline, self-awareness, and purposeful action.
Here are three steps to guide you toward living a truly free life.
1. Discipline for long-term freedom
Freedom and discipline might seem like opposites, but in reality, they go hand in hand.
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” — Jim Rohn
Discipline is the foundation that allows you to build the kind of life where you can explore your passions and live on your own terms. Without it, you’re likely to be trapped by short-term pleasures and distractions, which can prevent you from achieving your bigger goals.
Whether it’s sticking to a fitness routine, managing your finances, or pushing yourself through work challenges, discipline gives you the ability to control your impulses and stay focused on what matters most. This doesn’t mean life should be all work and no play; rather, it means making sacrifices in the short term to create the space for freedom in the long term.
For example, consistently working on a business or personal project can lead to the kind of financial and lifestyle freedom that allows you to travel, take time off, or engage in passions without worry.
Developing a disciplined mindset is crucial for achieving the freedom to live life fully.
2. Seek new experiences
True freedom is also about expanding your horizons and seeking out new experiences that challenge you to grow. This requires stepping outside your comfort zone, taking risks, and embracing the unknown. It can be by traveling to new places, trying something you’ve never done before, or pursuing an unconventional career path, taking bold steps will open doors to new opportunities.
Traveling and immersing yourself in different cultures, for example, can broaden your perspective and give you a deeper appreciation for the freedoms you have. Even smaller challenges — like taking on a new hobby, learning a skill, or pushing your physical limits — can contribute to a mindset that welcomes freedom rather than fears it.
Risk-taking also plays a crucial role in entrepreneurship. Starting a business or freelancing might feel daunting at first, but it can offer the ultimate freedom in the long run, allowing you to create a life that aligns with your passions. The key is to embrace the uncertainty, knowing that every experience helps you grow stronger and freer.
3. The Mantra “I’am me, I’am free”.
Freedom doesn’t just come from external circumstances. It’s equally about internal liberation — knowing who you are, what you value, and living in alignment with those truths.
Practicing self-awareness and staying true to yourself will lead to a life that feels fulfilling and meaningful, rather than one shaped by external pressures or societal expectations.
This means regularly checking in with yourself, identifying what makes you feel most alive, and making decisions based on your own desires rather than the expectations of others. Personal growth often requires reflection, especially in times of change or challenge. During these moments, taking the time to understand who you are and what you want allows you to move forward with clarity and confidence.
In the Episode 7th of our podcast Beyond The Hustle, Evert Van Der Maas talk about the mantra “I am me, I am free” which captures the essence of living authentically. Embracing who you are and acting in line with your values, will unlock a kind of internal freedom that no external circumstance can take away.
This type of self-acceptance is key to achieving a truly free life, where you make choices based on what you genuinely want, rather than feeling bound by what others think.
