About this quote

You have to protect the life you want. You can love someone enough to risk everything for them and still refuse to give up your daily goals. Who are you living for? Saying no to losing your plans doesn't make you cold. It keeps you responsible for your choices. Pick one thing you've been postponing because of someone else and guard it this week.

When to use it

• Talking with my partner when they wanted me to quit school and move for their job: 'I would die for you, but I won't live for you.'
• At the family table when my parents pushed me to take over the business instead of finishing my training: 'I would die for you, but I won't live for you.'
• After my coach told me to keep playing through an injury and give up my long-term health plan, I said, 'I would die for you, but I won't live for you.'
• When a colleague expected me to carry their work forever and drop my own projects, I told them, 'I would die for you, but I won't live for you.'