We love to throw the word “independence” around—especially in America. It’s practically our national brand.
But look a little closer…because most people aren’t actually independent. Not even close.
Sure, you may be financially independent. You pay your bills, own a home (or two), support your family. Those are big achievements, but they comprise level one.
What about:
– Freedom from your phone’s dopamine loop?
– Freedom from compulsive stress or addiction to work?
– Freedom from needing to impress people who don’t even matter?
Even the most committed people I coach—those who wake up at 5 a.m., crush goals, and lead hundreds—skip their mindset practices on July 4th. Why? “It’s a holiday.” Time for ribs, beers, and mindless scrolling.
And that’s fine—unless you mistake that for freedom.
Independence isn’t just about money or mobility. It’s about sovereignty over your attention. It’s the ability to choose how you think, how you feel, and where you focus.
Financial freedom matters—and chances are, you’ve already earned it, whether you feel like it or not.
Mental and emotional freedom are rarer—but that’s where you actually feel the freedom you’ve worked so hard to create.
If you know you’re free—but don’t feel free—then it’s time to reclaim all dimensions of your independence.
Happy 4th,
Navin
P.S. Ask: where in my life have I outsourced my freedom?