Often, there’s what we should do and what we WANT to do. Shoulds are external, whereas wants come from within. Knowing the difference is key.
Imagine you’re standing at a crossroads, with one path leading to what you know you should do and the other to what you truly want. It’s a dilemma many of us face in life, torn between external expectations and internal desires. This simple yet profound wisdom encapsulates the essence of navigating such moments with clarity and purpose.
Think of it this way: imagine you’re at a party, and everyone around you is indulging in rich, decadent desserts. The “should” voice whispers in your ear, reminding you of your dietary goals and urging you to resist temptation. Meanwhile, your inner desires, your “wants,” are drawn to the sweet treats like a magnet. The struggle between the external pressure to adhere to social norms and your internal craving for indulgence mirrors the conflict depicted in the quote.
In life, these conflicts extend far beyond dessert choices. They manifest in career decisions, relationships, and personal goals. The “shoulds” often stem from societal expectations, familial pressures, or cultural norms. They dictate what we ought to do based on external standards or obligations.
On the other hand, our “wants” arise from within, reflecting our true desires, passions, and aspirations. They represent our authentic selves, untethered from external influences. Recognizing the disparity between these two forces is crucial for leading a fulfilling life.
Picture yourself in a job that society deems prestigious and lucrative, yet it leaves you feeling unfulfilled and drained. The “should” tells you to stick with it for the sake of stability and status, but your inner voice, your “want,” yearns for something more meaningful, something that aligns with your passions and values.
Acknowledging this disparity is the first step toward living authentically. It requires introspection and self-awareness to distinguish between external expectations and internal desires. It’s about listening to your inner voice amidst the cacophony of societal norms and obligations.
Consider a sailboat navigating through turbulent waters. The “shoulds” act as anchors, weighing you down with societal expectations and obligations, while your “wants” serve as the wind propelling you forward toward your true destination. By discerning between the two, you can chart a course that honors your authentic self and leads to greater fulfillment.
Embracing your wants doesn’t mean disregarding responsibilities or societal norms altogether. Instead, it’s about finding a balance that allows you to honor both external expectations and internal desires authentically. It’s about aligning your actions with your values and passions, even if it means deviating from the beaten path.
Imagine a bird in flight, soaring through the sky with grace and freedom. Just as the bird follows its instinctual urge to take flight, you too can embrace your inner desires and pursue your dreams with courage and conviction. It’s about reclaiming agency over your life and forging your path based on what truly brings you joy and fulfillment.
In essence, the quote reminds us that true fulfillment comes from aligning our actions with our authentic selves. It’s about listening to the whispers of our hearts amidst the noise of external expectations. By honoring our wants alongside our shoulds, we can navigate life’s complexities with clarity, purpose, and unwavering authenticity.
Now, reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you’re prioritizing external shoulds over your internal wants? How can you begin to align your actions more closely with your authentic desires?
* If you’re seeking extra motivation and inspiration on your journey of personal growth, I recommend taking a look at my SMART growth goals page, This page offers thousands of goal ideas that can assist in the establishment of new aspirations and the attainment of greater heights in one’s life. In fact, it was instrumental in my creation of a list of 100 goals, which I pursued for a decade.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.
