Ever get in a room at a family gathering with that one relative who always wants to know your entire life plan that very second?

Or you’re on a date and they want to know what specific age you want to get married and what kind of house you want to live in? 

Really?  Cause I don’t even know what I want for breakfast this morning!

But this social scenario got me thinking of that common question…

“So…where do you want to be in ten years?”

I don’t believe there is a specific place I want to be in ten years.  I don’t believe there is a specific number of kids I want to have.  I don’t believe there is a certain salary I need to be making to feel fulfilled. Or a certain title I should have on my LinkedIn account.  

Sometimes it’s easier to know where you want to be once you’ve eliminated attributes from where you’ve been.  I have gone through a handful of negative relationships, a bunch of so called “friendships,” and a few jobs that weren’t the best fit.   

I know I don’t want to be in a relationship with someone who takes me for granted. I don’t want my significant other to insist on the importance of my looks over the importance of my heart.  I know I don’t want to be in friendships that thrive upon others’ shortcomings. I don’t want to work for a company that does not value generating ideas and concepts.  I know I don’t want to live in a place where there is no opportunity to grow, no hustle and bustle, no action.  

Here’s what I do want:

In the next ten years, I want to love every part of my life. 

I want to know that my bosses are people that will not only give me constructive criticism directly but allow me to share my ideas and act on them.  

I want a partner who will have my back.  I want the kind of brave love that I don’t have to worry about leaving when times are tough.  Not just because he loves me but because he believes in what we can do as a unit. 

I want friends who keep me laughing with their genuine opinions and lust for life. I want amazing people around who do not gossip and blame, but listen and empower. People that don’t push you to be flawless, but push you to be creative. 

I want to live in a place where innovation is valued. Whether it be in state government, community parks and recreation, downtown nightlife – I know I need to live in a location where the masses aren’t saying, “Well, we have always done it this way.” 

I know that’s not the “Married in five, Kids in six, Making 100K in seven years” perfect answer.  But it is my answer.  And the truth is, I am not perfect.  But for the first time in my life I can say, I’m not trying to be.