Here is an interesting perspective on designing your own destiny. The article, by Jonathan Mead at Zen Habits, is called "Cut the Cubicle Umbilical Cord: The Seven Traits of the Free Man" is summarized below by its major points:

"1. Reclaim your mind.

2. Put yourself on the auto-response of 'I'll figure it out'

3. Think holistically.

4. Question authority.

5. Focus on interdependency.

6. Defrost your passion.

7. Be ridiculous - be willing to take risks.

Working for yourself forces you to grow."

In general, the article brings up some beneficial changes. However, these 7 habits seem vaguely familiar to those suggested in Stephen Covey's books, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons for Personal Change", and "Principle Centered Leadership." Perhaps they are onto something...

Of course it is important to think for yourself and figure out answers on your own. However, while many people may believe that they are doing so, they are often just parroting the ideas of others. Autonomous learning is a difficult skill to master. The first step is arguably challenging your own beliefs, especially before you challenge the ideas of others. For people who are interested in exploring their beliefs in greater depth, there is an excellent book by Dr. M. Scott Peck written back in the 1970's which is still one of the best I've read on reaching higher levels of understanding of oneself and relationships with others. It's called, "The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values, and Spiritual Growth." For those interested in understanding the 'shadow side' of humanity, check out his other book called "People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil."

In addition to any '7-habits', I would humbly suggest that while following a few key steps can lead you to happiness, true freedom always comes with a price, sometimes a very high one. Risking rejection, failure, and loss is very hard to do, even for the courageous ones who make it look easy - it never is. Although caring about what other people think can bog you down in a narcissistic quagmire, it can also lead you to moments of great clarity and empathy in truly connecting with another soul.

What do you think?