As I think about the celebration of Independence Day, I compare it to being an entrepreneur. I think of freedom, self-determination, pursuit of happiness, independence, risk, self-sufficiency, self-reliance, control, and creativity.

I never felt freer than when I no longer had an employer. When they call it full-time employment, they really mean it. It is full time and consumes you. As an entrepreneur if I don’t like my boss, I can decide to make some changes in myself. Believe me, I’ve had some great bosses and those that missed the mark. If I had never had great supervisors, I would think that perhaps it was my fault. NOT, some people were never meant to be in charge. I really do have control over my current boss with the help of the energy in the universe. If I wish to play tennis in the morning and work later, I can. I can choose to take a walk, go out for lunch, volunteer at a school, and just plain have fun with some people I know. I have the freedom to decide how to spend my time.

As an entrepreneur, I better choose activities that will bring business in the door. I like to think of it this way: “If you are self-employed and you are not talking to people, you are unemployed.” My best advice: Identify your best strategies and eliminate or postpone the activities that won’t serve building your business.

We are not guaranteed happiness. We are guaranteed the opportunity for the pursuit of happiness. How do you like to celebrate your freedom?