Why do many people pursue lives misaligned with their genuine desires? I’ve been reflecting on following external success markers without questioning whether they truly fulfill me.
Understanding the disconnect
External validation gets easily mistaken for authentic fulfillment. Society’s widely-recognized paths feel simpler to follow, even when they contradict deeper values. This creates constant dissatisfaction—always chasing the next milestone, never genuinely arriving.
Redefining fulfillment
Breaking free requires difficult self-examination: What do I actually want? What genuinely makes me feel alive, fulfilled, and aligned?
I’ve been shifting toward reconsidering productivity and redefining success around family, creativity, and health. The navigation is ongoing, but meaningful changes are emerging from pursuing a genuinely desired life rather than one society expects.