For many graduates, the elation of accomplishment is quickly replaced by a nagging sense of uncertainty. Questions like, “What am I supposed to do with my life?” and “What career should I choose?” are common. If you’re feeling lost and unsure of what to do next, know that you’re not alone. This is a normal part of the post-graduation experience.
Discovering Your Purpose: Aligning Story, Passion, Values, and Talents
The good news is that there are steps you can take to find your path. With some guidance, you can move past the confusion and start living an amazing life. Take some time for self-reflection, seek out advice, and explore your interests. Your dream career is within reach!
Here are a few tips:
First, it’s crucial to find your purpose. What makes you tick, what are you passionate about, what are your skills and strengths? To delve deeper into these questions, a great option is to learn about the concept of Ikigai. Ikigai, a Japanese concept, refers to finding your reason for being. It’s the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for [1]. There are many resources available online and in libraries to help you learn more about Ikigai.
Next, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. If you’re not sure what you want to do, try new things! Take on internships in different fields, volunteer for a cause you care about, or travel to new places. These experiences will not only help you learn more about yourself but also shed light on what you’re interested in.
Moving on to building your network, talk to people. Talk to friends, family, mentors, or career counselors. They can offer advice and guidance based on their own experiences.
In addition to self-reflection, visualize your future. A good technique I have learnt over the years is to use visualization tools. Vision Boards provide a great tool as a start of your visualization process. What does your ideal career look like? What kind of lifestyle do you want to have? Where do you want to be? Creating a vision board can help you focus on your goals and stay motivated.
Remember, your career path doesn’t have to be linear. Don’t be afraid to change course. It’s perfectly okay to change your mind if you decide that your initial choice isn’t a good fit for you. The important thing is to keep moving forward and learning from your experiences.
Finally, focus on your strengths. Everyone has unique skills and talents. What are you good at? How can you use your strengths to your advantage in your career?
Be patient. Finding your path takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have it all figured out right away. Just keep moving forward and exploring your options. Remember, the most important thing is to be yourself and to pursue your passions. Don’t be afraid to take risks and to try new things; The world is your oyster, so go out there and find your place in it!
By following these simple steps and taking advantage of the resources available to you, you can find your path and build a successful and fulfilling life.
Congratulations again on your graduation! and good luck with your path ahead.
FAQ
- Q: I don’t know what I’m good at. How can I find out?
- A: There are many ways to learn about your skills and interests. You can take career assessments, volunteer for different causes, or talk to friends, family, and mentors.
- Q: I’m afraid to change careers. What if I make the wrong choice?
- A: It’s normal to be afraid of change. It is important to remember that your career path doesn’t have to be linear. If you decide that your initial choice isn’t a good fit for you, you can always change course.
- Q: How long does it take to find my path?
- A: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It may take some time to explore your options and figure out what you want to do. You have got to be patient and keep moving forward.
Sources
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life [1]
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles [2] This classic career guide helps readers discover their skills and interests and identify careers that are a good fit.
- The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success by Nicholas Lore [3] This book provides a step-by-step process for choosing a career that you’ll love.
- I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was: How to Discover Your Purpose and Do Great Work by Barbara Sher [4] This book helps readers identify their values and passions and use them to find a fulfilling career.