Recently, one of my close friends complimented me for being so "chill and go[ing] with the flow." Certainly, I am those things—when I choose to be. I'm totally easygoing when I spend time with my friends; I love pleasing people and I don't mind going along with their plans (as long as they have a plan).

However, it shocks people when they realize that this breezy attitude does not extend into every aspect of my life. Just because I'll go along with your impromptu bar-crawl on a Friday night doesn't mean I don't have concrete plans and goals that resume on Monday morning. Usually, when my friends realize how uptight I am about school and work, they immediately tease me for being so focused. I'm not a fan of labels, but if I were to have one, it would probably be "The Girl Who Knows What She Wants." I know a lot of people who are this way, actually, and I find it inspiring. If I've learned anything in college, it's that knowing what you want can change your life. Simply having a direction or goal can instantly help you focus and improve in your work life, social life, and school life. Here are my top six reasons to be "The Girl Who Knows What She Wants."

1. They don't waste anyone's time.

When you know what you want, you have a very clear idea of what you like and what you dislike. If I like you, you'll know. Likewise, if I don't prefer your company, I won't waste your time.

2. They are centered.

Since girls who have goals are fully aware of what they want to get out of life, they have a clear sense of who they are—and who they want to be.

3. They are excellent communicators.

They're not going to beat around the bush, never offering vague or generic responses in place of actual opinions.

4. They aren't going to be threatened by other people's success.

When I hear about my friends' successes, I am nothing but ecstatic for them. The fact that the people around me are realizing their dreams is inspiring to me. I'm not bothered by their happiness, because I know that I am in pursuit of my own goals.

5. They love to support the people around them.

My female friends with high aspirations and determined personalities are some of the most supportive people I know. They lift me up when I am exhausted, frustrated, or sad; they make sure that I step back and look at the big picture when I feel like I can't overcome something. Essentially, they make sure that I always feel loved and supported, and I do the same for them.

6. They know what they will tolerate—and what they will not.

As I've grown older, I've realized that there are definitely a number of things that I absolutely will not tolerate. The things that I won't tolerate apply to my social life and my love life, and by establishing them I've been able to have more meaningful relationships with people who are willing to give just as much as they take.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but these are the six points that I find most important. When I find people who exhibit these traits, I'm overjoyed, and I love to encourage these characteristics in my less-motivated friends. I think it's important to clarify that you don't need to know what you're going to do for the rest of your life for these traits to apply to you. Simply having an idea of who you are and who you want to be is enough.