Life comes at you fast. Sometimes, it seems like nothing is going right. It can feel like you're trapped in a cycle, spinning madly out of control. Going with the flow becomes waiting for the next opportunity to fall into your lap so you can leap on it. The danger of that is that it becomes too easy to settle for the next opportunity instead of waiting for the right one. While I personally believe it's important to live your life as positively and benevolently as you can, there are a few things that you aren't obligated to do.

1. Taking on a career you're not passionate about.

You are not in any way obligated to choose a career or career path simply because you think others will approve. We all want to make a living, but you should make sure that you don't get so caught up in making that living that you forget to make a life. Your life is your own. Having a flashy, impressive career might make small talk in social gatherings interesting, but if you don't love what you do, odds are you'll end up with regrets. Do what you love; love what you do, and never be ashamed of it.

2. Letting "going with the flow" control you.

We all want to be known as the kind of person who is easy to get along with. Part of working in a social setting is being willing to compromise and work as part of a team. That being said, you are under no obligation to let other people steamroll you to suit their whims. Don't ever be afraid to stick up for yourself. Taking care of yourself or your own responsibilities don't make you selfish or high-maintenance. It just means that you know the value of your time and want to use it wisely.

3. Date the wrong Mr. Right.

This is a big one for me because I see so many people settling for the wrong person for them just because it seems convenient. It seems like so many people in our generation live their lives to serial date and find whatever sticks before they accept themselves as they are. Nine times out of ten, they wind up miserable and heartbroken, so I want to make something clear.

You are not obligated to date someone because the people around you think you would make a good couple. Your happiness in the long-term should mean more to you than the short-term approval of your social circle. Their fangirling will fade, but being in the wrong relationship to make your friends or family happy can have disastrous long-term effects. Mom and Dad can approve of someone you're with, but you feel horribly awkward around them all the time, then it's not meant to be. Your best friends may think you and (insert guy here) may be perfect for you, but if you can't keep a conversation going, then what's the point? There's no harm in asking the opinions of those who know you best, but if you base your relationships only on outside perspectives instead of your own heart, you're going to wind up hurting someone or getting hurt yourself.

You are also not obligated to date someone just because they like you. I'm a strong advocate for giving people a chance, but I've seen too many couples start a relationship with someone with one of them basing it on the "I guess... Why not?" mindset. Not only does this lead on the interested party, your disinterest will ultimately show, and you may end up doing something that you'll regret. The fact that someone is interested in you romantically is great, but if you don't feel the same way, keep it platonic. Don't take advantage of their feelings because you like the attention. You may miss out on your real Mr. Right while you were wasting time trying to fill a void.

4. Solve all of the world's problems.

We all want to be that supportive friend with the quick fixes and wise advice whenever the people we care about are in need. That being said, it is far too easy to let this become all-consuming. It's really important to remember that while you want to help your friends and family through whatever it is they may be going through, you are not obligated to "fix" anyone. People have to heal on their own, and as much as you may want to, you can't micromanage anyone's life onto an easier path. They must do the groundwork themselves, and it's really important to remember where you end and other people begin. This means that you are not obligated or really even able to save anyone else. You can hold their hand and help them through it, but they have to save themselves.

It's really easy to fall into the trap of doing things to please other people, but at the end of the day, it's really important to remember that your happiness and peace of mind are important too. Don't neglect them.