3 answers
Autumn
Student
Longmont, Colorado
1
Question
Updated
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How do I know if I am setting myself up for success when I don’t know what path I want to take?
I have been struggling for a while now of knowing what I need to do to succeed. Every time I ask someone about it, they give me a vague answer that doesn’t fully answer my question. It has been stressing me out because I just want to set my self up for a great future and I feel like it is really hard nowadays to know what to do.
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3 answers
David L. Phillips
Solution Consultant
4
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
David L.’s Answer
Autumn, I completely understand the struggle you are feeling. Others can tell you what is working for them, but only you can answer the question of what to pursue. That said, keep a few goals in mind.
1. Choose to do something that you can be passionate about. Find a path that will keep you excited about what you are doing and the value that you bring to it. Those that choose based on monetary rewards, or prestige are frequently disappointed later. You need to be able to bring a high energy level to what you do for years to come. That doesn't come from what others think of your choice.
2. Whatever you choose, commit yourself to being the best at it that you can be. Set high standards for yourself. The satisfaction you will feel when you meet and exceed your own goals will reward you far more than the awards and recognition you will get from others. Being the best "you" that you can be, will always contribute to a great future.
3. Do something that brings value to others. For instance, many small business owners take great pride in the people they employ, the families they support, and contributing to the community. It's about not only creating a great future for yourself, but sharing it with others as well. Another way to bring value to others is to be a mentor. Share what you have learned and help others to be the best they can be.
As Chris said, a great future can have different looks for different people. My advice is to build a great future not only for you, but also for those with whom you share a connection. Lastly, remember to evaluate your path more on how you will enjoy the journey, rather than where you might land years from now. If the journey doesn't excite you, choose another path.
1. Choose to do something that you can be passionate about. Find a path that will keep you excited about what you are doing and the value that you bring to it. Those that choose based on monetary rewards, or prestige are frequently disappointed later. You need to be able to bring a high energy level to what you do for years to come. That doesn't come from what others think of your choice.
2. Whatever you choose, commit yourself to being the best at it that you can be. Set high standards for yourself. The satisfaction you will feel when you meet and exceed your own goals will reward you far more than the awards and recognition you will get from others. Being the best "you" that you can be, will always contribute to a great future.
3. Do something that brings value to others. For instance, many small business owners take great pride in the people they employ, the families they support, and contributing to the community. It's about not only creating a great future for yourself, but sharing it with others as well. Another way to bring value to others is to be a mentor. Share what you have learned and help others to be the best they can be.
As Chris said, a great future can have different looks for different people. My advice is to build a great future not only for you, but also for those with whom you share a connection. Lastly, remember to evaluate your path more on how you will enjoy the journey, rather than where you might land years from now. If the journey doesn't excite you, choose another path.
Chris Schule
Consultant
6
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Hi Autumn,
As a previous user suggested, the reason you are receiving vague answers is because the question itself can be interpreted in many different ways! First you must define what "success" looks like for you.
Doing well in school?
Having a high-paying job?
Having a job with a high degree of security?
Being content with your work-life balance?
Being happy with your relationships?
Given your concern about a "great future," I imagine you are looking for a way to land a job that will both make you happy as well as provide means to live a comfortable life without stressing about money. Focusing on the first part of this is assumption is key. Ask yourself "what types of activities do I enjoy doing that can provide value to a company?"
Are you an analytical person that finds data analysis and insights interesting? Maybe consulting or data science career paths are right for you.
Are you personable and enjoy the thrill of convincing people to buy products or services? If so, a sales career may suit you well.
Do you like to learn how things work and problem solve in a fast-paced environment? Engineering could be of interest to you.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive and you should continue to ask yourself questions like these as you learn more about yourself. Also, do not stress over picking the "wrong" career. You can always switch careers if you find that you do not enjoy the path you took as much as you initially thought you would. In fact, I probably know more people, myself included, that have switched careers and are happier for it than people who stayed on a single, predetermined career track.
There are also "enablers" that make success more likely. I see that you are a student, and achieving high marks will always help open doors to careers. In essence, there is only upside to getting good grades, but there are sometimes consequences for doing poorly, so I would make sure you put in a reasonable effort in school. That isn't to say that it is impossible to set yourself up for success if you are receiving lower than average grades, but it certainly increases the difficulty in landing highly coveted jobs early in your career.
Moreover, exploring hobbies, attending career fairs, and getting involved in career groups or clubs at school are fantastic ways to grow your network while also uncovering your interests. You can learn a ton just by connecting with people, even if their interests do not exactly align with your own.
Ultimately, this process is iterative and what interests you now may not in 5 years. Reassess at regular intervals and be a life-long learner! Also, in any career there will be bad days and good days, and any job requires effort. Don't be discouraged if you don't love every aspect of the job as no job is perfect! Good luck!
As a previous user suggested, the reason you are receiving vague answers is because the question itself can be interpreted in many different ways! First you must define what "success" looks like for you.
Doing well in school?
Having a high-paying job?
Having a job with a high degree of security?
Being content with your work-life balance?
Being happy with your relationships?
Given your concern about a "great future," I imagine you are looking for a way to land a job that will both make you happy as well as provide means to live a comfortable life without stressing about money. Focusing on the first part of this is assumption is key. Ask yourself "what types of activities do I enjoy doing that can provide value to a company?"
Are you an analytical person that finds data analysis and insights interesting? Maybe consulting or data science career paths are right for you.
Are you personable and enjoy the thrill of convincing people to buy products or services? If so, a sales career may suit you well.
Do you like to learn how things work and problem solve in a fast-paced environment? Engineering could be of interest to you.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive and you should continue to ask yourself questions like these as you learn more about yourself. Also, do not stress over picking the "wrong" career. You can always switch careers if you find that you do not enjoy the path you took as much as you initially thought you would. In fact, I probably know more people, myself included, that have switched careers and are happier for it than people who stayed on a single, predetermined career track.
There are also "enablers" that make success more likely. I see that you are a student, and achieving high marks will always help open doors to careers. In essence, there is only upside to getting good grades, but there are sometimes consequences for doing poorly, so I would make sure you put in a reasonable effort in school. That isn't to say that it is impossible to set yourself up for success if you are receiving lower than average grades, but it certainly increases the difficulty in landing highly coveted jobs early in your career.
Moreover, exploring hobbies, attending career fairs, and getting involved in career groups or clubs at school are fantastic ways to grow your network while also uncovering your interests. You can learn a ton just by connecting with people, even if their interests do not exactly align with your own.
Ultimately, this process is iterative and what interests you now may not in 5 years. Reassess at regular intervals and be a life-long learner! Also, in any career there will be bad days and good days, and any job requires effort. Don't be discouraged if you don't love every aspect of the job as no job is perfect! Good luck!
Nicole Selkov
Project Manager
21
Answers
Saint Johns, Florida
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
I'm afraid the vague answers you are getting is as much as anyone of us can offer you. Everyone has a different concept of success - which often changes as they age. So, there is no clear path that anyone can explain to you.
Instead, I think the most important thing is for you to check in with yourself often and keep reorienting towards what you want now. Some of the questions I would ask myself are:
1. Am I taking my work seriously?
- If you are a full time student, consider school your job. You don't have to have a 4.0. But, are you making a serious effect to do well even in classes where you don't love the material or the teacher?
- Are you proud of your work ethic and engagement?
2. Am I growing as a person?
- Am I exploring interests, passions and hobbies beyond scrolling social media?
- Am I gaining experience in soft skills like leadership, empathy and communication? This doesn't have to be just at work! You can learn through things like friendships and sports.
3. Am I taking care of myself?
-Mentally, emotionally and physically.
Check in regularly with yourself (maybe monthly) and keep adjusting. Its never going to be perfectly in balance for long, but you can get close to a balance.
Instead, I think the most important thing is for you to check in with yourself often and keep reorienting towards what you want now. Some of the questions I would ask myself are:
1. Am I taking my work seriously?
- If you are a full time student, consider school your job. You don't have to have a 4.0. But, are you making a serious effect to do well even in classes where you don't love the material or the teacher?
- Are you proud of your work ethic and engagement?
2. Am I growing as a person?
- Am I exploring interests, passions and hobbies beyond scrolling social media?
- Am I gaining experience in soft skills like leadership, empathy and communication? This doesn't have to be just at work! You can learn through things like friendships and sports.
3. Am I taking care of myself?
-Mentally, emotionally and physically.
Check in regularly with yourself (maybe monthly) and keep adjusting. Its never going to be perfectly in balance for long, but you can get close to a balance.