About this quote

Most people outsource big decisions to family or bosses, then wonder why they feel hollow. Own one concrete choice today — enroll in a class you care about or change a work habit — and live with the result. You'll make mistakes. Use each mistake to fix one thing, then pick the next step yourself so your life matches your choices.

When to use it

• At my annual review, when my manager pushed me toward the safe promotion, I told them I have to live my life and asked for a role that fits what I actually want.
• When my parents kept insisting I apply to law school, I said I'm taking a year to study art because I have to live it myself.
• Training for a half marathon even though my friends think it's silly — I remind myself I have to live my life and stick to the plan.
• During the family meeting about the business, I said I need to build my own path first instead of just taking over because I have to live it myself.