Escape the Rat Race You Built: How to Reclaim Your Time and Redefine Freedom as an Entrepreneur
Let me ask you something real: are you a business owner who left your 9-to-5 in search of freedom… only to find yourself working more than ever? If so, you’re not alone and this blog post is for you.
I recently sat down with George Bryant, a Marine Corps veteran turned marketing genius, who’s built multiple seven-figure businesses and scaled brands to nine and ten figures. But George isn’t just another entrepreneur with a flashy story. What makes his journey so valuable is that he’s gone to hell and back emotionally, mentally, and spiritually and emerged with true clarity about what freedom actually means.
In this podcast episode, George unpacked his entire transformation from trauma and addiction to building a value-driven life and business. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and ready to actually live the rich life you set out to build, read on.
The Freedom Trap: Why Most Entrepreneurs Build Their Own Rat Race
We entrepreneurs often start our journey chasing entrepreneurial freedom control over our time, unlimited income potential, and the ability to choose our lifestyle. But somewhere along the way, we trade one rat race for another.
George hit a breaking point when he realized he had built a business based on everyone else’s expectations. On the outside, he was crushing it: keynote speaking gigs, a bestselling book, a viral app, and over a million followers. But inside? He was hollow, burned out, and disconnected from himself.
“I had no sense of identity or freedom. My entire life was built around optics not what I valued,” George told me.
Sound familiar?
From Combat to Clarity: George’s Journey to a Value-Driven Life
George’s story is incredible. From childhood trauma to two combat tours, addiction, PTSD, and finally giving away a thriving business as a Christmas gift (yes, seriously) he’s lived a thousand lives in one.
But the most powerful shift came when he stopped asking, “What do I need to do?” and started asking, “Who do I need to become?”
He began living by a single mantra: build a business around your life, not a life around your business.
That’s when everything changed. He got clear on his core values, simplified his business model, and designed his environment (including a move to rural Montana) to support the freedom he was craving.
Why You Don’t Need Another Tactic You Need Awareness
Let me hit you with some hard truth George shared:
“If you’re constantly fighting fires, there’s a good chance you’re the arsonist.”
Boom.
We spend so much time chasing time management hacks, automations, and the next shiny tactic that we forget to slow down and ask the most important question: Is this the life I actually want?
George reminds us that the first step to freedom isn’t strategy it’s awareness. You have to acknowledge the gap between your values and your actions before you can close it.
Micro Habits, Not Massive Overhauls
Most people think change requires massive action. But George flips that script.
When he lost 100 pounds, he didn’t start with a 6-day-a-week workout plan. He just walked for 15 minutes every morning.
And that’s exactly how he coaches entrepreneurs now. Instead of trying to change everything at once, focus on one area. Take one micro step in the right direction. That small shift will create momentum and that’s how transformation begins.
AI Won’t Save You—Only Alignment Will
Yes, tools like AI can buy back your time. But as George said, if you’re not in alignment, all that extra time just creates more busyness.
Freedom is not about efficiency it’s about intentionality. You can automate tasks and scale systems all day long, but if your calendar doesn’t reflect your values, you’ll stay stuck.
Protect What You Value Fiercely
This was my biggest takeaway from our conversation: values aren’t just feel-good words. They’re boundaries. They’re guideposts. And if you don’t protect them, you’ll violate them one “just this once” at a time.
Whether it’s being present for your family, staying off your phone in the morning, or choosing not to hop on another plane for a speaking gig, freedom is a discipline.
George uses environmental design to keep himself accountable. Living in a remote Montana town makes it harder to say yes to the wrong things and easier to say yes to what matters.
Final Thoughts: You Already Have What You Need
The truth is, you’re not lacking strategies. You’re not even lacking time.
What you might be lacking is clarity. Clarity about who you are, what you value, and how your business can support not suffocate your life.
“You don’t have the business or the life you want because you haven’t become the person to run it.” – George Bryant
I challenge you to start there. Not with a new business plan or tech stack, but with a moment of honesty. Look at your calendar. Your habits. Your environment. Are they aligned with what you say you value?
If not, take a half step. One change. Then another. That’s how we build real freedom.
Connect with George Bryant
- Podcast: The Mind of George
- Instagram: @itsgeorgebryant
- Website: mindofgeorge.com – loaded with free resources!