Kathryn Dennett reporter  

Some people work harder and put themselves through more stress than most people not because they want to but because they are trying to reach a standard that has been set for them by other people. These people will allocate valuable time that they can never get back toward achieving goals that conflict with what they actually want to do. Their desire to please others is so strong that they are willing to be miserable in the hopes of potentially receiving approval from others. For some people, it is not the approval of others they are chasing but an internal voice that is constantly making them think that no matter how much they do or how much of a challenge they give themselves that it is never enough. It seems like everyone, including our very own selves, is always expecting more and more despite how much we may have already achieved. And it is not always standards that people think they need to reach but a desire for things that they do not possess.  

Instead of worldly possessions being something that can add to one’s own happiness the victims of this thought process believe that they need to be dependent on these things to achieve happiness. No matter how much stuff you acquire and no matter how much you do if you are only doing it because you think you have to and not because it personally brings you joy then you will not feel rewarded or fulfilled. Some people get so caught up in achieving in life that they forget to enjoy their life. If you feel that this speaks to you there are ways to take back your life and really make it yours starting today.  

First place the breaks on what you think you need to be doing and go pedal to the metal on whatever it is that you want to do. Do not even try to work those neurons in your head and just let your feelings guide you. Even if you think others might disapprove of it or that it might set you back on achieving your goals, do it anyway. If you want to solve a Rubix cube, it does not have to be because you feel like you must prove you are smart and not draw the next Mona Lisa. All that matters is having fun along the way which means you do not have to line up all those colored squares or create a masterfully crafted work of art.  

There does not have to be a time limit, a specific way to do these things, or a certain way it needs to be done. If you are having fun, do it. It may be difficult, but some of your obligations must either go or be significantly toned down if you are not enjoying them. If you do not have to work a certain kind of job but feel like you need to feel good about yourself, drop it and consider other jobs. If you feel like you need to finish off a collection by buying things you do not even like after you already bought what it is, you wanted then to consider not buying it at all. Life does not have to be stressful, and it can be a lot more fun. Do not forget to enjoy your life because life is not forever.