The Rooted Freedom Way: A Framework for Goals with Freedom and Purpose

New Year’s resolutions are infamous for their failure rates. Most of them don’t make it past February, leaving many of us feeling frustrated, unmotivated, and defeated. I’ve been there—starting the year with grand ambitions, only to lose momentum as the days pass and life gets in the way. But over time, I realized something fundamental: most resolutions fail because they demand rigid commitment without allowing room for real-life challenges, learning, or growth.

As someone who identifies as a Rebel (a personality type from Gretchen Rubin’s framework), I’ve always resisted being told what to do—even by my past self. Traditional systems of goal setting, with their rigid schedules and prescriptive rules, just don’t work for me. I crave freedom and flexibility, but I also want to feel rooted in purpose and meaning. That’s why I created the Rooted Freedom Way.

This system gives me the freedom to choose what I want to do each day while staying grounded in the context of my larger goals and future vision. It’s not about imposing rules on myself; it’s about building a framework that allows me to adapt, experiment, and grow—all while making real progress toward meaningful objectives.

The Rooted Freedom Way was born out of my own struggles with goal setting, and it’s shaped by years of experimentation and inspiration from systems like SMART goals, OKRs, Tiny Habits, and the PARA organizational framework from Tiago Forte’s Second Brain. Today, this system is the foundation of how I manage everything from improving my health to pursuing professional growth. It’s designed to help you create meaningful change in your life while honoring your unique way of working.

Origins of the Rooted Freedom Way

The Rooted Freedom Way didn’t appear fully formed. It evolved out of years of trial, error, and a realization that traditional goal-setting approaches weren’t working for me. In fact, it started as an experiment—a way to sidestep the all-or-nothing mindset of New Year’s resolutions.

Like many people, I used to make big, ambitious resolutions every January. But, like most people, I found myself abandoning those resolutions by February. The problem wasn’t a lack of motivation—it was the rigidity of the goals themselves. Resolutions demanded year-long commitment without giving me the flexibility to adapt, learn, or even decide if I wanted to continue. By February, I’d feel like a failure for falling off track, and I’d ditch the goal entirely.

To solve this, I began experimenting with what I called New Year Experiments. Instead of committing to a resolution for the entire year, I committed to a one-month experiment that would end on February 1st. This allowed me to test new habits, diets, or routines without feeling trapped by them. If I liked what I tried, I could keep it. If I didn’t, it was only one month—I could endure almost anything for that long.

Over time, these experiments evolved. I realized that one month wasn’t always enough to see meaningful results or fully evaluate the impact of a new habit. So, I extended the timeline to three-month sprints. These quarterly cycles gave me the space to test ideas, gather data, and adjust my approach in a way that felt intentional and sustainable. I wasn’t committing to a rigid year-long plan, but I was staying focused long enough to make real progress.

One of the most powerful examples of this is my ongoing work to manage my cholesterol. Each three-month sprint involves sticking to a diet and exercise plan, testing my lipid levels at the end of the period, and using the results to adjust my approach for the next sprint. While this experiment is still underway, it’s already helped me lose 15 pounds and improve my 5k running time by two minutes. More importantly, it’s shown me how effective iterative goal-setting can be when combined with reflection and flexibility.

The Philosophy of the Rooted Freedom Way

At the heart of the Rooted Freedom Way is a balance between two seemingly opposing forces: freedom and roots. For me, these two concepts aren’t in conflict—they complement each other.

As a Rebel, freedom is non-negotiable. I thrive on the ability to choose what I do each day without feeling constrained by someone else’s expectations—or even my own past decisions. Traditional productivity systems often fail Rebels because they rely on rigid structures, routines, and rules that feel restrictive and oppressive.

But complete freedom, without context or purpose, can feel aimless. That’s where the “roots” come in. My actions are rooted in a larger vision—a purpose that keeps me grounded and focused on what matters most to me. These roots provide stability and direction, allowing me to make choices each day that align with my long-term goals while maintaining the flexibility to adapt as I learn and grow.

The Rooted Freedom Way is built on this philosophy: it’s a framework for freedom. Instead of imposing strict schedules or rigid routines, it creates a flexible structure that supports exploration, experimentation, and autonomy while ensuring progress toward meaningful objectives.

This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the system:

• The Rooted Vision serves as an annual anchor, giving your year a clear sense of purpose and direction.
• Quarterly Milestones provide measurable goals that act as stepping stones toward your vision.
• Building Blocks (weekly and monthly projects) create space for testing and adapting your approach as you learn what works.
• Freeing Actions, chosen each day, ensure you stay aligned with your larger goals without sacrificing the freedom to make choices in the moment.
• The Flow Tracker helps you reflect on your progress and adjust your path as needed, keeping the system dynamic and responsive.

This balance of freedom and roots has made a huge difference in my ability to stick with goals and make meaningful progress. It’s why I can wake up every day and feel excited about what I’m working toward—not pressured by the weight of a rigid plan.

The Framework: How the Rooted Freedom Way Works

The Rooted Freedom Way is designed to balance structure and flexibility, giving you the freedom to choose your daily actions while staying aligned with your long-term goals. It’s built around five key components, each serving a specific purpose within the system:

1. Rooted Vision

• The Rooted Vision is your guiding purpose for the year. It’s a big-picture, qualitative goal that resonates deeply with your values and aspirations.
• Unlike rigid resolutions, the Rooted Vision provides direction without dictating how you’ll achieve it. It anchors your actions in something meaningful, acting as the foundation for the rest of the system.
• Example: “Become a healthier, stronger, and more resilient version of myself.”

# Rooted Vision: [Name of Vision]

## Description
- What is your big-picture, emotionally resonant goal for the year?
  - Example: *"Become a healthier, stronger, and more resilient version of myself."*

## Why It Matters
- Why is this goal meaningful to you?  
  - Example: *"I want to feel strong and capable in my body, handle life’s challenges with resilience, and enjoy long-term health."*

## Associated Waypoint
- `#g[yy]-[descriptor]`  
  - Example: `#g24-health`

2. Quarterly Milestones

• Quarterly Milestones break your Rooted Vision into measurable, time-bound objectives. These 3-month goals give you a clear target to work toward while leaving room for adaptation and refinement.
• Milestones are results-focused rather than method-focused, allowing you to experiment with different approaches as you work toward them.
• Example: “Stick to a heart-healthy diet and exercise plan for 3 months.”

# Quarterly Milestone: [Name of Milestone]

## Description
- What is the specific, measurable objective for this quarter?  
  - Example: *"Stick to a heart-healthy diet and complete 3 runs per week."*

## Why It Matters
- How does this milestone support your Rooted Vision?  
  - Example: *"This will improve my cardiovascular health and help me build habits that support long-term resilience."*

## Associated Waypoint
- `#g[yy]q[x]-[descriptor]`  
  - Example: `#g24q1-nutrition`

3. Building Blocks

• Building Blocks are the weekly and monthly projects that drive progress toward your Quarterly Milestones. They’re where the action happens—where you test, learn, and adjust your approach based on what’s working and what’s not.
• The flexibility to pivot within Building Blocks is a key feature of the Rooted Freedom Way. If a project isn’t working, you can adapt it using the Pivot Template while staying aligned with your larger goals.
• Example:
  • Week 1: Track meals and complete three 5k runs.
  • Week 2: Incorporate one strength training session per week.

# Building Block: [Name of Project]

## Objectives
- What do you aim to accomplish during this period?  
  - Example: *"Track meals daily and complete three 5k runs this week."*

## Freeing Actions
- What are the key daily tasks tied to these objectives?  
  - Example:  
    - *Monday: Plan meals for the week.*  
    - *Wednesday: Run a 5k.*

## Associated Waypoints
- Relevant tags for this Building Block:  
  - Example: `#g24q1-running`, `#g24q1-nutrition`

4. Freeing Actions: Daily Focus with Purpose

A Freeing Action is the one small, impactful task you choose each day to move closer to your goals. This practice ensures daily progress without overwhelming you with long to-do lists. The key to Freeing Actions is simplicity and alignment—they must directly support your current Building Block, Quarterly Milestone, or Rooted Vision.

How Freeing Actions Work

1. Choose One Action: Every morning, decide on a single task that feels achievable and meaningful.
   • Example: “Cook a heart-healthy dinner” (supports the Quarterly Milestone for improving nutrition).
2. Keep It Focused: Avoid making this a large project or a vague intention. Freeing Actions should be specific and manageable in a single day.
   • Example: “Run 3 miles” is actionable, while “Get fit” is too broad.
3. Reflect on Progress: At the end of the day, review whether you completed your Freeing Action and what you learned from it.

Why Freeing Actions Matter

• Promote Consistency: Small, daily wins build momentum toward larger goals.
• Reduce Overwhelm: By focusing on one action, you avoid decision fatigue and stay motivated.
• Honor Autonomy: Freeing Actions give you the freedom to adapt your day to your energy, mood, and circumstances while staying aligned with your goals.

Flow Tracker: Reflect, Plan, and Begin the Day with Purpose

A successful day begins the night before. The Flow Tracker supports this by splitting each day’s entry into two parts: a planning section completed the evening before, and a reflection and action-setting section completed the following morning. This structure ensures that you wake up with clarity and direction while still leaving room for flexibility.

How the Flow Tracker Works

Evening (Planning for Tomorrow):

• At the end of your day, you complete the first part of your Flow Tracker entry. This includes:
  • Reviewing what you accomplished today.
  • Identifying lessons or insights from the day.
  • Setting an intention for tomorrow.
• Example Evening Entry:

## Grounding Review
- Progress: Completed a 5k run. #g24q1-running
- Lesson: Running in the morning gives me more energy throughout the day.

## Freedom Alignment (Planning for Tomorrow)
- Intention: Focus on consistency over speed in tomorrow’s workout.

Morning (Review and Choose Your Freeing Action):

• The following morning, review the intention you set the previous day.
• Based on how you feel and any changes in priorities, you identify your Freeing Action—the one impactful task you’ll take today.
• This creates an opportunity for reflection and freedom, allowing you to adjust if necessary.
• Example Morning Entry:

## Freedom Alignment (Morning)
- Freeing Action: Complete a 3-mile jog at a relaxed pace. #g24q1-running

Throughout the Day:

• Focus on completing your Freeing Action while staying mindful of your larger goals.

Repeat the Cycle:

• At the end of the day, you return to the Flow Tracker to complete the next evening’s planning section, keeping the cycle moving forward.

Example Flow Tracker Daily Entry

## Freedom Alignment (Morning)
- Freeing Action: Complete a 3-mile jog at a relaxed pace. #g24q1-running

## Grounding Review
- Progress: Completed a 5k run. #g24q1-running
- Lesson: Running in the morning gives me more energy throughout the day.

## Freedom Alignment (Planning for Tomorrow)
- Intention: Focus on consistency over speed in tomorrow’s workout.

Why This Approach Works

• Preparation for Success: Planning the night before ensures you wake up with a clear sense of purpose.
• Built-In Flexibility: Reviewing your plan each morning gives you the freedom to adjust based on your energy, mood, or new priorities.
• Consistent Momentum: The evening/morning cycle creates a rhythm of reflection, planning, and action that keeps you focused without feeling constrained.

This simple yet powerful process helps you start each day with clarity and intention, while still honoring your need for flexibility and autonomy.

5. Reflection and Review Template

Evaluate your progress at the end of a week, month, or quarter to identify lessons and plan your next steps.

# [Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly] Review: [Time Period]

## Progress Summary
- What did you accomplish during this period?  
  - Example: *"Tracked meals daily and completed 11 out of 12 planned runs. #g24q1-nutrition #g24q1-running"*

## Wins and Lessons
- Wins:  
  - Example: *"Found a new running route that’s more enjoyable."*  
- Lessons:  
  - Example: *"Need to prepare meals on Sunday to avoid weekday takeout."*

## Adjustments
- What changes will you make moving forward?  
  - Example: *"Add cross-training to prevent repetitive strain."*

Pivot Template: Adapting with Intention

The Pivot Template is your tool for documenting changes in your approach when new challenges, insights, or opportunities arise. It ensures that adjustments are intentional and still aligned with your larger goals.

When to Use the Pivot Template

1. Encounter a Roadblock: Unexpected obstacles make your current plan unworkable.
   • Example: Your original plan to run three 5k races in a week is interrupted by travel or injury.
2. Learn Something New: Feedback or data reveals a more effective approach.
   • Example: You discover that swimming is a better cardio option for your fitness level.
3. Reassess Priorities: Shifting circumstances make it necessary to realign your focus.

How to Use the Pivot Template

Here’s how to document a pivot step by step:

# Pivot: [Name of Project or Building Block]

## Original Plan
- What was the initial plan?  
  - Example: *"Complete three 5k runs this week to support Q1 milestone."*

## New Information
- What led to the pivot?  
  - Example: *"Work commitments reduced available time for exercise this week."*

## New Plan
- What is the updated strategy?  
  - Example: *"Switch to two shorter runs this week and add a weekend run."*

## Connection to Milestone and Vision
- How does this pivot still support your Quarterly Milestone and Rooted Vision?  
  - Example: *"This keeps me on track for consistent cardiovascular activity while adjusting to a busier schedule."*

The Pivot Template ensures that changes in your plan are intentional, documented, and still aligned with your Rooted Vision and Quarterly Milestones.

7. Archive Templates

Document the outcomes of completed or abandoned goals for future reference.

Rooted Vision Archive

# Rooted Vision Archive: [Name of Vision]

## Summary
- What was your Rooted Vision?  
  - Example: *"Become a healthier, stronger, and more resilient version of myself."*

## Outcome
- Was the vision achieved or abandoned? Why?  
  - Example: *"Achieved. Built a consistent exercise routine and improved resilience through mindfulness."*

## Lessons Learned
- What did you learn from pursuing this vision?  
  - Example: *"Big progress comes from small, consistent steps."*

Quarterly Milestone Archive

# Quarterly Milestone Archive: [Name of Milestone]

## Summary
- What was the milestone?  
  - Example: *"Stick to a heart-healthy diet and complete 3 runs per week."*

## Outcome
- Was the milestone achieved or abandoned? Why?  
  - Example: *"Partially achieved. Stayed consistent with diet but missed 2 runs due to illness."*

## Lessons Learned
- What worked, and what didn’t?  
  - Example: *"Need more flexibility in workout plans to account for unexpected setbacks."*

Waypoints: Connecting Actions to Goals

• The system uses Waypoints (tags) to link actions, reflections, and notes to specific goals. This makes it easy to track progress and maintain alignment.
• Tagging Convention:
  • #g[yy]-[descriptor] for Rooted Vision (e.g., #g24-health).
  • #g[yy]q[x]-[descriptor] for Quarterly Milestones (e.g., #g24q1-nutrition).

Templates

To implement the Rooted Freedom Way, I use a series of templates stored in plain text files with Markdown. These templates make it easy to stay organized and consistent:

1. Rooted Vision Template: Define your guiding purpose for the year.
2. Quarterly Milestone Template: Set measurable objectives for each quarter.
3. Building Block Template: Plan and track weekly or monthly projects.
4. Pivot Template: Document insights and adjust your approach when needed.
5. Flow Tracker Template: Capture daily reflections, Freeing Actions, and progress.
6. Reflection and Review Template: Evaluate progress at the end of each week, month, or quarter.
7. Archive Templates: Record the outcomes of completed or abandoned goals.

With these components, the Rooted Freedom Way creates a framework for freedom and purpose. It’s a system that helps you stay focused on what matters most, adapt to new information, and make consistent progress toward your goals.

Implementation: How to Use the Rooted Freedom Way in Obsidian (or Any Note-Taking App)

One of the best things about the Rooted Freedom Way is its simplicity. It doesn’t require special tools or apps—it works just as well in a physical journal as it does in a sophisticated digital system. However, my personal setup is in Obsidian, a powerful, Markdown-based note-taking app. I use plain text files, organized using Tiago Forte’s PARA structure from the Second Brain framework.

Here’s how you can set up the Rooted Freedom Way in Obsidian—or adapt it to any note-taking app you prefer.

1. Setting Up Your Note Structure

Organizing your notes effectively is crucial for implementing the Rooted Freedom Way. I use the PARA structure, categorizing information into Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives. The Rooted Freedom Way functions as an Area, containing all related materials.

Folder Structure

• Rooted Freedom Way: The central folder for all system-related notes.
  • [Year Folder]: Each year has its own folder with:
    • Rooted Vision: Annual guiding purpose.
    • Quarterly Milestones: Measurable goals for each quarter.
    • Building Blocks: Monthly or weekly plans.
    • Flow Tracker: Daily logs organized into monthly subfolders.
  • Archive: Stores past years’ folders for reference.
  • Templates: Stores templates for each document type.

This structure ensures that everything related to the Rooted Freedom Way is easily accessible and logically organized.

Rooted Freedom Way/
├── 2024/
│   ├── Rooted Vision.md
│   ├── Q1 Milestone.md
│   ├── January Building Block.md
│   ├── Flow Tracker/
│   │   ├── January/
│   │   │   ├── 2024-01-01.md
│   │   │   ├── 2024-01-02.md
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   ├── February/
│   │   │   ├── 2024-02-01.md
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   └── ...
├── Archive/
│   ├── 2023/
│   │   ├── Rooted Vision.md
│   │   ├── Q1 Milestone.md
│   │   ├── Flow Tracker/
│   │   │   ├── January/
│   │   │   ├── February/
│   │   │   └── ...
│   └── ...
├── Templates/

Why This Works

• Yearly Organization: Keeps all files for a single year in one place for clarity.
• Monthly Subfolders for Logs: Daily Flow Tracker entries are grouped by month, making them easier to navigate.
• Streamlined Archiving: When a year is complete, the entire folder can be moved to the Archive for clean organization.

This structure is simple, scalable, and easy to implement in any note-taking tool, such as Obsidian or plain text systems.

2. Using Plain Text Files with Markdown

Every component of the system is stored in plain text files written in Markdown. This makes the system:

• Flexible: Markdown files can be used in nearly any app.
• Portable: Your notes aren’t locked into a proprietary platform.
• Adaptable: You can expand or modify the system as your needs evolve.

File Naming Convention

I use a clear, consistent naming convention to keep files organized:

• Rooted Vision: rooted-vision-[year].md (e.g., rooted-vision-2024.md)
• Quarterly Milestones: milestone-[year]-q[quarter]-[descriptor].md (e.g., milestone-2024-q1-nutrition.md)
• Building Blocks: block-[year]-[month-week]-[descriptor].md (e.g., block-2024-01-w1-running.md)
• Flow Tracker: flow-[date].md (e.g., flow-2024-01-15.md)

3. Linking Notes with Waypoints

Waypoints are the tags I use to link actions, reflections, and notes to specific goals. They help me track progress and maintain alignment across the system.

Tagging Convention

• #g[yy]-[descriptor] for Rooted Vision (e.g., #g24-health)
• #g[yy]q[x]-[descriptor] for Quarterly Milestones (e.g., #g24q1-running)

For example, if a daily note includes progress on my Q1 milestone for running, I’ll tag it with #g24q1-running. Later, I can use Obsidian’s search or plugins like Dataview to gather all notes related to that milestone.

4. Using Templates

All components of the Rooted Freedom Way are managed with templates (see the previous section for details). Here’s how I apply them:

• Annual Planning: Start the year by creating a Rooted Vision file.
• Quarterly Planning: At the beginning of each quarter, create a milestone file for your objectives.
• Weekly/Monthly Planning: Use the Building Block template to outline key projects.
• Daily Planning and Reflection: Each day, create a Flow Tracker note to plan your Freeing Action and reflect on progress.

5. Reviewing and Adjusting

The Rooted Freedom Way emphasizes iteration and learning, so regular reviews are essential:

• Weekly Reviews: Assess Building Blocks and daily notes to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
• Quarterly Reviews: Evaluate milestones and decide what adjustments are needed for the next cycle.
• Annual Review: Reflect on your Rooted Vision and archive completed goals.

6. Flexibility for Any App

While I use Obsidian, this system works with almost any app or setup:

• Notion: Use databases to track milestones, Building Blocks, and daily reflections.
• Evernote: Organize templates in folders and tag notes for alignment.
• Physical Journal: Print out the templates or write them by hand.

With this setup, the Rooted Freedom Way becomes more than a system—it becomes a part of how you work, reflect, and grow. By combining the simplicity of plain text with the power of tools like Obsidian, you can tailor this framework to fit your life.

The System in Action: Real-World Applications of the Rooted Freedom Way

The beauty of the Rooted Freedom Way is its versatility. Whether you’re working on personal health, professional growth, or creative projects, this system gives you the tools to stay focused, adapt to challenges, and make meaningful progress. To illustrate how it works, here are some real-world examples from my own life.

1. Managing Cholesterol: A Health Experiment

One of the most significant ways I’ve used this system is to address my cholesterol. This is an ongoing experiment, but the Rooted Freedom Way has helped me create a sustainable approach to improving my health.

• Rooted Vision: “Achieve a healthier and more resilient body.”
  • This vision reflects my desire to build long-term health and strength.
• Quarterly Milestone: “Stick to a heart-healthy diet and exercise plan for three months.”
  • This milestone is specific, measurable, and directly supports my vision.
• Building Blocks:
  • Week 1: Track meals daily and complete three 5k runs.
  • Week 2: Add strength training to the weekly routine.
• Freeing Actions:
  • Each day, I identify a small, actionable task, like “Cook a heart-healthy dinner” or “Run 5k this morning.”
• Flow Tracker:
  • Daily notes help me reflect on progress:

## Grounding Review
- Progress: Completed a 5k run. #g24q1-running
- Lesson: Running in the morning is more energizing than evening runs.

## Freedom Alignment
- Freeing Action: Prep tomorrow’s meals. #g24q1-nutrition
- Intention: Stay consistent with small, daily steps.

• Reflection and Adjustment:
  • At the end of each three-month cycle, I test my lipid levels, review the data, and adjust my plan based on what worked and what didn’t.

While this experiment is still ongoing, it’s already helped me lose 15 pounds and improve my 5k time by two minutes. More importantly, it’s taught me the value of iterative progress and reflection.

2. Creative Projects: Writing and Publishing

I’ve also used the Rooted Freedom Way to manage creative projects, like writing articles or working on larger publishing goals.

• Rooted Vision: “Build a body of work that reflects my ideas and inspires others.”
  • This vision reminds me why I create, helping me stay motivated even when the work feels challenging.
• Quarterly Milestone: “Publish one long-form article and draft an eBook in Q1.”
  • This milestone sets clear deliverables while leaving room for creativity in how I achieve them.
• Building Blocks:
  • Month 1: Research and outline the eBook.
  • Month 2: Write the first draft and publish the article.
• Freeing Actions:
  • On a typical day, my Freeing Action might be “Draft the introduction for the eBook” or “Edit the final section of the article.”
• Flow Tracker:
  • Daily notes track my creative process and reflect on challenges:

## Grounding Review
- Progress: Finished the article draft. #g24q1-writing
- Lesson: Writing in focused 90-minute blocks helps me stay productive.

## Freedom Alignment
- Freeing Action: Edit the first section of the eBook. #g24q1-writing
- Intention: Take small, steady steps forward.

• Reflection and Adjustment:
  • Weekly and monthly reviews help me evaluate my progress, adjust timelines, and stay focused on my milestones.

3. Professional Growth: Developing Skills

Finally, the system has been invaluable for professional development. For example, I recently used it to focus on improving a technical skill I’d been procrastinating on.

• Rooted Vision: “Strengthen my expertise in [specific skill] to expand career opportunities.”
  • This vision ties skill-building to a larger professional goal.
• Quarterly Milestone: “Complete an advanced course and build a portfolio project in Q1.”
  • This milestone combines learning with practical application.
• Building Blocks:
  • Week 1–4: Watch course modules and complete exercises.
  • Week 5–8: Apply the skill to a real-world project.
• Freeing Actions:
  • Daily tasks might include “Complete Module 2 of the course” or “Sketch the project outline.”
• Flow Tracker:
  • Notes document progress and insights:

## Grounding Review
- Progress: Finished Module 2 and implemented one exercise. #g24q1-skills
- Lesson: Hands-on practice makes concepts stick more effectively.

## Freedom Alignment
- Freeing Action: Build the first draft of the portfolio project. #g24q1-skills
- Intention: Focus on creating, not perfection.

Reflection: Why This System Works

Across all these examples, the Rooted Freedom Way succeeds because it:

• Provides Focus: The Rooted Vision and Quarterly Milestones anchor my efforts in purpose.
• Allows Flexibility: Building Blocks and Freeing Actions give me room to adapt without losing sight of the bigger picture.
• Encourages Reflection: The Flow Tracker ensures I learn from each day and adjust my approach as needed.

This system isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s about creating a meaningful, intentional way of working and living.

Why the Rooted Freedom Way is Different

The Rooted Freedom Way stands out from other productivity and goal-setting systems because it’s built for people who crave autonomy and flexibility while still wanting to make meaningful progress. It’s designed to work with you, not against you, especially if you resist rigid plans or traditional approaches to productivity.

Here’s why this system works so well:

1. It Balances Freedom and Structure

• Unlike rigid systems that demand you follow a strict routine, the Rooted Freedom Way gives you the freedom to choose how you’ll act each day.
• At the same time, it provides a clear framework—Rooted Vision, Quarterly Milestones, and Building Blocks—that keeps you grounded in your larger goals.
• Example: On any given day, I can decide my Freeing Action based on what feels achievable, but I know that action is tied to a milestone that serves my vision.

2. It’s Built for Experimentation

• The system embraces an iterative, experimental approach, encouraging you to test and refine your strategies as you go.
• Quarterly Milestones and Building Blocks are flexible, allowing for pivots when new information or challenges arise.
• Example: When a diet plan didn’t fit my lifestyle, I used a Pivot Template to document the change and create a new plan that worked better for me.

3. It Encourages Reflection

• Daily reflection through the Flow Tracker ensures you’re not just working hard—you’re learning and growing from your experiences.
• Regular reviews (weekly, monthly, quarterly) help you assess progress, identify what’s working, and make informed adjustments.
• Example: A weekly review showed me that morning runs were far more energizing than evening workouts, so I adjusted my routine to prioritize morning exercise.

4. It Adapts to Any Goal

• Whether you’re focusing on health, creative projects, professional growth, or relationships, this system scales and adapts to your needs.
• By tying actions to Waypoints, you can track progress in any area of life without feeling overwhelmed.
• Example: I’ve used the Rooted Freedom Way for everything from managing my cholesterol to drafting an eBook to developing new skills for my career.

5. It’s Simple and Accessible

• The system is lightweight and doesn’t rely on complex apps or tools. All you need are plain text files and a willingness to reflect and adapt.
• If you prefer digital tools, you can implement it in Obsidian, Notion, or any other note-taking app. If you like pen and paper, it works just as well in a physical journal.
• Example: My own setup uses Markdown files in Obsidian, organized with the PARA framework, but the system can be customized to fit anyone’s workflow.

A System for Rebels

The Rooted Freedom Way is ideal for people like me—Rebels who resist being told what to do, even by their past selves. It gives you the autonomy to decide what’s right for you each day, while rooting your actions in a larger purpose.

This system isn’t about perfection or strict adherence to a plan. It’s about freedom, growth, and intentional progress. It’s a way to design a life you love, one choice at a time.

Start Your Rooted Freedom Journey

The Rooted Freedom Way isn’t just a productivity system—it’s a philosophy for how to live and grow. It’s a framework that empowers you to act with purpose while giving you the freedom to adapt, experiment, and discover what works for you. By combining reflection, flexibility, and alignment with your deeper values, this system turns goal-setting into a meaningful, sustainable process.

Take the First Step

Starting your Rooted Freedom journey is simple. Here’s how to get started today:

1. Define Your Rooted Vision:
   • Write down a big-picture, emotionally resonant goal for the year. What matters most to you? What do you want to work toward?
   • Use the Rooted Vision Template to structure your thoughts.
2. Set a Quarterly Milestone:
   • Choose one measurable goal for the next three months that supports your vision. Keep it specific and achievable.
   • Use the Quarterly Milestone Template to outline your plan.
3. Choose Today’s Freeing Action:
   • Identify the one task you can complete today that moves you closer to your milestone. Write it in your Flow Tracker and reflect on it at the end of the day.

Keep Moving Forward

Every day, take a moment to reflect and realign using the Flow Tracker. Every week, assess your progress and adjust your Building Blocks. Every quarter, evaluate your milestones and plan your next steps. With each cycle, you’ll learn, grow, and move closer to your vision.

The Rooted Freedom Way isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about creating a life that aligns with your values, one choice at a time.

Final Reflection

Imagine what your life could look like if you had the freedom to choose your actions every day, with the confidence that those actions were leading you toward something meaningful. What could you achieve? How would you grow? The Rooted Freedom Way offers you that opportunity.

Start today. Root your actions in purpose. Embrace the freedom to grow.