Live the Life You’ve Earned, Not the One Others Expect

There’s something undeniably powerful about deciding to live life on your own terms. This isn’t about small wins or short-term satisfaction; it’s about a relentless pursuit of something bigger, a journey toward goals so massive they could fill a lifetime with meaning. But designing a life you feel you’ve earned—not one you just fell into or settled for—requires a different kind of mindset, one rooted in self-reliance, vision, and courage.

Dream Big—Like You’re Five Years Old

Most of us are told from a young age to “dream big,” but then we’re handed a long list of limitations. By the time we hit adulthood, our aspirations are often shaped more by societal expectations than by what we actually want. If you want to start crafting a life that’s truly yours, try stepping back into the mindset of a 5-year-old. Grab a pen and paper, let your imagination loose, and don’t hold back. Picture yourself riding camels by the pyramids, starting a global business, or learning five languages.

The goal isn’t just to identify a few ambitions—it’s to make an unapologetic list of every wild, unlikely, and even "impractical" thing you’d love to accomplish in your lifetime. Outlandish? Sure. Childish? Maybe. But these ideas bring you closer to the heart of what you really want, peeling away the need to conform to anyone else’s playbook.

Find Your Anchor in Your Big Goals

A life that you feel proud of, that you’ve truly earned, doesn’t just happen. It’s built with big goals as the foundation, creating a sense of purpose that anchors you through every challenge. Without a clear vision, it’s easy to get pulled off course by setbacks or to get stuck in cycles of frustration when things don’t go as planned. When you have something big to work toward, though, the bad days become just another part of the journey. As I see it, those big goals are what keep you steady, reminding you that every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to something deeply meaningful.

One of the most powerful ways to keep those goals front and center is to write them down and look at them every morning. Whether you had an incredible day or a tough one yesterday, that morning ritual reorients you toward your purpose. It’s a reminder of the direction you’re going, and it takes the focus off temporary setbacks, pushing you to stay forward-focused on growth.

Let Go of Others' Opinions

If you’re living by other people’s expectations, you’re not living your life—you’re just playing a role. At some point, you have to decide to stop worrying about what others think and focus entirely on what you know you need to accomplish. If your goals are morally and ethically aligned with who you are, that’s all the validation you need.

This isn’t a call to ignore feedback or disregard others’ perspectives. Instead, it’s an invitation to build a life that fits your values and your standards. And once you’re on that path, others’ judgments become background noise—a minor distraction in the vast landscape of your vision.

Build a Plan, and Stick to It

Once you’ve set your sights on those giant goals, start mapping out the journey step by step. For me, it’s about having a daily plan that aligns with the bigger vision. Each morning, regardless of how the previous day went, I look at my roadmap. This practice keeps me grounded, reminding me that even on days when things feel off, there’s still progress to be made.

This approach isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency—about having a framework in place so that when life throws a curveball, you’re still anchored. The bad days become just another part of the process, an inevitable piece of the journey toward something far greater.

Embrace the Journey and Earn Your Success

Living the life you’ve earned is an endless journey of refining and realigning your focus. But each step forward is a testament to your commitment, your resilience, and your ability to rise above the expectations of others. Remember, you don’t have to ask permission to follow your dreams. The only thing you need is the courage to set your own course—and the discipline to follow through.

So, start dreaming like a 5-year-old. Set goals big enough to span a lifetime. Build a plan to get there, and remind yourself every day why you’re on this path. When you live for your own standards and put in the work to earn your success, you’ll find a life waiting for you that’s richer, fuller, and far more meaningful than anything others could ever define for you.