By now, I have lost count on how many times I’ve asked myself this question, and yet I know when I do, it’s for a reason. There is an intuitive feeling that I feel deep in my gut that lets me know I am doing the right thing and that I am on the right path or the other way around. When that feeling appears, the most important part is to follow your instinct and to listen of what its here to tell you.
The deeper question from a wisdom perspective is:
Is there a foolproof way of knowing if, in the path you are on, are you being true to yourself?
From my personal experience I know that when I feel good and excited about my path, I put time and energy into how I can make things more fruitful and exciting, I constantly keep on learning and expressing how to be true to myself, and it even scares me a little, it’s a path worth following! These are all amazing reasons to choose a life path.
External influences unfortunately do exist, but they’re not always indicators that you shouldn’t pursue your goals. There is no black-and-white answer to whether or not you’re choosing the right or wrong path, but some indicators you might not be making decisions for the right reasons include:
1. Your friends and family expect it from you (and that’s why you do it)
2. The income is better than your personal goals.
3. You lack the hunger for it (cause for you its something temporary)
4. Your gut is telling you “no”.
5. You’re totally exhausted.
6. Lack attention to detail.
7. In the end of every day, you have not even one good reason to look forward to the next day.
It’s okay if you can’t fit societal norms, if your goals and abilities are outside of what is expected of you. There are so many other ways to live a beautiful, fulfilling, “successful” life without conforming to norms or expectations. But if you push yourself into a box you don’t fix, or if you settle for a life and career you don’t want, there’s no way to ever make that life fit for you unless you try to change yourself or pretend you’re someone you’re not. When you become aware of this, and you start to make choices because of your real wants/needs, you’re able to be your best self!
I think there is something inside each and every one of us that knows when we’re making the right choice. If you’re questioning what you want to study at college, what you want to do when you graduate, or even wanting to make a mid-career change, there are some hints that you’re headed in the right direction.
Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself.
Do you feel happy and excited when you think about this path in life? Yes / No
Do you feel like this choice aligns with your own personal goals right now? Yes / No
Do you feel a thrill thinking about the life you’ll create for yourself? Yes / No
Will you regret it if you don’t give it a try? Yes / No
Will this choice improve your life? Yes / No
Can you actually make it happen on your own? Yes / No
Can you personally afford to make this change? Yes / No
But remember! Paths change. Everything is temporary. Life is a journey and as long as you are doing things that you find enjoyable most of the time, count it as a victory.
So make sure you don’t settle and never fear failure. Good decisions don’t always ensure success -- and that’s okay! Stay focused, be grateful for the momentum you are able to create. Don’t get complacent or play it safe. Do it better!
Lots of love,
x Katerina