4 answers
Allia
Student
Frederick, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
1285 views
How do you know if you're on the right path?
Some people seem like they have it all figured out or seem confident with what they want to do but till this day I still have no idea if I'm 100% certain about anything.
There are too many voices that are telling me different things like "you need to go to college", "do something practical", "or things along those line, which makes listening to my voice even harder. I'm not even sure if I know what my voice is trying to say. I really hope someone understands what I'm blabbing on about and maybe can give me some advice. Thank you!! :)
#life #journey #advice
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4 answers
Rachael Pawlowski
Autism Support Coach
7
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Rachael’s Answer
Hi Allia,
That's a great question, and I can relate from personal experience myself. First of all, do not let your peers affect how you're feeling, because they are just as inexperienced as yourself and while we may think we know exactly what we want, experience will really help you KNOW what you want. However, to help with finding your path of who are, I suggest a few things:
1. Make a list of just general qualities that you're good at (e.g. writing, math, talking to people, presenting, coaching, listening, drawing, problem-solving, etc.) While some of those qualities may not seem professional, trust me.....they are!
2. Take a personality test or three! This will really help to give you an idea of who are as an individual, and a lot of times personality tests will mention jobs related to your results. Once you get the results, start to research each field and get an idea of what the position entails. I recommend trying the test on www.16personalities.com - it's free and really helpful!
3. Talk to professionals and career counselors. Talking to people in fields that you think you are interested in is really helpful. Often a college can help you with resources, but also just googling businesses and sending an email asking for a career advice will go a long way. People love to talk about what they do, so you will not be bothering them!
4. Volunteer or Intern! NOTHING is more telling than experiencing positions first-hand. Not only does volunteering and interning help with your resume development, but will give you the best hands-on experience that will guide you to the path that is right for you.
5. Lastly, ignore your peers, parents, and even all the ideas of what you think you "should' do. Think about what you like to do, and try to find positions that seem to emulate that. Try to consider other factors of the position too, such as (Do you want to work in an office or outside? Do you care if you work weekends? Do you want to work with people or would you rather work in tech or at a computer....
I hope this helps, and good luck!
Thanks,
Rachael
That's a great question, and I can relate from personal experience myself. First of all, do not let your peers affect how you're feeling, because they are just as inexperienced as yourself and while we may think we know exactly what we want, experience will really help you KNOW what you want. However, to help with finding your path of who are, I suggest a few things:
1. Make a list of just general qualities that you're good at (e.g. writing, math, talking to people, presenting, coaching, listening, drawing, problem-solving, etc.) While some of those qualities may not seem professional, trust me.....they are!
2. Take a personality test or three! This will really help to give you an idea of who are as an individual, and a lot of times personality tests will mention jobs related to your results. Once you get the results, start to research each field and get an idea of what the position entails. I recommend trying the test on www.16personalities.com - it's free and really helpful!
3. Talk to professionals and career counselors. Talking to people in fields that you think you are interested in is really helpful. Often a college can help you with resources, but also just googling businesses and sending an email asking for a career advice will go a long way. People love to talk about what they do, so you will not be bothering them!
4. Volunteer or Intern! NOTHING is more telling than experiencing positions first-hand. Not only does volunteering and interning help with your resume development, but will give you the best hands-on experience that will guide you to the path that is right for you.
5. Lastly, ignore your peers, parents, and even all the ideas of what you think you "should' do. Think about what you like to do, and try to find positions that seem to emulate that. Try to consider other factors of the position too, such as (Do you want to work in an office or outside? Do you care if you work weekends? Do you want to work with people or would you rather work in tech or at a computer....
I hope this helps, and good luck!
Thanks,
Rachael
Hi Rachel
I'm very overwhelmed right now! When I usually ask this question, people would give me a vague answer like "you'll figure it out" or "keep searching". But you put in the time to actually give me a detailed answer with amazing uplifting advice. I can't thank you enough!!! If you don't mind, I'm going to save your response and keep it with me at all times so when things are getting rough I know there are people like you in this big infinite world. Thank you!!!!!!
Allia
Allia
Hi Allia,
That's great to hear. Knowing what you want to do takes time, and sometimes you feel like you're supposed to know. Either way, you're on the right track, so just keep thinking about what you like to do and you will find the path that is custom to you. Good Luck.
Rachael Pawlowski
Rhina Odom
Teacher
1
Answer
Cabot, Arkansas
Updated
Rhina’s Answer
Allia, even though you posted this in 2017, I would still want to answer your question and ask you how you are doing.
I hope you're safe and well.
How do we REALLY know if we're on the right track?
1. Know thyself.
Get to know yourself. What are the things you enjoy doing? What are the skills you're proud of? What are your values in life? What are your non-negotiables? What are you passionate about? Having "ME time" will help you think clearly. Remember that this is YOUR life and you're the only one who can tell if you're on the right track.
2. Create a list.
Write down what you want to do in life and what others want you to do in life. I personally did this because my family is important to me and I couldn't just ignore what they wanted. After writing those things, pause and breathe in and out. Ask yourself this: Which of those things will help me become a better version of myself?
3. Do good deeds.
Volunteer and make our world a better place. When you volunteer, you're not only helping others; you're also helping yourself. You learn new skills; you experience life. As you do more good deeds, you get to know yourself more. And when you know yourself more, YOU will know what truly matters. You'll know and feel you're on the right track.
Take care.
I hope you're safe and well.
How do we REALLY know if we're on the right track?
1. Know thyself.
Get to know yourself. What are the things you enjoy doing? What are the skills you're proud of? What are your values in life? What are your non-negotiables? What are you passionate about? Having "ME time" will help you think clearly. Remember that this is YOUR life and you're the only one who can tell if you're on the right track.
2. Create a list.
Write down what you want to do in life and what others want you to do in life. I personally did this because my family is important to me and I couldn't just ignore what they wanted. After writing those things, pause and breathe in and out. Ask yourself this: Which of those things will help me become a better version of myself?
3. Do good deeds.
Volunteer and make our world a better place. When you volunteer, you're not only helping others; you're also helping yourself. You learn new skills; you experience life. As you do more good deeds, you get to know yourself more. And when you know yourself more, YOU will know what truly matters. You'll know and feel you're on the right track.
Take care.
Victor Pinto
Tech Recruiter
22
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Victor’s Answer
First of all, it's normal to feel like that, I can relate. Many of my friends knew what career they wanted to pursue since a very young age and I didn't. I thought I didnt have a talent or that I was so lost. One of the things that helped me is volunteering. There I discovered that I enjoy interacting with people and that there were other people in my situation. Also, I discovered that I had skills that other didnt and that I enjoyed using my skills to help others. For example, I met people that couldnt find jobs, so I would ask them if they had a resume, and they said the didnt, so I would help them create one. Another activity that helped me is learning a trade. Since I couldn decide what to study in college, I went to a technical school to learn a trade for 6 months. Again, there I was exposed to different people who were learning different trades, and I discovered that I liked writing, doing research and prepare presentations. Lastly, I was decided that I wanted to go to college, but was not sure about which career, so I did several informational interviews. I met professionals who studied the careers I wanted to study, so I asked him for a few minutes and and I asked them questions about their jobs. This helped me to narrow down my choices. All in all, my main advice is to get expose, volunteer, do short courses online, attend seminars, workshops. Dont worry too much about having a degree or a piece of paper, think more in terms of skills. What skills are in demand in the workplace that match your personality?
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Allia,
Hey there! It sounds like you're struggling with feeling uncertain about your future plans and goals, and are bombarded with conflicting advice from various sources. This is a common dilemma for many young adults, and it's important to remember that it's okay to feel unsure and take time to figure things out. Here are a few suggestions that might help you navigate this situation:
1. Take a step back and reflect on your values, interests, and strengths. What matters most to you? What do you enjoy doing? What are your natural talents? These questions can help you identify potential paths that align with who you are and what you care about.
2. Explore different options and try new things. You don't have to have it all figured out right away. Try taking classes, volunteering, or interning in different fields to see what resonates with you. This can help you gain experience, build skills, and get a better sense of what you like and what you don't like.
3. Practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself. Remember that it's normal to feel uncertain and that it's okay to make mistakes. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out right away. Take your time, and trust that you will find your way.
Remember, there is no one "right" path that everyone must follow. What works for someone else may not work for you, and that's okay. Trust your own instincts, listen to your own voice, and keep an open mind. With time, patience, and self-reflection, you will discover your own unique path and find your way forward.
What works for me? Prayer, silence, quietitude, reflection, listening for direction.
Three authoritative reference titles that support this answer are:
1. "The Art of Possibility" by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
2. "The Pathfinder" by Nicholas Lore
3. "Figuring Out Your Life" by Adam Smiley Poswolsky
These books offer valuable insights and practical advice on finding your purpose, exploring your passions, and navigating life transitions. They emphasize the importance of self-discovery, experimentation, and resilience in finding your way forward.
Hey there! It sounds like you're struggling with feeling uncertain about your future plans and goals, and are bombarded with conflicting advice from various sources. This is a common dilemma for many young adults, and it's important to remember that it's okay to feel unsure and take time to figure things out. Here are a few suggestions that might help you navigate this situation:
1. Take a step back and reflect on your values, interests, and strengths. What matters most to you? What do you enjoy doing? What are your natural talents? These questions can help you identify potential paths that align with who you are and what you care about.
2. Explore different options and try new things. You don't have to have it all figured out right away. Try taking classes, volunteering, or interning in different fields to see what resonates with you. This can help you gain experience, build skills, and get a better sense of what you like and what you don't like.
3. Practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself. Remember that it's normal to feel uncertain and that it's okay to make mistakes. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out right away. Take your time, and trust that you will find your way.
Remember, there is no one "right" path that everyone must follow. What works for someone else may not work for you, and that's okay. Trust your own instincts, listen to your own voice, and keep an open mind. With time, patience, and self-reflection, you will discover your own unique path and find your way forward.
What works for me? Prayer, silence, quietitude, reflection, listening for direction.
Three authoritative reference titles that support this answer are:
1. "The Art of Possibility" by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
2. "The Pathfinder" by Nicholas Lore
3. "Figuring Out Your Life" by Adam Smiley Poswolsky
These books offer valuable insights and practical advice on finding your purpose, exploring your passions, and navigating life transitions. They emphasize the importance of self-discovery, experimentation, and resilience in finding your way forward.