Escaping expectations

Living life means something completely different to everyone. It is a singular experience that we all go through individually, but together. Our own journey, full of endless possibilities different from the same people we’re journeying with. It’s an incredible freedom to choose how to live, but so many get caught up in copying or following what the people around them are doing, blind to their own unique possibilities.

I just got some really helpful advice in terms of rearranging my thinking on the future and what I want out of my life and my career. I used to hate the word career because I thought it meant a boring day job in a suit. That was repulsive to me, especially after having a year-long internship in a corporate place of work that sucked the life out of me. But really I think now a career is just someone’s life path, once all the required school years are over.

The advice I got was that I have to define what success means to me. I am the only one who can do that. And once I know what I want, that is what I base my decisions off of. Obviously, the opinions of family and friends and their version of success can play a factor in my definition, but it can not solely define it. Again, I am the only one who can do that because, if I am happy with the work I do, I won’t work a day in my life. I know what makes me happy, in my heart. Not that a job will necessarily be all amazing days, there will always be aspects that are not enjoyable or fun or even inspiring, but there should always be passion. If I do what ignites my fire, what I know I’m capable of and best at, I will find success. It is as simple as that.

I just posted to Instagram a quote that inspired me along these lines recently, and reminded me that it’s not just about finding passion in our ‘work’, but in every part of our lives. I’ve been frustrated time and again when people don’t share the same thirst for life that I do. This quote reiterates that:

It is quite simple. When it comes to anything in life–relationships, friendships, the work you do, the art you make–when it comes to anything, if it does not create an avalanche within your chest, if it does not move you, and inspire you, if it does not come from the deepest part of who you are, it is not for you. It is not for you.  -Bianca Sparacino

Define your avalanches, your happiness, then your success. Create expectations for yourself and your life and the people in it, and start your journey to what matters to you. Stop wasting time on the things that don’t matter. Start taking action to do what you want to do.