Never Settle

Have you ever told yourself, “This is fine,” even when deep down, you knew it wasn’t? Maybe it was in a relationship that lacked true connection, a job that drained you, or a life path that felt safe but uninspiring. We’ve all been there. But here’s the truth—settling is one of the biggest ways we cheat ourselves out of the life we’re meant to live.

Why Do We Settle?

We settle for many reasons—fear, comfort, societal pressure, or simply not knowing our worth. It’s easy to convince ourselves that "good enough" is better than the unknown. However, when we settle, we trade potential joy for temporary security.

Settling in Relationships

Have you ever been in a relationship where you knew something was missing? Maybe you made excuses for their lack of effort or convinced yourself that love is supposed to feel like hard work all the time. The right relationship won’t leave you questioning your worth or begging for the bare minimum. True love challenges you, supports you, and brings peace—not just “at least they’re here” excuses.

I realize now that if I stayed in my most recent relationship, I would have been settling. I made excuses for him all the time. Not only to my family and friends, but to myself. He made me question where I stood in his life constantly. At the time, I pushed through because I thought he was my person. He never loved me like a true man would love. Never settle for this kind of love. If there is someone out there not appreciating or valuing your worth, then someone else will.

Settling in Careers

A job is just a paycheck, right? Wrong. You spend a huge portion of your life working, so why settle for something that drains you? Whether it’s staying in a toxic workplace, ignoring your passions, or thinking you’re “not good enough” for better opportunities—settling in your career keeps you from true fulfillment. If you feel stuck, it’s time to reevaluate.

In college, I went in as an early childhood education major. I thought being a teacher was what I wanted to do as a career. However, at the beginning of my junior year, I was miserable. I felt stuck. I was 3 semesters away of earning my degree, but I did not want to be a teacher anymore. I kept thinking "what would I even switch my major to be?" People around me tried convincing me that this was just a phase I was going through, and these feelings would pass. So, I toughened it out because by staying on the teaching path I was "safe". I would graduate on time and get a job right after graduation. It wasn't until I volunteered at a dog shelter, that I realized what I wanted to do. I realized I needed to switch majors. I wanted to get involved in digital marketing so I can work towards spreading the mission of Adopt Don't Shop. I went to talk to a mentor of mine at school immediately. She helped me change my major and we work out a plan where I can graduate on time. It was a lot of work to complete in only 3 semesters, but I am so happy I didn't settle for a career that would have made me unhappy. Never compromise your greatness just because the path you are on is "safe".

Settling in Life

Do you feel like you’re simply existing rather than living? Settling isn’t just about relationships or work—it’s about everything. The way you treat yourself, the way you allow others to treat you, and the way you approach your dreams. You were not made to live a life of “just okay.” God placed you here for a purpose, and you owe it to yourself to chase it fully.

After graduating college, I felt very bland. I felt like I was simply floating along a crowded path. That was one of the major contributors in my decision to start Faithful Footsteps. By sharing my stories, I feel like I am helping someone out there. Even if this blog only reaches a few people, but it manages to help someone, that's all that matters to me. This blog was a part of my plan that God crafted for me. Faithful Footsteps has made me so happy, and I hope it is making others happy too. If there is something you want to do in life, go do it. We only get one life so live it to the fullest. Go on that trip, adopt that dog, change your career. Do what will make you happy. Even if it is a risk, go for it. You never know how things will turn out unless you try.

How to Stop Settling

1. Know Your Worth – You are worthy of love, success, and joy. Never let doubt convince you otherwise.

2. Face the Fear – Change is scary, but regret is worse. The unknown is where growth happens.

3. Set Higher Standards – Whether in love, career, or life, raise your standards and don’t lower them for temporary comfort.

4. Trust God’s Plan – He has something greater in store for you. If you feel unsettled, maybe it’s His way of telling you there’s more.

Life is too short to accept less than what you know you deserve. Never settle—not in love, not in your career, not in the way you live your life. You were made for more, and deep down, you know it. God is talking to you. Let Him in and listen to the plan He has for you.