Why do you want the things you want?

Is it because you think you’ll be happier if you have it?

Is it because your family thinks you need it?

Is it because your friends all have it?

This can apply to things as trivial as choosing a lipstick color and as serious as having a child.

Are you truly ready to get engaged or do you want to because your Facebook feed is blowing up with shiny new rings?

Are you going to graduate school because your parents want you to or because you actually want to your Ph.D.?

Do you actually want that designer bag or do you just think it will make you happier?

Now, more than ever, it is way too easy to fall into this trap. With the prominence of social media we feel the need to share everything  (I’ll admit, I’m guilty as well. Hell, I have this blog where I publicly share my thoughts on the internet.) Because of this it is oftentimes easier to just want what everyone else does. All these people on Instagram look really happy – maybe if I get a goldendoodle, a Louis Vuitton and some Starbucks I will be too?

(typical blogger example but you get my point).

As of late I’ve been feeling this immense pressure to do more, be more, figure out a plan, make decisions, focus on a career, the list goes on. But, what I realized, is that I was putting this pressure on myself due to what I THINK people want me to do.

Pretty convoluted, right?

(And yes, my parents would probably prefer it if I were a little more “career focused.”)

So,

I’ve been trying to focus on what I actually want. JUST ME. Not what my friends want, not what my parents want, not what *society* says I should want, but what I want. It can be overwhelming, so I keep a note in my phone and periodically jot down ideas for jobs, careers that peak my interest, the things I do daily that bring me joy, and things people think I’m good at/come to me for help.

For example (in relation to careers): I know I love teaching SPIN, I know I love helping people find their style and feel confident in their clothes and I know I love writing (to name a few). Now that I’ve identified things I know I love, I’m in the process of turning those things into financially beneficial situations for myself (aka I get paid to do what I love).

My main point here is to ask yourself the (sometimes hard) question: do I really want this?

And if so, why do I want this?

 Does it help me reach my goals?

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Whew, that was a bit of a doozy for a Monday, but I’ve had this on my mind all weekend. Hopefully some of you can relate!

A quick note: this romper is from the Victoria Beckham for Target collection and is SO cute. My sandals and romper are linked below and neither is more than $35.

Thanks for reading today – I would love to know your thoughts on this post!
share in the comments below 🙂

xo, Maddy

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