Are you Living Someone Else's Life?

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “Am I living someone else’s life?” It’s a tough question, and most of us avoid it because the answer might shake things up.

But if you’ve ever felt that quiet dissatisfaction, the sense that something is missing even when everything looks right on paper, it might be time to take a closer look at whose expectations you are actually meeting.

How We End Up on Someone Else’s Path

From the moment we’re born, we are shaped by others’ expectations. Family, teachers, and society all have opinions on who we should be and how we should live. Maybe you pursued a career because it was practical, not because it excited you. Maybe you built a life that looks great from the outside but feels completely off on the inside.

It happens so easily. We want to fit in, be liked, and do what is expected. But over time, following someone else’s version of success can lead to burnout, frustration, and that nagging feeling that something just isn’t right.

Signs You Are Living Someone Else’s Life

Not sure if this applies to you? Here are a few things to look for:

?? You make choices based on “should.” Taking a job, staying in a relationship, or following a routine not because you want to, but because it is what is expected.

?? You feel disconnected from your own desires. When was the last time you truly asked yourself, “What do I want?” and actually listened?

?? You rely on external validation. Your confidence wavers unless someone else affirms your choices.

?? Your dreams feel vague or nonexistent. Hard to dream big when you've spent years focused on what others want.

If any of these sound familiar, you are not alone. I have been there too.

My Story: Breaking Free from Expectations

I grew up in an environment where following directions wasn’t optional. If I didn’t do things the right way, there were consequences. That fear followed me into adulthood.

At work, I became great at anticipating what others wanted and delivering it. But the cost? A constant fear that I wasn’t measuring up. I was so focused on meeting others’ expectations that I lost sight of my own.

The turning point came when I realized I had no idea what I actually wanted. So, I made the scariest and most freeing decision of my life. I started my own business. Not to prove anything to anyone, but to figure out what my dreams looked like.

It wasn’t easy. At first, asking myself “What do I want?” felt completely foreign. But the more I paid attention, the clearer the answers became.

Reclaiming Your Own Life

Where in your life are you living for others instead of yourself? Is it your career? Your relationships? Your daily choices?

Reclaiming your dreams doesn’t mean ignoring responsibilities. It means being honest with yourself. It means recognizing that your voice matters just as much as anyone else’s.

A Challenge for You

For the next 24 hours, pay attention to the choices you make out of habit, obligation, or because it’s what you think you should do. Then ask yourself:

?? If no one else’s opinion mattered, what would I choose instead?

You don’t have to change anything right away. Just notice. You might be surprised by what stands out.

Let’s Talk

If this resonates with you, let’s connect. I help people untangle expectations from their true desires because life is too short to live by someone else’s script.

?? Send me a message or email me at [email protected]. Your future self will thank you.