Physically: I could pretty well make it on my own

Mentally: I could think my own thoughts, I could move from one level of abstraction to another. I could think creatively  and analytically and organize and express my thoughts in understandable ways.

Emotionally: I would be validated from within. I would be inner directed. My sense of worth would not be a function of being liked or treated wealth.

True independence of character empowers us to act rather than be acted upon. It freezes us from our dependent on circumstances and other people has a worthy, liberating goal. But it is not the ultimate goal in effective living.

Source: Covey, Stephen R. (1989, 2004). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Free Press, p. 50.

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Foundation

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