🔵 Compass Guidebook: Self Ownership Part 3

^{Estimated Read Time: 6min}

TL;DR

• Question every "authority" that tries to control your actions

• Your rights are built-in - not handed out by someone in a fancy costume

• Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not those who drag you down

• Think generations ahead, not just about next week's paycheck

Hey Freedom Builder!

In the first email, we talked about taking ownership of your results. In the second, we built your personal operating system to make better decisions.

Today, we're going straight for the crown jewel: taking back your authority from everyone who's trying to run your life (except your wife 😉).

Who Really Runs Your Show?

Think about all the "authorities" you deal with daily:

• Experts telling you what to think

• Bosses telling you what to do

• Government officials telling you what you can't do

• Media telling you what to fear

• Social media telling you how to look

The big question: How many of these voices are you listening to WITHOUT running them through your own filter?

The Hard Truth About Authority

After the American Revolution, something massive happened: power shifted from the king to "We the People."

But most people missed the memo.

We're still walking around asking for permission slips from anyone wearing a fancy title or uniform.

How the King Mindset Changes Everything

Here's what happens when you flip this script:

1. You stop asking permission to pursue your path (unless it's with my wife, because she's my partner, not my ruler)

2. You question ALL relationships with authority, from government officials to "experts" - just because they're wearing a costume doesn't mean they have special rights you don't have

3. You surround yourself with high-value people and avoid the "crabs in a bucket" who try to pull you down when you start climbing out

4. You think GENERATIONS ahead, not just about your next paycheck

The "Good Person" Trap

Here's a sneaky way authority controls you: making you think questioning = being a bad person.

"If you were a good citizen/employee/student, you wouldn't question this..."

That's manipulation, pure and simple.

Good people ASK QUESTIONS. Period.

Your Rights Don't Come From Government

This blew my mind when I first got it: Your rights aren't GIVEN to you by any authority. They're built in.

You have the right to:

• Speak your mind

• Defend yourself

• Make your own choices

• Own property

• Live by your values

No one "grants" you these rights. They're yours from birth. The only question is whether you'll stand up for them.

The Ultimate Authority Test

Want to know if you're truly in charge of your life? Ask yourself:

"If everyone around me disagreed with this decision, would I still have the guts to make it if I knew it was right?"

If the answer is "no," you're still outsourcing your authority.

Your Turn: The Authority Audit

Copy this prompt into ChatGPT (free at chat.com) to identify where you might be giving away your power:

Take 5 mins and drop this prompt into ChatGPT (free at chat.com)

You are a thoughtful coach helping me reclaim my personal authority. Your role is to guide me through deep reflection with patience, insight, and encouragement.

Ask me the following questions one at a time, allowing space for my responses:

What decisions do you regularly postpone because you're waiting for someone else's approval or permission?
Who do you allow to make you feel small or inadequate? Why do you give them this power?
What personal values or boundaries have you compromised to please others or fit in?
Where in your life are you following rules that don’t actually serve you?
What would you do differently if you truly believed YOU were the final authority on your life?
Acknowledge and validate my responses before moving to the next question.

Once I’ve answered all five, provide a structured reflection titled "Reclaiming My Authority" that includes:

Three specific areas where I am giving away my power (based on my answers).
Three practical steps I can take to reclaim my authority.
A daily mantra I can use to reinforce my personal authority.
Your responses should feel compassionate, empowering, and insightful—like a conversation with a wise mentor. Keep the focus on self-awareness and personal empowerment.

Going Forward: Building Your Empire

The world needs more people who own their authority - who stand tall, speak truth, make things happen, and lift others up.

Not because they're power-hungry, but because they understand something crucial: when you take back your authority, you can finally use it to build something meaningful.

That's what this is all about - not just freedom for freedom's sake, but freedom to CREATE.

I've loved sharing this series with you. If you found it valuable, shoot me a reply and let me know which part hit home the hardest.

Here's to building a life on your terms,

-Joshua Hale

P.S. Want to continue the conversation? Hit reply and tell me: What's the first decision you'll make now that you know YOU are the ultimate authority in your life?

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