Most of us live lives based on expectations others have set for us. It’s an understatement, really.
The bizarre thing is that even the people behind companies, countries, and the world itself are unconsciously making decisions that the majority are expected to follow. This means our decisions are often not logical but rather emotional.
Have you ever remembered a time you cried because your pet died?
Or when someone you loved passed away?
Or think of another example—a person buys an overpriced house just because it’s near their parents.
These decisions don’t necessarily rely on logic. Instead, they come from the sentimental values people attach to the purchase. Because of this emotion, they can justify their decisions with countless reasons, convincing themselves it was the “right” choice.
That’s the problem with societal expectations—they’re relatable.
But because of that, your life may suffer, because you’re aiming to be relatable to others, not true to yourself.
The classic societal lifecycle looks like this:
- Study hard.
- Get good grades.
- Get a good job.
- Get married.
- Work until you retire.
- Enjoy your retirement.
But here’s the catch: if you follow what the majority does, you’ll end up with ordinary results.
The people we admire, the ones we look up to, they didn’t follow the crowd. They took risks—bold, unconventional risks. Sure, you might think, “They did that because they had powerful connections, or they were already wealthy, or they had luck on their side.” It’s easy to discount their achievements because of these perceived advantages.
But here’s a different perspective.
Regardless of their circumstances—whether they had financial backing or influential people in their corner—what they accomplished is nothing short of extraordinary.
As humans, we love to reverse-engineer success stories. We look at someone’s achievements and try to trace their journey backward. But if you take a closer look at their starting point, it’s not so different from where you are today. They faced the same uncertainties, the same doubts:
- “How do I start?”
- “What advantages, if any, do I have?”
- “Who should I approach?”
- “Do I have enough runway before my business runs out of money?”
These are universal questions, faced by all, whether they have connections or not. So, instead of focusing on their advantages, let’s focus on you.
Because alignment comes when you tune into your inner calling.
Forget what society tells you success looks like.
True success is living in harmony with your soul’s purpose.
Are you living for yourself or for others?
Think about it: when was the last time you made a decision purely for yourself, with no regard for what others expected of you?
Most of us are driven by the need to fit in, to gain acceptance, and to follow the conventional path. And while this may bring a sense of security, it often doesn’t bring fulfillment. We give up our authenticity just to be “relatable.”
But at what cost?
Take a hard look at the risks you’re not taking, the passions you’re not pursuing, and the life you’re not living because you’re trapped in a cycle of societal expectations. You weren’t born to fit a mold. You were born to break free from it and carve your own path.
Yes, it’s scary. Yes, there’s uncertainty. Yes, there’s fear. But that’s where the magic happens. That’s where growth happens.
When you let go of the need to conform and start living for yourself, life begins to flow. You attract the opportunities, people, and experiences that are truly aligned with who you are. That’s alignment—living with purpose, meaning, and the courage to be unapologetically yourself.
So, I ask you:
- What truly lights you up?
- Are you suppressing your real desires because of what others might think?
- If no one was watching, what kind of life would you create?
Your life is a blank canvas, and the brush is in your hand. You don’t have to follow anyone’s script or live by anyone else’s expectations. You have the power to design a life based on what matters most to you.
Forget about being relatable. Instead, be real. Be bold. Be free.
And when you do, you’ll realise that the only approval you ever needed was your own.