The Freedom of Flexibility: Owning Who You Are and What You’re Good At

Part 3 in a 5-part series on Embracing a Mercenary Mindset

In "A Passion for Monday" I talk about the 4 Mistakes that Make People Hate Monday. Two of those 4 mistakes -- the Michael Jordan Mistake and the Bruce Jenner Mistake-- have to do with not owning who you are.

When we think about self-employment, our minds often jump to entrepreneurs and business owners – the go-getters who build companies from the ground up. But the truth is, you don’t have to be an entrepreneur in the traditional sense to take control of your career and achieve the freedom of flexibility. By embracing the mercenary mindset, you can own who you are and what you’re good at, creating a fulfilling and viable way of earning a living.

Breaking the Entrepreneurial Myth We’re often conditioned to believe that self-employment is reserved for those with big, bold ideas – the next tech startup or the revolutionary new product. But what if your strength lies in your skills, knowledge, and expertise? What if instead of going big, you focus on going deep – mastering your craft and offering it to those who need it most? You don’t have to build a massive empire to add value to the world. Sometimes, the greatest value comes from doing what you do best, on your terms.

Owning Your Unique Value Self-employment isn’t just for entrepreneurs; it’s for anyone ready to take ownership of their abilities and leverage them in the marketplace. You can position yourself as a sought-after expert by recognizing your unique value – whether it’s a specialized skill, deep industry knowledge, or a unique perspective. You become the go-to person for your specific niche, offering your services to multiple clients who value what you bring to the table.

Flexibility Without the Pressure You don’t need to be chasing venture capital or managing a team of employees to enjoy the freedom of self-employment. By adopting the mercenary mindset, you can work independently, set your schedule, and choose the projects that align with your strengths and passions. This approach allows you to maintain a healthy work-life balance while still making a meaningful impact.

Small Can Be Mighty You don’t have to go big to be great. Some of the most impactful work comes from individuals who focus on their strengths and deliver excellence in their field. By staying true to who you are and what you’re good at, you can build a career that’s both fulfilling and financially rewarding – without the pressure of scaling up or becoming the next big thing.

Conclusion The freedom of flexibility isn’t just for entrepreneurs – it’s for anyone willing to embrace who they are and what they’re good at. By adopting the mercenary mindset, you can create a career that’s uniquely yours, offering your expertise to those who need it most. You don’t have to go big to be great; you just have to be great at what you do. In the next post, we’ll dive into how you can define your niche, market yourself effectively, and establish a powerful personal brand that attracts the right clients and opportunities. Stay tuned!

Ryan Houmand is a Brand Evangelist, Speaker, Podcaster, Author, and Coach. He's the author of "A Passion for Monday", and the host of the "Love Monday Podcast" He's an employee engagement guru who helps teams and organizations "Love Monday just like Friday but for a Different Reason". He builds "Badass Bosses" in all industries to shape productive, engaging workgroups.