Being a performer all of my life I’ve come to see that the formula for freedom has existed around me every day of my life. Whether it is through music or business the parallels are undeniable.

Many folks have heard of the Pythagorean theorem which says “In any right triangle, the area of the square whose side is the hypotenuse (the side of a right triangle opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of areas of the squares whose sides are the two legs (i.e. the two sides other than the hypotenuse) or more simply a squared + b squared = c squared.

Pythagoras went on to discover a relationship in mathematics in harmonic relationships where sounding a fundamental note produce a series of overtones.

What does this really mean to you the reader? Simply this – when an initial choice is made (or note is sounded) that is fully resonant with who you are, it instantly sets up a chain of events that will create abundance.

So starting with lowest C on the piano…

C1 is Choice. What are you choosing? Choose – choose the Freedom path – the abundance. There are many different words for freedom including love, joy, happiness, peace of mind.

If you don’t choose freedom I assure you – you are choosing fear. Remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. If you think that someone else has chosen for you, consider that you have chosen to abdicate your choice.

The choice when sounded in perfect resonance with our being has the ability to produce a series of overtones that all at once encompasses all of the “C’s” contained in this list. You may find that you’ll revisit major choices as each choice continues to bring you into alignment with your greater purpose and/or passion.

Remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Each of the following “C’s” is within the realm of “choice”. You will make a choice to be clear, to be clear, to communicate, to change, to create, to consent, to commit and to connect.

What will your choices be right now?

C2 is Clarity. Where are you going? Looking backward or looking forward? Be clear about your freedom, about what you desire. The more precise you are about your desire the faster it will be realized.

If your choice is something you aspire “toward” you have a greater opportunity of achieving the desired end result and continuing to progress beyond that level. If, on the other hand, your goal is something that you desire because it is in hopes of “moving away from” something else, you will come back and see that “negative result” either in the same form or some variation on a theme.

Consider the fact that basing your performance on proving to someone else that you are not a failure, slacker or incompetent doesn’t give you the ultimate satisfaction or freedom you are looking for. As Henry Thoreau stated, “When one advances confidently in the direction of one’s dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with success unexpected in common hours.” While he used the word confidently – one could just as easily insert “clearly” and maintain the same intent.

In business if all you are asking for is “more” money then a penny works. If you want a lot more money then $100 might work; the word “lot” is subjective. It’s not clear. Think about the words small vs. large, tall vs. short, hot vs. cold – these words fall short of creating clear outcomes. Be clear.

C3 is Communicate. Be willing to put it out there – ASK. Allow your whole being to communicate the openness; through your thoughts words and actions. Use words that communicate abundance. Be part of the solution remembering there are no problems just limited thinking.

Stay focused on your desires. Remember that Mother Theresa wouldn’t attend an “Anti-War” Rally but she would attend a “Peace” Rally.

Dress for success and allow your appearance to communicate prosperity. Clean out your thinking by communicating with yourself the idea that you believe in what you have to offer. Communicate your passion and pride in yourself and your performance, product or service at all times.

C4 is Change. In nature everything is dynamic, it always changes. Use a journal to assist you in self-observation of change. The person you are today is not the same as the person you were yesterday, let alone a year ago.

Like all of nature the change may happen so gradually you may not notice it until someone or something else calls it to your attention. As a vocalist the skill of breath management happens while one is focusing on the total aspect of performing. In business there are few things that “never change”. You may see mineral ingredients improve or technology improve but time marches on and growth is desired on so be flexible and change.

C5 is Creation. Allow yourself to be in the creative phase of “who you are”. Be passionate about what you are bringing to the world and create an environment that allows the abundance.

If your performance preparation is uncomfortable consider the choices that have brought you to this moment in time. If your place of business is so cluttered that there is no room to allow in the new systems, equipment, supplies or products you are effectively saying that you don’t really want what you are asking for and you will find yourself looping by experiencing that feast and famine routine.

Do whatever it takes and make a statement to yourself by creating the space of abundance.

C6 is Consent. When you are given the opportunity to soar say “YES”! Recognize that freedom is there just for the allowing. The freedom is around you at all times.

The first five steps opened up the channel and the key is to remember that you have the choice to allow it in. However you define freedom – accept it, allow it. Consent to receiving it.

While in the “working”, “striving”, “pursuit” of excellence, of your dreams and goals, remember they are already there so consider allowing more and “pursuing” less.

C7 is Commitment. Be willing to follow your passion – your dream – your purpose and willing to always go back to C1. It may be that the path you’ve been on no longer serves you and you are best served by following a new path.

At all times be committed to your path of freedom. When things don’t look as positive as you’d like, go back to the first C of “choice” and make the choice again. Remember these words of Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Allow your habits to be committed to YOUR excellence.

C8 is Connection. Everything is connected and be aware that there are no accidents or coincidences. Allow yourself to make the connections by using all of your senses. Consider letting your mind, body and spirit become connected.

Allow yourself to function as a whole being, not some separated automaton that has allowed the labels of society to compartmentalize the different hats you may wear throughout your daily life. You may learn much more in one moment of true connection that you ever could even if you read all of the books in the Library of Congress.

There is a universal connection that propagates all thought. Be open to the opportunities that are around you. If you have set your intention on a specific outcome stay connected to the fact that you are receiving feedback from the moment that you stated your intent.