Clichés suck. They're overused, but it's usually because there is an underlying universal truth to them. I've been using a cliché as a mantra to remind me to continue to better myself.

Do what makes you happy.

I'm not saying it's a great idea to just drop the job you hate to pursue your dream of being President when you've never held a political job in your life (although, I guess that works for some nowadays). However, you should remember to take your own feelings and desires into serious consideration when making major life decisions. Don't let others influence you to take a path that you know will make you unhappy.

This cliché shouldn't be applied to every decision you make for yourself, either. If you're dreading going to work one day, you should still go. What makes you happy at the moment may not be the way to keep the job that makes you happy in the long run.

Use this mindset for your long-term decision making. If you don't like your major, change it. If you don't see yourself living a happy life with someone, break up. If you hate your job beyond the occasional annoyance of being in the workforce, change careers.

It is your life.

Change can seem scary and intimidating, but if you take the time to invest your efforts towards something you enjoy or care about, you will find that it was worth the risk.

I changed my major after 2 and a half years in a program. I had a 3.7 GPA when I left. I didn't have a backup plan because I was so sure that I was destined to be a music teacher. I was wrong.

I started on a path that left me unfulfilled and stressed. I didn't feel satisfied with my work. I dreaded the thought of having a degree that left me with only one option of employment post-graduation. It made me incredibly unhappy.

One day, I finally looked around and realized, "It's my life and I don't have to keep pursuing something that makes me miserable."

I got lucky by switching into a major with work that makes me genuinely happy.

I have many possibilities for my career. If a specific job makes me unhappy, I can change it and still use my degree. I feel challenged in a way that doesn't cause me to shut down the way music education did. Instead, it allows me the incentive to push myself and use my strengths and talents to rise to the challenge of a campaign or project.

I'm not telling you to start a new path if the one you're on works for you. However, consider changing your life path if it limits you from prospering in a way that brings you true satisfaction.

Don't limit your happiness because of convenience. Push yourself to pursue a life that makes you happy.