Want vs Should

As a natural part of growing up, I think it's common to question how your experiences thus far in life have led you to the thoughts and beliefs you currently have, or have had.

In this case, I mean how my upbringing has affected the way I look at my career, goals and what I want out of life. Recently me and my friends from secondary school have been discussing the want vs should debate, that is - am I doing what I want to do, or am I doing what I feel like I should do?

Up until the past year, so the first 22 years of my life, I've been following a career path I thought I "should" follow, rather than one I want to follow. At this age for me it's really important to re-learn that it's okay to do what I want, and instead follow what really matters to me.

I'm applying this purely to careers, not to morality.. i.e. I'm not going to start pushing old ladies out of my way in the supermarket because I want something faster.. (and my biggest "wants" and fulfillment definitely don't come from doing immoral things like that haha)

I do want to note that this is assuming that I have the choice of any career path I want, assuming it will pay enough for a roof and food. I also need to be aware that I am incredibly lucky to even have this choice. Sometimes the fact that there is so much choice is paralysing, but I am very privileged to even be paralysed by it!

What's holding me back?

Fear of judgement: As humans, we naturally want everyone to like us and seek approval for what we are doing. Though I've learnt the hard way that doing what others value doesn't always make you happy! Fear of judgement for me gets less and less as I get older and I'm hoping eventually, with me working on it, it will decrease significantly.

Confidence: Am I doing what I think I can get, as I may not have the self belief to think I can get better? The fear of failure and fear of not being good enough is the root of so many abandoned dreams. Fear in general is the source of procrastination I think.. when you dig deep that is!

Emotions: I'm trying to make less emotional decisions I think you can't always trust your feelings, don't know about you but mine change pretty often. At the same time, your gut is a great decision maker so I'm trying to get the balance right!

I'm trying to work on all the above to have even more fulfillment in my career/life.