My Three Pillars Of Freedom

What does it mean to live a life of freedom?

It’s not just about escaping to a tropical island or quitting your job on a whim. True freedom is about having the ability to make choices that align with your deepest desires—without being shackled by physical limitations, financial burdens, or mental barriers. Freedom is intentional, hard-won, and built on three core pillars: physical freedom, financial freedom, and mental freedom. In this article, I’ll break down each pillar, share actionable steps to achieve them, and show you how to start crafting a life where you call the shots. Whether you’re dreaming of wandering the world or simply want to feel unburdened, this framework will set you on the path to true freedom.

Pillar 1: Physical Freedom – Move Your Body, Free Your Life

Physical freedom isn’t about dodging chains or breaking out of a locked room. It’s about being fit and healthy enough to do the things you love—whether that’s hiking a mountain, running with friends, or simply climbing a flight of stairs without gasping for air. Too many people, by their mid-30s, are trapped in bodies that can’t keep up with their dreams. If you wake up sore, tired, and miserable because you haven’t moved your body, you’re not free. Your body is your foundation, and without it, the rest of your aspirations crumble.

Why Physical Freedom Matters

I’ve seen it time and again: people who want to explore the world or chase big goals but can’t because their bodies hold them back. Physical freedom means you’re not out of breath after a short walk. It means you can say “yes” to a spontaneous adventure without worrying about whether you’ll physically make it. It’s the first step to living a life of freedom because if you can’t move, you can’t truly live.

5 Steps to Achieve Physical Freedom

Here’s how to start building a body that supports your dreams:

1. Assess Your Baseline: Be honest about your current fitness level. Can you walk a mile without discomfort? Climb stairs without huffing? If not, that’s your starting point—no judgment, just clarity.
2. Start Small: Commit to 10–15 minutes of movement daily. A brisk walk, bodyweight exercises, or stretching counts. Consistency beats intensity at first.
3. Find Joy in Movement: Pick activities you enjoy, like dancing, hiking, or even a birthday run with friends (yes, smart people run on their birthdays!). Fun keeps you motivated.
4. Fuel Your Body: Eat nutrient-dense foods that energize you—think whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. You don’t need a fad diet, just balance.
5. Track Progress: Set small goals, like walking 5,000 steps daily or doing 10 push-ups. Celebrate milestones to stay motivated.

Physical freedom can be a quick win for some, but for others, it’s a long road. Either way, it’s non-negotiable. A healthy body unlocks the energy and confidence to tackle the next pillars.

Pillar 2: Financial Freedom – Break the Chains of Economic Slavery

Financial freedom isn’t about being a millionaire. It’s about having enough control over your money to make choices without fear of your world falling apart. If quitting your job today would leave you broke in a month, you’re not free—you’re in economic slavery. Most people are so entrenched in their lifestyles that they’re stuck working jobs they hate to pay for lives they don’t love. To be free, you need to shift that equation.

The Trap of Financial Obligations

I spent five years preparing to go solo and wander the world, and even then, building non-work income was a grind. The reality is, if your expenses or obligations tie you to a soul-crushing job, you’re not living freely. Financial freedom means you have options—whether that’s taking a career risk, starting a business, or simply standing by a river with a coffee on a Saturday morning, unburdened by bills.

5 Ways to Build Financial Freedom

Here’s how to start cutting those financial chains:

1. Audit Your Expenses: List every monthly expense. Which ones are non-negotiable (rent, food) and which are optional (subscriptions, dining out)? Cut or reduce the latter.
2. Reduce Obligations: Avoid new commitments like car loans or oversized mortgages. If you’re already locked in, plan to pay them off faster or downsize where possible.
3. Boost Your Income: Start a side hustle—freelancing, tutoring, or selling a skill online. Even an extra $500 a month can create breathing room.
4. Build a Safety Net: Aim for an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses. This buffer gives you the courage to make bold moves.
5. Invest in Passive Income: Explore options like dividend stocks, rental properties, or online businesses. It takes time, but passive income is the key to long-term freedom.

Financial freedom is scary because it often means rethinking your entire lifestyle. It might mean changing careers, moving to a cheaper area, or saying no to society’s pressure to “keep up.” But the reward is worth it: the ability to live on your terms.

Pillar 3: Mental Freedom – Silence Your Inner Saboteur

The hardest pillar to master is mental freedom. Your biggest enemy isn’t the world—it’s your own brain. It whispers doubts, fears, and excuses, throwing every possible obstacle in your path. “I’d love to, but…” is the anthem of a mind that’s not free. Mental freedom means breaking free from self-imposed limitations and the obligations others thrust upon you. It’s about believing you can live the life you want and having the courage to act on it.

The Battle in Your Mind

I hear it all the time: people list a litany of reasons they can’t chase their dreams—responsibilities, risks, or fear of failure. When I poke holes in their excuses, they double down with more. The truth? Many of those “responsibilities” are choices you’ve made or burdens you’ve accepted from others. Mental freedom requires you to question those and take back control.

5 Steps to Cultivate Mental Freedom

Here’s how to start silencing your inner saboteur:

1. Identify Your Excuses: Write down every reason you “can’t” pursue a goal. Be brutal—most are fear in disguise.
2. Challenge Obligations: List your responsibilities. Which did you choose, and which were handed to you? Start saying no to the ones that don’t serve your vision.
3. Reframe Failure: Failure isn’t the end—it’s feedback. Ask, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Often, it’s not as bad as your brain claims.
4. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Seek out people who inspire and support your goals. Distance yourself from naysayers who reinforce doubt.
5. Practice Small Wins: Take one tiny step toward your dream daily, like researching a side hustle or going for a walk. Small victories build mental resilience.

Mental freedom is the toughest because it’s an ongoing battle. Your brain will never stop trying to sabotage you, but with practice, you can train it to work for you, not against you.

The Journey to Freedom: It’s Hard, But Worth It

The idea of jumping in a van and wandering the world sounds romantic, but the reality is gritty. Mastering physical, financial, and mental freedom takes intent, discipline, and time. Some people say you can just “wing it,” but I believe freedom is built deliberately. It’s not a destination—it’s a journey. I’m still working on all three pillars, and you will be too. The key is to assess where you stand in each area and take small, consistent steps to improve.

Where Are You Today?

Take a moment to evaluate your freedom:

• Physical: Are you healthy enough to enjoy life’s adventures? Can you move without pain or exhaustion?
• Financial: Could you walk away from your job without immediate financial ruin? Do you have options?
• Mental: Are you held back by fear, doubt, or obligations you didn’t choose?

Wherever you’re starting, know this: every step toward freedom makes you stronger. You don’t need to be perfect—just intentional.

Call to Action: Start Your Freedom Journey Today

Building a life of freedom isn’t easy, but it’s the most rewarding work you’ll ever do. If you’re ready to break free from physical, financial, and mental chains, join my weekly newsletter at https://www.madmadviking.com/newsletter. Every week, I share actionable steps, tips, and inspiration to help you live a life of freedom.

Don’t let another day pass feeling trapped—sign up now and take the first step toward the life you deserve!