Breaking Free From The Outside Influences

Don’t Let Others Decide or Think for You

Our brain is incredibly complex, and it prefers not to be overwhelmed. This is why we often don’t think deeply on our own. We need to learn to think independently; otherwise, we may just follow others or conform to societal norms. Our beliefs often come from our parents, our education, our peers, and the laws set by the government, while our ideas about freedom are shaped by what everyone around us believes.

Are we truly free? The simple answer might be yes, but in reality, it’s often not the case. Life comes with responsibilities, and if we don’t take them seriously, we end up just following the ideas others have created for us, believing they are our own.

Society often shapes our definition of success around wealth, and many of us follow this path without questioning it, living and dying by a belief that may not truly be our own.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

From the beginning, society begins to instill its ideas, beliefs, and systems in us, expecting us to live by them for an easier life. They use various tactics to bind us to these norms, controlling us emotionally and mentally while planting specific desires within us.

The dangerous idea that society promotes is that a happy and successful life can only be achieved through wealth. No matter your field, you’re expected to earn money to prove your worth. Our need for acceptance drives us to pursue higher-paying jobs, even if we’re not passionate about them, and some may resort to unethical means to accumulate wealth.

However, true success and happiness can come from doing what you love, even if it doesn’t pay much. For instance, you can be a dedicated teacher in a small town, genuinely invested in the education of children, or a social worker making a difference in a challenging environment. Providing for your family and nurturing their growth into good people can be a fulfilling measure of success, independent of monetary gain.

True success and happiness come not from wealth, but from doing what you love and making a difference, whether as a teacher, a social worker, or a devoted family member.

“Success is to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

A fulfilling life can be achieved without a large income, as long as you’re engaged in activities you enjoy and surrounded by loved ones. Success is about following your inner calling rather than chasing luxury or seeking others’ approval.

Take the time to define what success means to you, and strive to live by that definition. Remember, the moment you begin this journey, you are already successful.

We frequently make small decisions based on external influences, which then become ingrained habits over time. Eventually, the cumulative effect of these habits reveals the damaging consequences of our own actions.

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” — WIlliam James

When we’re unknowingly influenced by outside factors, we tend to make hasty decisions over an extended period. We get caught up in daily routines without taking a step back to reflect on our lives as a whole. This can lead to significant mistakes that we don’t notice at the time, only to regret later on.

Imagine you’re in a group of friends who prioritize having fun over studying. You don’t pay much attention to your studies and just go along with it. What will be the result? Now, picture the same group — in adult life, lounging around, partying, and never discussing things like business or staying fit. You start adopting their mindset. If you continue down this path, what will your future look like?

“The best way to predict your future is to create it through the choices you make today.” — Peter Drucker

You may have dreams of being a sportsman, singer, or artist, but the people around you instill fear and doubt, leading you to abandon your passions. How will you feel about that decision later in life? What if you find yourself chasing money, neglecting your loved ones, ignoring your health, missing out on travel, and not spending enough time on self-care? How will you reflect on these choices when you’re older?

Take some time to relax and reflect, even just once a week. Become more aware of yourself and your life, and think about how you want to spend your time in a way that your future self will appreciate.

“Life is the sum of all your choices.” — Albert Camus

Pay close attention to your thoughts, behaviors, and the small choices you make every day. Over time, these little actions can add up to significant changes, whether positive or negative.

You have the power to decide how to spend your free time. Instead of endlessly scrolling through social media, consider using that time to learn, improve your skills, or engage in activities that will benefit your family, career, or health.

Before you go to bed, you can choose to prioritize a good night’s sleep, which will help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Alternatively, if you mindlessly scroll on your phone, you might miss out on restful sleep and wake up feeling anxious and drained.

“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.” — Mike Murdock

Consistent, mindful choices pave your path to greatness, where success eagerly awaits.