From the moment we’re born, society starts handing us a script. Our parents have dreams for us. Our teachers have expectations. Our friends, partners, and even social media seem to whisper—or shout—what we should be doing, how we should look, and who we should become.
But here’s the thing: how often do we stop and ask ourselves, “Is this what I want? Is this truly me?”
The scary truth is, many of us are living someone else’s version of our lives. We’re chasing dreams that aren’t ours. We’re following rules we never questioned. And we’re molding ourselves into shapes that fit other people’s expectations—while slowly losing sight of who we really are.
The Wake-Up Call Imagine this: You’re on your deathbed, looking back on your life. What would haunt you more—failing at something you loved or succeeding at something you hated?
It’s a hard pill to swallow, but too many people reach the end of their journey only to realize they’ve been living someone else’s dream. They stayed in a career because it looked good on paper. They followed a path because it was “safe.” They ignored their passions because they didn’t fit the mold.
Here’s the truth: If you don’t decide what your life should look like, someone else will decide for you. And spoiler alert—it won’t feel fulfilling.
Reflection Exercise So, how do we break free from living someone else’s version of our lives?
Here’s an exercise for you. Take a moment and ask yourself these three questions:
- What do I truly love to do? Forget what’s “practical” or “logical.” What lights your soul on fire?
- What would I pursue if nobody was watching? If there were no likes, no judgments, no external opinions—what would you do?
- Whose opinions am I prioritizing over my own? Be honest. Is it your parents? Your friends? Society at large?
Write down your answers. This isn’t about judging yourself; it’s about waking up to the influences shaping your life.
The Courage to Choose Yourself Living your life takes courage. It’s scary to step away from the expectations of others. It’s uncomfortable to forge your own path. But here’s the reward: When you start living authentically, your life begins to align with who you truly are.
You wake up with purpose. You make decisions that feel right in your gut. And you start to attract opportunities, people, and experiences that resonate with the real you.
Remember, the people who truly love and support you will celebrate your authenticity—even if it takes them time to understand it.
Closing Thought So, I’ll leave you with this: Life is precious. Don’t waste it living someone else’s dream. You have one shot at this, and the world needs the unique, unfiltered version of you.
As you move through your day, I challenge you to notice the moments where you’re choosing someone else’s version of your life over your own. Pause. Reflect. And ask yourself, “What would it look like to choose me instead?”
Because the moment you start living your life—on your terms—is the moment you truly begin to live.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.