It starts for some when choosing a major in college: you go for the more practical one, not the one you really want to learn about. Instead of art history, you choose law.

Then it continues as we grow older: we have to take that job we’re not so passionate about because it pays the bills and before you know it there’s just “no time” to do the things we really want to do.

It’s so common it’s cliché: every single one of us has pushed aside our wants for what society tells us is acceptable at some point in our lives.

Don’t get me wrong– while sometimes it’s good that we listen to what the world has to say (yes, you should wear pants to the grocery store), sometimes it’s absolutely unacceptable to give in (no, you shouldn’t go into sales instead of chasing your oh-so-crazy dreams of becoming a writer, actress, under-water-basket-weaver or whatever else they told you wasn’t realistic).

And it can be much simpler than that, too. Even if you just agree to go out with a group of friends when all you want to do is cuddle up with a big bottle of wine and watch the Food Network, you’re doing it: you’re lying to yourself. $150 and a hangover later, you know I’m right.

But if telling the truth to others will set you free, imagine what will happen when you are honest with yourself.

Here are five awesome things that happen when you stop lying to yourself and get real about what you actually want:

Life simply gets easier.

Because when you’re honest about what you really want, you’re not fighting against the proverbial current every day. No more “just keep swimming” mantras for you, Dory. You can certainly get things accomplished while lying to yourself about what you want, but it’s the equivalent of taking one step forward and two steps back. That hangover I mentioned earlier? Yeah, you wouldn’t of have had to deal with that if you just watched Sandra Dee like you really wanted to instead of going to the club like your BFF really wanted to.

Your relationships improve.

When we know and are truthful with ourselves about what we want, we are able to better express that truth to others. If you never tell your friend, partner—whoever—what you want, you’ll never get it. Think about how much better life will be when you honestly order what you want to eat on a first date. #FrenchFriesForLife

Work doesn’t suck so much.

Because if you’re honest with yourself about what you really want, you’re not working in a job you don’t like. It’s just that simple. While switching jobs certainly isn’t easy and money is always a factor, there are ways to get what you want. Always.

And stuff actually gets done.

When you finally focus on what you want, you finally actually achieve your true goal. What a concept. Because doing what you want means not having to spend wasted time or energy on going out at night with your frienemies, which opens up lots of time for that book, website or video you were going to go get started on. *cough cough* Get out there and carpe that diem.

You realize how awesome you are.

When your functioning according to an agenda that’s not yours, there’s no way you can possibly be your best-most-beautiful-non-basic-super-cool self. But when you give yourself the opportunity to kick some butt, you can and you will. Bonus: if you think you’re cool now & you’re not really doing what you want, prepare to become even awesome-er. You go, Glenn Coco.

Being honest with yourself certainly isn’t easy, but it is certainly rewarding.