Autonomy is about being able to live your life completely on your own terms. I do not advocate disobeying the law however, just putting that out there. :)
Autonomy is also, one of the characteristics of an individual who is set on achieving a balanced life and self-actualization. Tough times are ahead for anybody who has such a goal, so here are 5 steps to be aware of whilst creating an autonomous lifestyle.
Step #1: Making The Decision
Wanting to achieve an autonomous lifestyle is a unique form of lifestyle design. The individual understands the benefits of taking responsibility over their own lives, and begins developing a stronger internal locus of control.
You Don’t Want The Future of Your Life To Be In The Hands of Another Individual
Step #2: Changing of Beliefs
The most important part of this post (potentially), is this: you must Change Your Beliefs, so that they will benefit you, rather than work against you. You are trying to instil empowering beliefs that will help you along the way towards autonomy. By doing this, you can harness the power of the ancient forces of the universe – and it’s your interpretation of these forces, that will guide you towards success.
Step #3: New Environment – New Friends
You knew it was coming. This isn’t particularly mandatory, however it would be incredibly beneficial if you could create a support network of close friends and family, who will support you on your quest.
As your beliefs, priorities, wants and needs change – you may find that your current friendship group is not the one that you wish to be in. There is also a very good chance that your newly found goals and dreams will clash with the people you care about.
Whilst it’s important to take the opinions of those close to you into consideration, the selfishness of this goal is somewhat necessary. Whether that be travelling to every country and creating businesses abroad, or experiencing every kind of food from a variety of cultures – your dream is yours to make, and they shouldn’t be held back by the people you love.
Step #4: Deciding What To Do
This step is very hard because most of us are not used to living autonomously. Strange I know! We come in to work at a particular time because we have to – not because we want to. I would suggest investing in a playbook/journal purely to note down and accumulate as many experiences of your life – on an every day basis. Every time you come across something that makes you think or feel particularly happy, write it down.
It is from this book where you can choose the kind of work and service you’d love to create, whilst taking the necessary action to see it through.
Step #5: Not Everything Is Applicable
Anybody can live autonomously if they want to. Sometimes, 100% autonomy is not necessary – depends on the individual’s needs and wants. Setting up a business is NOT for everyone. As long as you can change your beliefs, friends, approach to work-life and your overall environment – then you’re pretty much autonomous as they come.
Autonomy Simplified
If I were to simplify autonomy, I’d describe it as a feeling of knowing that you are in control of your own life, and that you are responsible for your actions – and are willing to live life with no regrets when the curtains are closed. That’s true autonomy.
