It’s easy to lose sight of what we actually want for ourselves.
When it comes to things like career choices, personal goals, or even day-to-day decisions, the pressure to conform can weigh heavily.
But doing what you truly want, free from the expectations of others, can feel really liberating and empowering. Let’s discuss.
Stop Worrying About Expectations
Clarify Your Own Values
Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you.
What brings you joy and fulfillment? What are your core values? Once you understand what drives you, it becomes easier to prioritize your needs over external pressure.
The Difference Between Advice and Expectation
There’s a difference between helpful advice and societal pressure. Advice is meant to guide us, not dictate our every move.
Take advice from others with a grain of salt, understanding that it’s coming from their perspective, not yours.
Set Boundaries
Learning to say no is an essential skill in re-claiming your life. If you feel that others are imposing expectations, it’s good to set boundaries. Decline things that don’t align with your path.
Embrace the Fear of Judgement
We all fear judgement, but judgement will often be inevitable when we’re carving our own path.
Rather than letting it stop you, use it as a sign that you’re doing something authentic for yourself. The opinions of others are going to come and go, but your self-respect and happiness are long-lasting.
Surround Yourself with Support
Seek out people who encourage your growth and authenticity. When you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who embrace individuality, it becomes easier to silence the voices of doubt and focus on what makes you thrive.
Final Thoughts
Living life on our own terms means shedding the weight of other people’s expectations and embracing our personal journey.
It may sound simplistic, but the only person we should be answering to is ourselves. It might take some time and courage, but the freedom that comes from living authentically is worth every step.
I feel like I’ve done ok with this in my life so far, but sometimes I can feel on a subconscious level certain actions may be rooted in the expectations of others.
Depending on the circumstance, sometimes I do ask myself, who am I doing this for? And when the answer is that I’m not sure, then I know there’s some personal introspection needed.
How do you deal with the expectations of others? Let me know below.
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