Westenberg Why Freedom Is Terrifying (And How To Hack It)
Aug 12, 2025
Explore the paradox of wanting freedom while fearing it. Discover the difference between 'freedom from' and 'freedom to' and how too many choices can lead to anxiety. Learn how self-sabotage holds you back, along with four practical strategies to break through fear. Get tips on facing your fears, redefining failure, and building your 'freedom to' muscle. Embrace the journey of self-trust and autonomy for a more liberated life.
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Freedom From Versus Freedom To
- Eric Fromm's distinction clarifies why freedom can feel terrifying: 'freedom from' removes safety while 'freedom to' demands creation.
- That shift replaces external scripts with full responsibility and triggers existential anxiety.
Freedom Removes Old Safety Nets
- Gaining freedom from old structures often strips security and belonging, leaving you alone with infinite choices.
- That solitude creates existential anxiety because you become solely responsible for designing your life.
The Escape Back To Chains
- The escape from freedom is a subconscious search for new chains to avoid the dizzying responsibility of choice.
- It manifests as fear of choosing wrong, fear of failure, or fear of success and added pressures.
