As young kids we were always encouraged to dream big. But as adults we are told to think more practically. We forget that we even used to have dreams. Why do we ignore those childhood ambitions once we are “grown-up”? What makes us think that accepting things under the “it is what it is” mindset as normal is good enough? Here’s on we get what we settle for.

How many times have you wished for something and then made it a reality? Unfortunately, these days we seem to think we are fixed in a certain mould; that we must do things a certain way to fit the expectation of others' but really, we can change our attitudes in any situation.And if you are doing something that makes you unhappy or unmotivated, here is a good tip: stop it. Take the leap (or maybe it’s just a small step) to escape such situations and instead, bring joy and passion back into your activities.

We set our own standards. It is up to us to decide what it is that we deserve and what it is that we can be doing. What we say about ourselves and what we do with ourselves creates the lives we lead. So, stop silently wishing to change things, instead, jump out of your seat (figuratively, but if doing it physically helps, don’t let me stop you) and make that switch.

We spend about one third of our lives on average working. I hope that you love your job because that’s what you do with a big portion of your time. If you don’t, why are you settling for less? I have so much admiration and respect for people that realise that what they’re doing isn’t right and they say no and quit. Every time you say no, you are saying yes to something else. That something else might just be exactly what you are missing. There’s one thing to be complaining about a situation, yet it is completely superior to being able to make the decision to leave and find something more fitting. Give yourself a mission to escape the cycle or routine that you are settling for and aim higher.

How can I not bring up relationships in a blog on settling (many of you know too well why)? Romantic and platonic relationships are not things that we need to take lightly. Choosing who you spend time with… affects our moods and sense of self. Why waste time on people who make you feel substandard or just drag you down when there’s so many other people in the world, about 7,939,519,362 people to be exact. From studies we know that humans are inherently social creatures and this is important for us to survive and thrive. Being surrounded by good people has such a positive impact.

1. Your romantic partner should be someone who challenges you but also understands you. You should be looking forward to spending time together and want to make new experiences together. You should both be constantly working on the relationship because, as Stephen Covey says in his Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - what a great book - love is a verb which means we need to be actively involved. If someone takes you for granted, find someone else who won’t. To the many people stuck in relationships where they feel trapped, I ask why and most admit they are afraid that they will be alone. Really, they’re already alone because they feel isolated in a loveless relationship. I’d much rather live a happy single life than be in a depressing claustrophobic relationship. Don’t settle for dead weight in a partner.
2. On that note I should say that people who prioritise you and care about you are the ones that you should hold dear. Just because someone is related to you doesn’t mean they’re always going to be there for you. Often people mistakenly associate familial duty with genuine love, but this is not often the case. I’m lucky that most of my family are supportive. Yet, I know that there are friends as well who are always there for me, and I can count on. You can still choose your own family. Blood doesn’t mean much against intention and consideration. Don’t settle for poor quality relationships under the disguise of “relatives”.
3. Friendships I have spoken about in my blog on seeking those real friends. Don’t settle for fake or superficial friendships.

I say goodbye to settling for less. Life is so unpredictable and fleeting, so why waste your time on boring pursuits, passionless and unfulfilling relationships or activities that make you feel disconnected. Dedicate yourself instead to living a little. Set your ideals to reflect the quality of life you want. It’s in your hands to make it count.f