This will be a short newsletter, but I wanted to share some quick thoughts about sovereignty.
I have been thinking a lot about sovereignty.
I am surprised it does not appear more in the groups I follow on X and Instagram.
It is difficult for me to write about because I definitely do not have sovereign control over all aspects of my life.
I am not an expert in this space, but since it is one of the goals I have set for myself, I can at least write about the subject in hopes of prompting a more extensive discussion.
We often talk about being disciplined, working hard, and being consistent to become successful. But I often question whether success is the ultimate goal or whether sovereignty in your personal life is the actual goal. Are these items the same? Are the differences? Are they complementary things?
“Personal sovereignty is about taking full responsibility for your life and your actions. It’s about being the master of your own fate and the captain of your own soul.” – Ryan Michler
Sovereignty
You can be successful but still not have sovereignty over your life.
My definition of sovereignty revolves around individuals’ ability to govern their own lives, make independent decisions, and pursue their goals and dreams without external coercion or pressure.
A sovereign individual would live according to their values and principles without feeling external pressure.
There is an extreme level of autonomy and self-determination with a sovereign person.
An example of this would be living according to your values and making career or life choices based on your own beliefs instead of what society or the people around you expect. You would also have the financial independence to make decisions freely.
What I like about sovereignty is that it is more process/system-oriented than goal-oriented. It is a set of systems that emphasize control over one’s life and the decisions one makes.
When most people think about sovereignty, they focus on the financial side.
Financial success can significantly contribute to personal sovereignty.
There are other factors to consider.
Personal sovereignty is really about having control over your own life.
It is about making independent decisions and pursuing your goals and dreams without external influence or restriction.
Here are some aspects to consider:
Financial Independence: Financial success helps you become sovereign because it provides the means to support oneself without relying on others. Financial independence, or freedom, allows you to make choices that align with your values and desires. The most basic example is your typical nine-to-five job. Your company may have values that do not align with yours. Because you are financially dependent on your company, you are not free from financial pressures and probably are not able to express your values freely without concern of losing your job.
Freedom of Choice: With sufficient financial resources, individuals have more options in terms of career, living conditions, education, and lifestyle. This freedom of choice is a key component of personal sovereignty, and I often talk about it in my other blog posts. With financial means, you can pay others to work on things around the house, like cutting the lawn, doing the laundry, and cooking meals that take time away from the things you truly value. Increased financial freedom would allow you to work remotely, spending time in different countries throughout the year.
Security and Stability: Financial stability can reduce stress and uncertainty. Money might not buy you happiness, but it would lessen any worry about paying the bills. Again, having some financial freedom allows you to focus on personal growth and self-improvement. It provides a safety net that can protect against unforeseen circumstances.
However, it is about more than just the financial aspect. Personal sovereignty also includes:
Self-Discipline and Responsibility: Imagine being free from the external and toxic influence of others. Managing your own life requires discipline and a sense of responsibility. Financial success alone does not guarantee these qualities. You can have all the money in the world and be an undisciplined mess, creating chaos in your life and everyone around you. This could create conflict and problems that bring unwanted outside control into your life. Discipline is critical not only for your success but also for your sovereignty. It must be cultivated through personal effort and commitment.
Personal Growth and Fulfillment: Imagine focusing on your true purpose daily. True sovereignty involves pursuing passions and interests that provide personal fulfillment. This is also something that money cannot buy. It takes effort, focus, and dedication to find your life purpose. That is why a fast road to riches does not always create sovereignty. The experiences you have along the way help guide you to your true purpose in life. Sovereignty through personal growth and fulfillment can include creative endeavors, relationships, and contributions to the community.
Ethical and Moral Alignment: Making decisions that align with your ethical and moral beliefs is crucial for personal sovereignty. Consider a life enslaved to values you do not believe in or persecuted or canceled because of them. Imagine having unbridled freedom in your actions and lifestyle aligned to your values.
This was a very short article; I would love to hear more from my readers.
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If you want to have a deeper discussion about this subject contact The Day Warrior.
