It is often the case that as young millennials we tend to get so caught up in the lives of those around us that we forget to focus on how best to live our own lives. So many young men and women in this generation are so focused on competing for internships, scholarships, relationships, or even the most likes on Facebook or Instagram. It is time that we must take a step back and think. Think about the life you want to live. I don’t mean the life that anyone else is expecting you to create or a path that is supposedly laid out for you. There might be a path that seems the most efficient and “adult like” that many believe is the only way to go. Let me just say now that it is not.

Do you think that with over 7 billion people in this world that you cannot afford to deviate from the path that the majority of others seem to be taking? That you cannot grant yourself some slack if you happen to stray from what you originally thought your life was going to look like? You must trust and have faith in yourself, especially if all else fails. You might be asking yourself at this point, so what? The point I’m trying to make is that you should stop comparing yourself, your aspirations and your accomplishments with those of everyone around you and push toward your own dream until you’ve got it in the palm of your hand.

This leads to another point. It’s OK for your dreams and aspirations to change. Life is full of experiences that might lead you to find new love for new things. Do not feel guilty or ashamed that your life might be taking you in a different direction than you had hoped or planned. Don’t let those close to you make you feel like you can’t be honest with yourself about it. If those individuals love you, they will always want what is best for you and what makes you happy.

Happiness is the key to everything. No matter what you are doing, if you're not happy doing whatever it is, it is not worth your time. You must remember that at the end of the day it comes down to the happiness you find in your daily life and those who surround you. Life is about balance, so don't try to just focus on one single factor to fulfill that happiness, but see what you can do in all aspects of your life that will lead to that full, balanced 'happy.' Remember that finding joy and fulfillment and happiness in your life isn't about accomplishing goals, it's about the path you take and the journey you will go on to get there. You and only you get to choose what makes you happy and how you get there.

In the end, you must make time and give priority to your own life, your own goals, and your own happiness. Do not make excuses for yourself as to why you're happiness is not yet prominent in your daily life. Wake up every morning and make a choice that you're going to let go of everything and everyone that is holding you back. Go after your dreams, go after your own joy and never make excuses for not being as happy as you can be.