(Principles are basic truths that, when applied, cause success to come to you easier and quicker.)
Permission is a necessary part of our development. Children need permission so they’ll be protected until they’re old enough and wise enough to make their own choices. People in organizations need permission until they have earned their boss’ trust that what they do won’t hurt the organization.
Others, in certain life-or-death professions, need permission through required training and certification. We even need permission, given by a green light, to enter a busy traffic intersection. The requirement for permission is everywhere.
But permission can be carried to extremes. If you continue to seek permission from others, it may be because you have not given yourself permission to live your life on your own terms. You may be seeking approval, or acceptance, or inclusion, or any of a number of other emotional needs and not recognizing them, by asking for permission.
At some point a life well lived doesn’t need permission. You know what you want to do, what you can do, and what to do. Go for it!
Coaching Point: Where are you still waiting for permission?
Copyright 2007 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.