Is That Your Path—or Just the Expected One?

03/09/2025 22 min
Is That Your Path—or Just the Expected One?

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Episode Synopsis

In this episode of The Greatness Together podcast, we're exploring something we all wrestle with, especially in times of uncertainty: how do we know if we're making decisions that are truly ours? With constant signals from social media, experts, and societal norms, it's hard to tell where influence ends and authenticity begins. But what if the path that fits you best looks nothing like the one you're being shown?   Quote of the Week:  "It's hard to trust your own path when you've never walked on it before."  Simonne McVanel   Greatness Together Podcast Highlights: Is That Your Path—or Just the Expected One?. 0:00 Learning the ropes. 1:30 Finding your own way. 4:00 Being yourself. 6:00 Trust your instincts. 9:00 Standing up for others. 11:00 Social trends and influence. 13:30 Fitting in can be hard. 16:30 There is no template for life. 20:00   We're taking a look at… When we're uncertain—starting a relationship, ending one, choosing a career, deciding what kind of life we want—we tend to look around for cues. It's human. We lean on normative social influence (what society expects) and informative social influence (what the experts say). But in a world full of curated content and crisis-level uncertainty, how do we avoid losing ourselves in other people's opinions?   You're Not a Template—So Why Follow One? We're constantly told we're unique… and yet, we're subtly pushed to fit a mould. Family, culture, education, and even algorithms shape what we believe is "normal" or "right." But our experiences, preferences, and capabilities are deeply individual. Just because someone else's relationship, career path, or lifestyle looks ideal doesn't mean it's right for you. So how do you begin to notice when you're following a script versus following your own truth?   Social Media Is a Loud Mirror—But Not an Honest One Whether it's influencers promoting the "best" European city or viral videos about the "right" way to be in a relationship, the content we consume is often designed to manipulate, sell, or persuade. That doesn't make it evil—but it does mean we need to consume consciously. Are you watching because it inspires you? Or because you're waiting for someone to tell you what to do next?   Did you like this episode? You'll probably also like this one, titled Abilities vs. Identity: Who Are You Really?   This episode is your permission slip to pause and ask: Is this what I want—or what I've been told to want? Finding your own path takes patience, discernment, and courage—but it's the only way to a life that truly suits you.   Greatness Together Podcast Links: Who Told You That Wasn't Enough? Greatness Magnified Subscribe to The Greatness Together Podcast