The capacity for 'freedom' is essential for success - creative success, personal success, success in life.
On Sunday night in the Australian Open the commentators used the word 'freedom' to describe the style of Novak Djokovic's play as he took a comfortable lead in the third set and went on to win the last 6:0; making himself the unapologetic 5 time winner and Champion of the Australian Open Grand Slam. It was truly inspiring to see.
Freedom is a liberating word. Defined as 'the absence of or release from ties, obligations, etc, the feeling of freedom creates a relaxed openness that quietly suggests to the brain that anything could be possible. If, in a state of freedom, you can visualise your successful outcome, then chances are high that like Djokovic you can achieve it.
So the question is "how to?" How do we create that state of freedom. If you want to paint a new or different picture of your life, then you have to be willing to clean the canvas and start afresh.
This is not as dramatic as it sounds. It's a simple change of mindset. The results won't necessarily come instantly - like all good things they need time to grow and be harvested; it is however vital to begin the process and be brave enough to let go of the things that no longer serve you.
And once you have made the mental commitment to letting things go, it is essential to follow through. Get out the white paint and clean your canvas. What you created before is amazing, but if you feel like you have more inside, clean the canvas and make room for it to come out.
Finally, remember that everyone CAN paint. As a child you never questioned it. You simply took the colours and put them to paper in the way that best represented what you wanted to express. There was no apology, no second guessing, and no being upset when it looked different to the one next door. Over the past 8 years I have had the privilege to watch children, my own and others, express themselves creatively with whatever materials are at hand, and be so delighted and proud with their results, no matter what. The end result always praise from others, and pride and confidence in themselves.
Freedom creates possibilities. A clean canvas gives you freedom to explore the possibilities that are roadblocked by the things you won't let go.
Perhaps Bob Marley said it best ... "emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds"
