Freedom: A Personal Story

I remember staring out the window as a restless eight years old, yearning to explore beyond the confines of the boundaries' my parents were providing. That need for freedom has always been a part of me, a fire that fueled every decision I've made. With a psychology background I am always fascinated by human behavior, I've delved into various personality assessments, each piece of the puzzle revealing more about my need for autonomy.

My Myers-Briggs type, ENTJ, paints a picture of a visionary leader, a mere 2% of the population. This sets me apart, but it also means others don't always resonate with my direct, "get things done" approach. This is where understanding my "Quick Start" nature from the Kolbe A assessment comes in. It explains my tendency to juggle countless ideas, which, if left unchecked, can lead to chaos. Learning to manage this energy has been key to avoiding burnout and achieving sustainable progress.

I think of StrengthsFinder as my personal cheerleader. It highlights my "Strategic" mind, my unwavering "Self-Assurance," and my ability to build strong relationships ("Relator"). Combined with my "Futuristic" outlook and healthy dose of "Competition," these traits drive me to seek a team that complements my strengths.

But the assessment that truly resonated with me is the Predictive Index (PI). It classified me as a "Maverick." Now, that label isn't for everyone, but for me, it's a badge of honor. I thrive on challenges, the ability to influence, and the freedom from rigid controls. A traditional 9-to-5 just wouldn't fly. I need the flexibility to innovate and chase my ideas, wherever they may lead.

This need for freedom extends to my communication style, which can be, well, forceful. It reflects my drive, but I'm constantly working on balancing it with a sharper eye for detail. Ultimately, understanding my need for freedom has been a liberating journey, leading me to gravitate towards leadership roles where I can set my own pace and standards.

But freedom isn't a solo flight. I believe in extending this autonomy to others, recognizing that it manifests differently for everyone. While some thrive on structure, I offer my team flexibility and trust in their abilities, with a balance of realizing we all have different values and beliefs.

As the Fourth of July approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on a different kind of freedom – the one we create for ourselves. The philosophical debate about free will is fascinating, but for me, freedom is about having the power to exercise our skills and make conscious choices.

Have you ever felt trapped in a situation that stifled your true potential? What did you or are you going to do about it?

Remember, freedom isn't just a word, it's an emotion and it is a fundamental human desire. It's the exhilarating rush of soaring through life like a bird finally released from its cage. What steps can you take today to reclaim your freedom in a specific area of your life? Start small, dream big, and never stop chasing your authentic self.

Ginger W. Craddock ? Rob Friday Judith Wierman GPHR, MBA Sarah Pike what are your thoughts?

Happy Forth of July. May freedom ring through your hearts.