Deciding not to settle will be the greatest decision you have ever made in your entire life. Settling for mediocre in things like your career and relationship will only create resentment in the end and a long list of what ifs. Sadly, there are no do-overs and every second counts; so choose the path that you love and don't settle for any less. Do the things you love and drop the things you don't. Being insecure and tentative about your life is a waste of time. You only get one, respect yourself enough to only accept the absolute best and go for it.
Choosing the path that is less traveled can be scary, but what good ever comes out of a comfort zone? No matter what you decide to do in life, do it for you. Either way life is hard, sometimes ruthless. That is why choosing not to settle should be a priority in everyones life, even though at times it may seem the easiest thing to do. So what I really want to convey is that life is just too short not to do so. Years from now you want to be able to say you chose your life and that you did not settle for the things placed right in front of you. Just because it is easy in the moment, does not mean it will make you happier in the long run. Value yourself enough to make the right decisions for you.
Why accept good, when it can be great? Or great, when it can be even greater? The people that love you enough, will rise to the standards you set. The career you want can be accomplished with the right drive and passion. Respect yourself enough to want the absolute best for yourself. The vibe you put off with believing in that will attract the right attention and make them stay. Lowering your standards and settling for the boy who is just "there" is selling yourself short for the great things God has in store for you.
The quote is true, 'we accept the love we think we deserve.' The right people will surprise you and rise to the standards you set. How you think of yourself will impact how others perceive you and how they act toward you. Respect yourself so much that you have zero tolerance for jerks and people that will bring you down in life. God loves you so much he gave it all to pursue you and have a passionate relationship with you, a man who chases God will chase you the same way. God will bring you the perfect partner in life, but desperately searching for it will distract you from self growth and create insecurities that don't need to be there from searching for something that will come. His timing is perfect.
There is nothing wrong with having high standards in life. Although they might make others feel uncomfortable the right people will rise up to them and stay. Know your worth and never settle for less. You offer so much to the world, to that job market, to a relationship... Know that. And if you do not, fake it till you make it because eventually, you will begin to believe it. The journey that comes with this mentality is not an easy one but who said anything great in life, was easy?
The woman that exudes confidence, passion, and independence that demands respect is one to watch out for. Too many times in life I have had friends say, "I can never pull that off." Why? Life is too short for needing constant validation, do what makes you happy and never settle. No need for excuses or gratification, because you only get one shot so live with everything you have.
Your dream life is out there, go get it.