Brains and Bronzed

This line by Marc Jacobs is probably that much more inspiring because come on, it was said by Marc Jacobs. One of the most game-changing, innovative, versatile people in the world, this message can hit the mark for so many people in so many ways. Specifically for young people, we (or maybe the people around us) are always so concerned with our futures, that we sometimes forget to do the things that make us happy instead focusing on the things that we think are the keys to being successful either in the moment or in the future. For me anyways, I always want to have security nets, and so because of this, I used to always make decisions based off of what I thought would be the most beneficial to me in the long run. While don’t get me wrong, this is a good way of thinking, but because of it, I made decisions that did not necessarily align with what I actually truly loved and wanted to do.

Growing up, I’ve always liked to know my future plans. My 5-year, my 10-year, and have a good idea of how the rest will unfold. But this isn’t always how reality turns out, therefore it’s not the only way you should be thinking.

Case in point, I spent the first 2.5 years of my degree planning on becoming an accountant. I figured this would be a secure, well paying job and I half-liked numbers so why not? After working for a full time summer role and part time throughout the following school year in an accounting position, I discovered I only wanted to be an accountant because it seemed like a good plan. The truth is, it was a good plan, but not a good plan for me. Good pay? Check. Job security? Check. Room to climb the corporate ladder? Check. My passion for what I was doing everyday? No check.

I finally realized, that no matter how stable and secure a career is, if it’s not for you it’s not for you. As they say, “If you do a job you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life”. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to realize this while I still had the time. I’m so happy to have had that experience that showed me what I didn’t love, before I got myself so far down the hole that I would be stuck in it for my long-term career. I’ve since decided to focus on an area that I do love, and continue finishing my degree with that focus.

Today, I still like to have a plan, because that’s what helps me focus on my goals, but I now also try to focus on the idea that if I’m doing what I love, things will fall into place. This goes for career aspirations, personal goals, relationships and everything else. Today, I try to put the majority of my time and effort into the things that I truly love and what truly makes me happy.

What does this quote mean to you? Think about it, are you doing what you love? If you’re not, ask yourself why. Sound off in the comments!