Hey there, fellow freedom seekers! Have you ever felt like you’re living in someone else’s shadow? Like you’re stuck in a never-ending game of follow the leader but you don’t even know who’s leading? Well, my friend, you’re not alone. In this wild ride we call life, it’s easy to get swept up in the tidal wave of other people’s expectations, so today, I’m here to guide you on a journey to reclaim your independence and live life on your own terms. Get ready to break free from the shackles of societal pressure and embrace the true essence of who you are. Welcome to Finding Freedom: How to Stop Living for Others’ Expectations.

What does it mean to live up to others expectations?

Trying to meet everyone else’s standards is like trying to do a really crazy circus act. It feels like you’re walking on eggshells all the time, scared of messing up and letting someone down. It’s like pretending to be someone you’re not just to make others happy. It’s tiring, draining and just plain awful. You forget who you really are and just do whatever others want. It’s like being stuck in a cage, wishing you could be free. It’s time to break free and be yourself again, one step at a time. Ready to start this journey to freedom?

Unravel the Expectation Web

Let me tell you a little story. Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Sarah. Sarah spent her days trying to please everyone around her – her parents, her friends, her coworkers – until she realised she had lost sight of who she was in the process. Sound familiar? The first step to breaking free is unraveling this web and identifying the source of these expectations.

Are they coming from family, friends, society or even yourself? Take a moment to reflect on whose expectations you’ve been trying to live up to. Once you pinpoint the root cause, you can begin to untangle yourself from its grip.

Stop Living for Others’ Expectations by Flipping the Script

Don’t just go along with what society expects of you – it’s time to start writing your own story. Take charge of your life and make sure the plot reflects what you really want and believe in. Who says you have to stick to the same old formula for success? Make your own way, even if it means doing things differently. Living up to others expectations might be tough and bring on some anxiety as well as  stress when you try to meet expectations that don’t really fit with your true self. Remember, we’re all different with our own talents and interests so embrace your uniqueness.

Set Boundaries Like a Boss

Repeat after me: “No” is a complete sentence. Learning to set boundaries is crucial in freeing yourself from the expectations of others. Whether it’s saying no to that extra workload or declining an invitation that doesn’t align with your priorities, remember that you are the gatekeeper of your own time and energy. Don’t be afraid to use that power. You got this Queen!! (and kings of course)

Practice Self-Love and Self-Care

You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure to fill yours up with self-love and self-care. Treat yourself like you would your best friend – with kindness, compassion and the occasional dance party in your pajamas. Prioritise activities that nourish your mind, body and soul, whether it’s indulging in a bubble bath or binge-watching your favorite guilty pleasure. You can read my blog post of why self-care is important here.

Surround Yourself with Supporters

They say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so choose your squad wisely. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, support your dreams and cheer you on from the sidelines. Ain’t nobody got time for toxic relationships that drag you down like a sinking ship.

Photo Source: https://medium.com/@dmuing/a-tragic-satire-aint-nobody-got-time-for-that-ec8a038ede15

Stop Living for Others’ Expectations by taking Risks and Embrace Failure

Life is too short to play it safe. Take risks, step out of your comfort zone and embrace failure like a badge of honor. Every stumble is just a steppingstone on the path to success. Remember, the greatest stories are often born from the ashes of failure. I got words hey…

Shift Your Focus Inward

Instead of seeking validation from external sources, turn your focus inward and listen to the whispers of your heart. Trust your intuition, honour your instincts and march to the beat of your own drum. You are the author of your own story, so make it a damn good one. Taking the first step is tough, but once you do, it’ll be smooth sailing from then on. It’s always a good idea to jot down your first few moves. Check out this blog post for some tips on getting started with journaling.

Celebrate Your Wins, Big and Small

Life is a series of victories, both big and small. Take a moment to celebrate your wins, whether it’s landing your dream job or finally mastering the art of adulting (hey, paying bills on time counts and should be celebrated!). Acknowledge your progress, pat yourself on the back and keep on shining like the star you are.

Remember: You Do You

In a world full of copycats, be an original. Remember that you are enough, just as you are. So, go ahead and march to the beat of your own drum, dance like nobody’s watching and live your life unapologetically. Because at the end of the day, the only expectations that truly matter are the ones you set for yourself.

Now, let’s talk FAQs:

FAQ 1: But what if being myself means standing out from the crowd?

Oh, the classic worry of standing out like a flamingo in a flock of pigeons. But let me ask you this: would you rather blend in with the crowd or stand out and shine like the fabulous unicorn you are? Embrace your quirks, your passions and your individuality. Celebrate what makes you different.

FAQ 2: But won’t I disappoint people if I stop living up to their expectations?

(Sigh) The guilt trip express. I know all about it! Here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup, and trying to please everyone else will only leave you feeling drained and resentful. Remember, you are not responsible for other people’s happiness. Set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and watch as the world adjusts to the radiant force of nature that is you.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks – a roadmap to freedom from the suffocating grip of others’ expectations. It won’t be easy, and there will undoubtedly be bumps along the way, but trust me when I say that the journey to self-discovery is worth every twist and turn. So, go forth and live your life on your own terms. The world is your playground and the possibilities are endless. Now, I leave you with one final question: Are you ready to break free and embrace the magnificent, unapologetically authentic badass that you are?

Let me know in the comments how try to not live up to peoples expectations.

Chat soon

Xx