Write your own Declaration of Independence

It's your day to declare independence.

As the United States enters into celebrating the Independence Day holiday, it's only natural to reflect on what that independence means. Instead of writing about the Independence of the country where I live and potentially causing a political uproar, what follows will be a call for you to declare independence - in your career, life, or wherever it might be necessary. It is time to write your own Declaration of Independence.

This document is for you and likely no one else. It will give you purpose and strength in how you choose to operate. You should not send this off to your boss, nor should you publish this on the open internet or nail it to any doors.

If you are brave enough, you can access a downloadable workbook to help you build your Declaration of independence. You can access the download here - https://outsmartchaos.gumroad.com/l/Independence.

The structure is modeled after the US Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4th, 1776. If you'd like to read it, you can do so in the US National archives here.

First, declare who you are

You have unique skills and a purpose for your life. As you've navigated to get to where you are today, you likely know some elements of who you are and who you are not. You may have yet to give yourself a named purpose. Who are you? Who are you outside your work title or whatever else you've used to provide yourself with identity? This is your unanimous declaration of who you are.

Articulate your values

What truths do you find in your life that have become your theme? How do these values show up to serve others? How do these values help define who you are? How do these values affect the way you see the world around you?

List out the issues

Next, in bullet form, list out all of the major things that complicate your ability to live out the values that define who you are. Included in this list should be the following:

• Your internal limiting beliefs about who you are
• Items that attempt to define you or override your definition of yourself
• Specific items from others that have become patterns of behavior that limit your ability to be you successfully.

Identify your responses

Assess how you've responded to the issues. Focus your commentary on how you've applied your values to these issues and how your response has been received. Once you have completed a list of the problems and how you've responded, look for any themes in the issues and responses that need to be better understood. If necessary, go back and reassess your values, the problems, and your answers until you feel that the document is directionally correct.

Restate with confidence who you are

Finally, this is your chance to explain who you are and why you are unique. You affirm freedom from the issues and have shown how you already have responded to support your values. Aim for at least two paragraphs. You are declaring your independence to be who you are.

As you navigate your future, there likely will be a great deal of disorder and ambiguity. To succeed, you must know who you are and declare independence over the things limiting your ability to move forward unencumbered.

Have a great Independence Day weekend. Enjoy reflecting on the unalienable rights we share and the Declaration of Independence you will write.