None of the Above – Choosing Real Freedom in Leadership

Choices in Leadership and Life

Hey everyone, Eric here. Yesterday’s Election Day reminded me of how strategic decision-making in business mirrors the choices we make in life.

How often are we presented with options we don’t love, feeling like we’re forced to pick from a menu we didn’t even create?

Breaking Free from Limited Options Through Strategic Decision-Making

For many leaders, this sense of being boxed in can hold us back from real impact and forward momentum.

There’s a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer that resonates deeply here:

“It is the characteristic excellence of the strong man that he can bring momentous issues to the fore and make a decision about them. The weak are always forced to decide between alternatives they have not chosen themselves.”

This isn’t just a powerful thought—it’s a call to take ownership of our choices, to think strategically, and to break free from the constraints of “lesser of two evils” thinking.

In my latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the nature of choice and how we can create a space of real freedom in our leadership decisions.

Today, I’d like to share a few key ways we can shift from simply “choosing” to actively creating a path forward.

Awareness — Recognizing When You’re Boxed In

The first step toward real freedom in leadership is awareness. So often, we accept the options handed to us without question, even if they don’t feel right.

Take a moment to reflect on areas in your life or business where you feel stuck—where the choices seem limited, or you’re just choosing the least objectionable option.

Recognize that feeling boxed in is often a sign that there’s more to explore.

Expanding Your Perspective on Decision-Making

Whenever you find yourself feeling trapped by limited options, try stepping back to ask: are these the only possibilities, or is there a larger perspective I’m missing?

Sometimes, we’re so close to a situation that we can’t see the full picture. Identifying these areas in your decision-making is the first step toward a more empowered way of thinking.

Strategy vs. Technique — Think Broadly, Act Adaptively

As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in specific techniques and quick fixes, looking for that one “right” answer. But techniques are situational—they work in a narrow set of conditions.

Strategy, on the other hand, is adaptable. It’s a way of thinking that can apply to a wide range of situations and challenges.

Imagine if a martial artist only learned one move to get out of a headlock. That move might work in a particular scenario, but the real strength lies in knowing a strategy that can be applied in countless variations.

In your next business challenge, instead of rushing to find a single solution, take a moment to think more broadly. What strategies could apply here?

What principles might work across different situations?

Building a flexible “toolbox” of strategies is far more valuable than a single “right answer,” and it allows us to lead in a way that is both adaptable and strong.

Beyond the Menu — Break Away from Common Frameworks

Often, we feel stuck because we’re operating within someone else’s framework.

Imagine going to a restaurant and only being able to choose between hamburgers and hotdogs—you’d never think to order a wrap. The same goes for business and life.

If you’re always choosing between standard tactics or commonly accepted strategies, you’ll never create anything unique.

Consider one area in your business where you feel limited by the options at hand. Now, imagine if those traditional boundaries were gone.

What other choices would you make? Allow yourself the freedom to think beyond what’s “on the menu.”

Just this shift in perspective can open up new pathways and ignite innovation that sets your path apart.

Systems-Level Thinking for Sustainable Leadership

True leadership isn’t about isolated decisions; it’s about systems-level thinking.

This means looking at the bigger picture and understanding that each choice we make has ripple effects throughout our lives and work.

If your ultimate goal is to build a sustainable, growth-oriented business, then every decision—even the day-to-day ones—should align with that vision.

This type of thinking requires more patience and depth, but it also ensures that each choice contributes to a larger, more impactful goal.

Creating a “Decision Filter” for Consistent Alignment

Creating a “Decision Filter” can help here. Write down the core goals and values that guide your business, and use this filter to evaluate major decisions.

This alignment prevents us from getting swept up in short-term gains and keeps us grounded in our mission.

Take Ownership of Your Choices

Another powerful shift is taking full ownership of each choice. In a world where it’s easy to sidestep responsibility, true leadership is about standing by our decisions and learning from the outcomes.

When we commit to ownership, we’re more intentional with our choices, which naturally leads to more impactful actions and stronger results.

Conclusion: Creating Your Own Path Forward

For your next big decision, take a moment to document why you’re choosing what you are. Writing down your thought process clarifies your reasons and strengthens your commitment.

It also gives you a point of reflection if you ever need to reassess.

Empowered leadership isn’t about settling—it’s about creating your own path forward. It thrives on strategic decision-making in business. By creating our own path, we unlock real freedom and impact.

By thinking strategically, questioning our options, and taking ownership of our choices, we step into a leadership style that is both intentional and powerful.

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And if you’re ready to take this journey even further, I’d love to invite you to our Entrepreneur’s Master Coaching Jumpstart Weekend in Destin, Florida, this January. It’s a time to dive deep into strategic thinking with a group of like-minded leaders who are ready to move from technique to strategy, from reaction to empowered choice.

You can find more details and reserve your spot here: https://www.foundersfire.com/destin-retreat. We’re keeping it small and focused, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to create a more empowered 2025.

Here’s to taking charge of our choices and building the future on our own terms.