I know I’ve talked about it before, but You Do You by Sarah Knight is basically life changing.
There were several times throughout the book where I reread sentences or jotted down a quote or just reflected for a while because I related to so much of it. This was probably the quote that really hit home for me the most:
“Letting arbitrary factors decide for you is easier than making tough choices on your own.”
I have been guilty of this for so many years. I’d constantly ask other people what they thought of option A or option B in hopes of having them decide for me and therefore validate my choices. This was true whether it was about an outfit or a job I had applied for and nearly anything in between.
Like, I’m giving you two choices but I secretly want you to pick the one that I’m leaning towards but I won’t tell you what that is until you pick the wrong one and make me feel insecure.
Um, how messed up is that?! Again, I used to do this all the time and in fact I still do it fairly often. Oops.
And man, that’s such a tiring process and an exhausting way to live. Why do we always try to get validation from others on things that most likely don’t matter or directly affect them at all?
And besides just getting unneeded advice from others, I’ve also noticed that even if I do follow the advice or agree with something even though deep down that I want something else, I’m not happy.
So why do I keep doing it?! Wtf, past me?
I’m sure many of you can relate to this from one point or another in your life. If you’re amazing at sticking to your convictions and not getting caught up in this BS, then snaps for you, man. I hope to fully get there someday.
We have to make a lot of decisions in our lives. Some are easy, and some can change our lives for the worse or the better in an instant. It can be hard to know which is which until after it’s over, so we need to be more present and aware of our decisions and choices.
Just think, how many things are you wanting to do but haven’t started yet because you’re waiting for someone to give you permission or validate your dreams? What are you currently doing that you’re not really crazy about but someone else thought it would be great for you?
Own your thoughts. Own your dilemmas. Own your choices.
It won’t be easy, but it’ll be so much more rewarding when the successes are fully yours to celebrate, as are the failures. That’s what makes for a more well-rounded life.
Are you ready?
