The reality is that life will present you with a variety of “plans” from different sources—family expectations, social norms, mentors, and even chance. However, the crucial task is deciding how much of that external guidance (or pressure) you want to internalize and how much you want to forge your own path.

Here are a few considerations:

1. Identify your personal vision: Spend time figuring out what you value most. Are you driven by creativity, a desire to help others, or a love of innovation? Clarifying your personal vision can guide your decisions, rather than relying on others’ expectations.
2. Balance external input: Other people’s advice can be valuable. They might see strengths in you that you haven’t recognized. At the same time, you should weigh their perspectives against your own inner compass.
3. Take ownership of choices: Even if you decide to adopt aspects of someone else’s plan or advice, remember that you still bear responsibility for the final outcome. Embracing ownership keeps you empowered—after all, no one will live with the consequences of your decisions more directly than you.
4. Iterate and adapt: Plans evolve. It’s helpful to think of your life plan not as a rigid blueprint but as an ongoing experiment. You try things, see what works, and make adjustments along the way.

Ultimately, you are the agent of your own life. While it’s practically impossible to escape all outside influences—and often wise not to—ensuring that your voice remains the loudest in your decision-making process is key. The most fulfilling paths are often ones crafted by aligning your values, passions, and goals with the possibilities the world presents.