Having the freedom to do what you want is one of the greatest blessings of life. The ability to make your own decisions, pursue your passions and interests, and live life on your own terms is a privilege that many people around the world do not have. Having more freedom can make you feel more empowered and in control of your life. You can make choices and decisions that align with your goals and values, that motivate you. But with this freedom you will be more aware of the consequences of your decisions knowing the direct impact on your life and the life of others. This could be challenging as you become more self-aware and honest about your own shortcomings and mistakes. With freedom, you are more inclined to take risks and push boundaries. While taking risks can lead to personal and professional growth and development, with risk you may be more prone to make mistakes and engage in risky behaviours. As a result, it is important to approach your newly found freedom with a sense of awareness and enjoyment so that you can make the most of your opportunities while also remaining grounded and responsible.
The negative impact on individuals and society from your freedom to do whatever you want results from these negative behaviours:
Þ Selfishness and Lack of Concern for Others: When prioritising your own desires and needs over those of others like an extramarital affair, it leads to a lack of empathy and concern causing relationship conflict, tension, and a lack of trust.
Þ Lack of Self-Control and Discipline: Behaviours such as overeating, overspending, and drug or alcohol abuse can have negative consequences on your physical and mental health, personal and professional relationships.
Þ Lack of Responsibility and Accountability: You may not feel responsible for the consequences of your action when lying, cheating, or stealing leading to a lack of accountability for your decisions negatively impacting your partner, client, employees, friends, or citizens.
Þ Lack of Structure and Order in Society: You may decide not to abide by the set of rules and guidelines that everyone must follow. This leads to chaos and disorder, unsafe driving, pollution, and noise pollution harming the environment and creating unpleasant living experiences for everyone.
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Þ Lack of Purpose and Direction in Your Life: This leads to feelings of emptiness and a lack of motivation to achieve personal goals. This lack of direction can be particularly harmful for young people who are still figuring out their place in the world.
it is important to recognise the potential negative impacts of freedom and strive to balance individual freedom with responsibility and accountability for your actions. Freedom is often seen as a positive value in society, something that everyone desires and works towards. Having more freedom to do what you want can give you the ability and power to:
Þ Pursue Your Passions and Interests
Þ Choose How You Spend Your Time and Resources
Þ Save Money
Þ Build Stronger Relationships
Þ Develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-confidence
Þ Have a More fulfilling and meaningful life overall
“You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choice.” Stephen Covey
Having the freedom to do what you want does not necessarily guarantee financial success or fun. It still requires hard work, dedication, and smart decision-making to achieve your goals. However, having the freedom to pursue your passions and interests can provide a sense of purpose and motivation that can help you overcome challenges and achieve success in the long run with greater fulfilment and happiness in your life.
Whether you choose to pursue your passions, start your own business, or take advantage of opportunities to save money, having the ability to make your own decisions and live life on your own terms is a powerful and asset that should not be taken for granted. Use it wisely and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Being free to do whatever you want can have its negative impact. As a result, it is important to recognise the potential negative impact of freedom and strive to balance individual freedom with responsibility and accountability for your actions.
“Freedom is not doing everything you want to.
Freedom is not having to do what you don’t want to do.” Joyce Meyers
