If you are struggling with finding your purpose during college or even throughout your career, don’t stress. You have time. This is the sign you have been looking for. Don’t rush through life or force it! Focus on the meaningful experiences you have had up until now, and you will find your way. I promise!
The details in this blog post are my personal experiences only. You may have different experiences than me, and that’s okay! I am sharing this post purely for advice and recommendation. Let me know in the comments if you have been through a similar or completely different situation. I’d love to hear your story!
I was lost for years!
I entered college with the mindset that I needed to have my entire life planned out by the end of my first year. In other instances, it may be lucky that my brain jumps for answers to my problems, however, I struggled to find the answer to the rest of my life. let alone my own purpose. Not only was this completely impractical, but it was naive. I compared myself to others that knew exactly what they wanted to do and be. I thought the answers to my problems would be to find a distinct career path to follow, but this was not the case for me.
The path I began on was not the path I ended up on.
I studied the violin for over 12 years. The violin brought me joy and an image to follow. I thought that this path was very respectable and would bring me happiness and some kind of fulfillment. My personal teachers all wore many hats. Musicians work very hard at their craft, but one job or gig alone is not exactly enough to live off of. My teachers all play in the local philharmonic at night, teach at a school full time during the day, teach private lessons on the weekends, and then fill the rest of the time with gig work. I thought this was exciting and simple enough to follow, but I soon discovered that this was not the path I wanted to follow anymore.
It was devastating for me to lose all that I worked for when I decided to switch majors during my second year in college. Deep down, I knew I was making the right choice. I knew I was interested in other things, and I became curious again. I tried everything I could to try and find a new path again. It was difficult to feel like I had a purpose to follow. How could I continue to study without a picture to follow in my mind?
What did I do to help me find my purpose?
I followed every and any of my interests. I became a student DJ for my school’s radio station, volunteered for a local nonprofit, and continued to find things that piqued my interest in any way. After trying and trying, and I pushed on. Eventually, things started to take shape in my mind. I graduated from business school and plan on attending law school. I don’t know where life will take me, but I expect things to continue to change and develop over time. Even when it is challenging, I take each day as an opportunity to better myself and keep a positive mindset.
Breathe. Be patient.
If you are confused with what path your life is on, take a moment to breathe. Find things in your life that bring you joy or you would like to learn more about. These interests may lead to new opportunities and chances to explore yourself, ultimately helping you see what your purpose is. Be patient. Having patience is important because it allows you to focus on bettering yourself for the long run. Just like a seedling, worthwhile efforts that take time will grow into beautiful things.
