Whose Life Are You Living?

We are social beings. The lives we imagine and the lives we live are shaped—sometimes quietly—by the people around us. That’s not a flaw, but it is something worth noticing. Prompt 1: Who’s Influencing Your Big Picture? Now that you've explored your long-term vision, pause to ask: How much of that vision is truly yours and how much might be shaped by expectations, social norms, or what you think will earn respect, status, or admiration? This is not about blaming or rejecting outside influence. Belonging, recognition, and community matter. We’re wired for them. But being honest about what’s yours and what’s borrowed helps clarify your next steps. For example, you might envision owning a large, well-decorated home, but find that what you actually love is the relaxed energy of spaces where things don’t have to be perfect. Or you might want to be a high-achieving professional but thrive most when doing quiet, relational work that isn’t easily “measured.” Prompt 2: Who’s Influencing Your Small Picture? Now consider the other side: How much of your daily experience is shaped by others’ opinions or expectations and how much feels truly grounded in what brings you joy, ease, or meaning? Chances are, the small picture may feel more like it’s “yours.” That’s because it’s shaped more by your experiencing self—what your body and emotions respond to in the moment rather than your “achieving self” or your image in other people’s minds. This is super valuable data.