I was scrolling through social media the other day, and I stumbled upon a post that hit me like a ton of bricks. It said, “Most people don’t wont freedom; they want permission.” I paused, and that statement kept echoing in my head long after I’d closed the app.
You see, I’ve been in the trenches of entrepreneurship long enough to recognize a pattern. We all like to think we’re rebels at heart-those outliers who want to break free from the 9-to-5 chains and carve our own paths. But here’s the kicker: most people spend more time waiting for a sign, a mentor, or a permission slip than they do taking action.Think about it.
When I started my journey, I was hungry for freedom. I was that wide-eyed kid staring at the horizon, dreaming of a world where I called the shots. but deep down, I was paralyzed by fear. What if I failed? What if no one believed in my ideas? So instead of going after what I wanted, I found myself looking for someone to tell me I was allowed to pursue them. I was scrolling through entrepreneurial “how-to” videos, seeking validation from strangers. I craved the green light.
That’s when I realized: Permission can be the silent killer of ambition. It lures you in, makes you comfortable, and then quietly steals your time and energy. It’s in the voice of that well-meaning friend who says, “Are you sure you want to do that?” It’s in the online courses that promise knowledge but wrap you in a safety net that seldom leads to action.
Here’s the raw truth: Freedom requires courage, and courage is a muscle. Just like the gym,you can’t expect to lift heavy without putting in the work. It’s all about doing the reps.The moment I decided to ditch the idea of needing permission, my world shifted. I started listening to my instincts rather of seeking the approval of others. and yes, sometimes those instincts led me astray; I made terrible decisions, fun misadventures that set me back. But those were moments of growth. They carved out experience in ways that no permission slip ever could.
This isn’t just about entrepreneurship; it’s about life. How many of us sit on the sidelines and watch opportunities pass us by because we’re waiting for the perfect moment? There’s something profoundly freeing in taking the leap without first securing a safety net. I’ve talked to countless entrepreneurs who’ve experienced success simply because they acted-sometimes chaotically, sometimes imperfectly. Action breeds clarity.
when I think of my biggest breakthroughs, they didn’t come from a place of hesitation. They were birthed from chaos. When I launched my first venture, I didn’t have a detailed plan. I didn’t have a mentor holding my hand. I just knew I had something to offer, and I decided to throw it out there. The response? Mixed, to say the least. But amidst the doubts, there were sparks of interest. That kept me going.
I’ve also come to recognize the power of your surroundings. If you want to break free from the chains of needing permission, surround yourself with people who are doing the same. Find community,and if none exists,create one.The energy of like-minded individuals can be contagious. Their courage can inspire your own.
Let’s challenge this notion of permission a bit more. Why is it that we feel compelled to justify our dreams to others? Think of the last time someone told you that you couldn’t do something. did you take it at face value or did you rebel against it? Often, those naysayers are the very people who wouldn’t dare to take a risk themselves. Their fear breeds yours, and suddenly, you’re caught in a web of doubt that’s hard to escape.
This perspective shift is a game-changer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve faced internal battles over whether to pursue an idea. But when I finally asked myself, “Who says I can’t?” the shackles fell away.
Placing your value in the hands of others is a slippery slope. It saps your confidence and clogs your creativity. It keeps you in a box designed by someone else-a box that’s comfy but suffocating. Freedom doesn’t mean lack of constraints; it means you get to define those constraints for yourself.
As you sit through this reflection, I want to ask you something crucial: What are you not doing because you’re waiting for permission? Take a moment and sit with that. Let it simmer.Maybe it’s a side hustle that’s been festering in the back of your mind. Maybe it’s a conversation you’ve been putting off. Or perhaps it’s simply stepping into a version of yourself you’ve long ignored.
If you’re ready to shift your mindset, take that leap. Don’t ask for permission.Just dive in. The truth is you’ve got everything you need to navigate these waters already inside of you. The only permission slip you require is the one you write for yourself. and trust me, it’s time to sign it.