What Works: Claim Your Independence

Today, we are celebrating the birth of our country and the freedoms we enjoy within it. Yet, today I feel pulled to ask you to go a little deeper. I find myself grateful, every Fourth of July, for the freedom I allow myself to have. No matter what is swirling around me, my independence, what I do, is my call.

My choices can either open my world up or close the whole business. I challenge you today to not only appreciate the freedoms you have been granted by outside forces. I challenge you to examine the inner forces which keep you free: courage, bravery, trust, love, hope, and responsibility. These fearless six traits open your life up to increase your experience.

Courage: I have a little formula for courage I have spoken about on stage.

CO = Call it out. Make your intention known. I want to (fill in the blank with your desire here).

U = Understand. Understand that anything worth having takes effort. One of the biggest flaws in The Secret is the lack of action behind the intention and affirmation. Understanding there is going to be some work, and yes, some struggle, will help you embrace everything that comes.

RA = Really Act. Take action. Don’t get stuck in a planning or learning cycle. There’s a time for the research to stop and the action to begin.

GE = Get Excited. Get excited about what you are doing. 1/3 of courage is in being your own cheerleader. There’s nothing wrong with pulling out the pom poms for yourself.

Bravery: There is a difference between bravery and false bravado. Bravery is looking the circumstances in the face, realizing them for what they are, and making a conscious choice to face them. Bravado is turning the brain off and jumping in. Keep your awareness and choose consciously to face your challenges.

Trust: Trust enables courage and bravery. This is trust of self, others, and whatever you believe in outside of yourself. If you have trouble trusting, you may find that trouble creeping up in your career or business. Allow yourself to trust and you free yourself.

Love: The opposite of fear is love. If you fear a person and their behavior. Love them and have empathy for what they must have been through. If you fear a situation, entertain the maybes of it with love. A lot of freedom reducing procrastination is brought on by lack of love (love of the project, self-love, or love of something else that feels more pressing). Apply love and see it all warm up.

Hope: Allow yourself to really believe that your freedom is possible. I had once lost hope. I didn’t believe my situation was changeable so I stayed in it. Once I had a glimmer of hope, a possibility, everything else was possible. I want to tell you this. If you are lacking hope this fourth of July, talk to someone and get perspective on the hope that exists for you. Often things are darkest before the dawn and the sky is most quiet before the fireworks.

Responsibility: Freedom is not reckless. Yes, tonight you can party hard. But to keep your freedom, responsibility is necessary. Don’t drink or use newly legalized marijuana and drive. And don’t get into a car with anyone who is doing that and driving. Freedom stays intact for those who are responsible and take the well-being of themselves and others into account. Don’t be one who loses your freedom while celebrating it tonight.
Whatever you do, whoever you do it with, have a happy Fourth of July. I am spending part of my day at Sheridan Creek Equestrian Center expanding my freedom by taking some horseback riding lessons. I know how to ride. But I let lack of courage keep me away from horses for a long time. That’s a story for another day.

Your challenge this week is to find your inner freedom. If you need help doing that with your career or business, I am always here. Schedule 30 minutes with me free of charge at www.whatworkscoaching.com
Now go celebrate!

LEARN AND GROW





Ongoing: Motivation Monday with Diane Dye Hansen at Adams Hub for Innovation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Up to two free 30-minute face to face sessions. Email grow@adamshub.com to schedule an appointment).
July 12, 2017: Entrepreneurs Assembly at Adam’s Hub for Innovation, inside The Studio. 5:30 pm, free mastermind group.



September 18-20, 2017: Workshop: “Success After Abuse: Empowering Women to Assert Themselves After Leaving an Abusive Relationship” - Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence Conference, Atlantis Casino and Resort, Reno.

Schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with Diane any time at whatworkscoaching.com.

What Works Coaching

Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, an individual and organizational coaching and consulting firm based in Carson City. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino. She is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.