I've been surprisingly captivated by the World Cup this summer.

Maybe it's my Scandinavian roots, but I've found myself rooting for Norway. While I've enjoyed watching the team, I've become fascinated by one particular player: Erling Haaland.

It wasn't just his scoring prowess.

It was how comfortably he seemed to be himself.

During one break in play, he casually wandered over to the opposing goalkeeper's water bottle and grabbed a drink.

No hesitation.

No looking around to see if anyone would stop him.

Just, "I'm thirsty."

Maybe that's completely normal in international soccer. Maybe there was strategy behind it. Goalkeepers are even known to keep notes on those bottles about where opposing players tend to shoot penalty kicks.

But from where I was sitting, it looked like someone who wasn't carrying around a long list of assumptions about what he should or shouldn't do.

And I'll admit it.

I would never have done that.

If I were the goalie, I would've been pissed.

And at the same time, I admired the fact that he didn't seem to need anyone's permission.

It got me wondering…

Where do I seek permission that I probably don't need to?

What self-imposed rules do I still live by that maybe no longer serve me?

Then I remembered a time several years ago.

I was buying flowers before a birthday dinner, and I was running late. The florist counter at the grocery store was unattended, so after waiting several minutes, I stepped behind the counter, grabbed the paper I needed, and started wrapping the bouquet myself.

An employee came rushing over.

"Sir, you can't go back there."

I smiled and said, "I know. But it got your attention."

I wasn't trying to make a scene.

I just needed to solve a problem that no one else seemed interested in solving.

That story has stayed with me.

Not because I broke a rule.

But because it made me realize something.

Permission is often just the visible symptom.

The assumptions underneath are worth exploring.

Some assumptions we were taught.

I was taught it's rude to inconvenience someone.

I was taught I should wait my turn.

I was taught to assume someone else knows better.

I was taught there's a "right" way to do things.

Most of us don't consciously think we're permission seekers.

We simply act out the assumptions we've accumulated over a lifetime.

Some still serve us.

Some once did.

And some…

only exist because we never stopped to question them.

Maybe that's what watching Erling reminded me of.

Not to break every rule.

But to notice the assumptions I'm living by.

The ones I inherited.

The ones that once protected me.

The ones that no longer fit the person I'm becoming.

So here's my question for you:

What assumption are you living by that deserves another look?

Maybe growth isn't about becoming someone new.

Maybe it's about questioning a story you've accepted for years…

and deciding whether it still belongs in your life.

Before you ask for permission

Check the assumption first.

Until next time,