Some of us have been told what we want our whole lives. We've been told we should want to go out for sports or not. We should want a college education or a graduate degree or a particular career. We should want to date this person and not the other.

Bob Goff’s quote highlights the way societal and cultural expectations shape our desires and decisions throughout life. He suggests that many people are conditioned to want certain things, such as participating in sports, pursuing a college education, or following a particular career path, because they are told that these are the "right" choices. These external pressures often dictate what individuals believe they should aspire to, rather than allowing them to explore their true desires or passions.

Goff’s statement also touches on the idea of individuality and the struggle to break free from predefined notions of success. The quote implies that we are frequently influenced by what others—whether family, society, or institutions—deem as important or desirable. This conditioning can prevent us from discovering what we truly want and may lead us to live lives based on expectations rather than authentic personal choices.

The origin of this quote comes from Goff’s broader philosophy, which encourages people to embrace their uniqueness and to make choices based on their values rather than societal pressure. Goff is known for his messages of love, freedom, and living intentionally, often urging individuals to follow their own paths and make decisions that reflect their authentic selves. His words remind us that life’s greatest satisfaction comes from aligning our actions with our own dreams and not the dreams that others have for us.

Ultimately, Goff’s quote challenges the norms and conventions that dictate how we live our lives. It calls for self-reflection, urging individuals to question whether the goals they are pursuing are truly their own or whether they are simply fulfilling someone else’s vision of success. This message is a call to embrace personal autonomy and find the courage to follow a path that resonates with one’s true values and desires.