Autonomy
αὐτονομίαow-toh-noh-MEE-ah
Intermediate
Self-legislation and the capacity to govern oneself according to one's own rational principles rather than external compulsion. In ancient Greek thought, it referred both to political self-governance of city-states and the individual's mastery over their own will and actions.
Modern Application
True leadership begins when you stop asking permission to live according to your values and start taking full ownership of your choices. Examine where you've outsourced your decisions to others' expectations or social pressure, then reclaim that territory. When you lead from genuine autonomy, you inspire others to find their own inner authority rather than merely following yours.
