Deciding What To Do With Your Life (Without Actually Deciding)
Glen / 
72 Comments / 
September 30th, 2009 / 
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I was two weeks into my job in Cape Town when a colleague asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I swiftly replied with “This!” At the time, ‘this’ referred to the job I had as a Social Media Manager for Fortune 100 companies. I loved what I was doing and enjoyed all aspects of Social Media, so I expected to be helping clients leverage it for as long as I could.
His response was that my interests would change and that I was too young (18) to have anything like that set in stone. I laughed inside about how wrong he was. Now, two years later, I’m laughing at how wrong I was.
Even if you offered me $10,000 per month, after tax, to work with some awesome clients as their ‘Social Media Guy,’ I would turn you down instantly. There were a few reasons for falling out of love with the industry, some of the bigger ones being:
- Most corporations, especially the big ones, are too scared to try anything different. Two years ago, most aspects of Social Media were very different to the norm. They still are now.
- Almost all suggestions had to go through managers, a legal team, executives and so on. It could take months to get approval on anything.
- Many clients had the “we won’t change, but we still want results” attitude. Even if they refused every single suggestion I had, they still wanted to see a traffic spike at the end of the month. And, despite my arguing, so did my superiors.
Ultimately, I realised more and more that working with such large business’ felt both unfulfilling and unrewarding. I didn’t lose my love for Social Media, I just lost my love for doing it for others. After coming to this realisation about a year into my job, I started working on my own websites.
My Story (You Can Skip This)
When it comes to making money online, I’ve been the most helpful guy in the world (creating support websites, writing blog posts) and I’ve been the most devious guy in the world (creating bots to leverage honest communities). I’ve literally done more “blackhat” stuff than is written in any forum, and probably sold the scripts to people who do that kind of thing now.
For the first few months after the realisation I no longer wanted clients, I went blackhat. I’m talking about ranking no.1 for every term on Technorati (a blog search engine) and getting 15,000 visitors per day from Twitter. You can even throw in my manipulation of Youtube to get my videos on their homepage.
I worked on my own and conjured every idea alone. I didn’t do anything illegal, but I know it wasn’t ethical. I was making money, but it wasn’t fun and I was still feeling unfulfilled. At the time I was also running an internet marketing blog which was genuinely helpful to people and did make money, but I didn’t like to rely on it. I also didn’t want to be the internet marketer who only ran an internet marketing blog.
For a few weeks I stressed about where to go. I wanted out of the blackhat stuff and I wanted to help people. My frustration was occuring around the same time I met Diggy and Alex who really motivated me on the path of self-improvement. We would talk about this stuff night and day. Alex literally has a file with hundreds of pages of notes on everything about life which he read like a bible.
I loved the idea, and wanted to do the same. Instead of writing notes in a book however, I decided I would blog about it. The culmination of two things that I love – blogging and self improvement – made perfect sense. Soon after I started PluginID and couldn’t be happier with what I have built here.
I wasn’t a very good writer when I started, but clearly showed in the first post how I had been longing for a passion; a direction:
At this moment in time I’m very excited, for the last 19 years I’ve been finding it difficult to know what it is I want to do, I’ve been finding it difficult to understand my passion.
Here I was trying to convey my excitement at having a new project to work on. Something that made a lot of sense to me internally and something I knew I could do well with. Hey, I did say my writing was poor back then.
Just Do Something (Don’t Skip This)
If you’ve read my story or not, it doesn’t matter, here’s where you come in. Right now, you could say working on PluginID is what I want to do with my life. It is, I love it. However, you could say that two years ago becoming a Social Media Manager is what I should have done with my life. It was, and I did.
The thing is, so many people feel like they need to know a perfect idea or have a brilliant opportunity before stepping away from the norm and doing what they want to do. I won’t say that they expect a path to just open up in front of them, but they certainly don’t go looking for it.
My advice to the question of “what should I do with my life?” is simply: follow whatever interests you most. When I was 18 and sitting in front of a computer screen being offered a job in Cape Town, I wasn’t worried about my total life path. I wasn’t worried about whether it was my ‘calling’ or I was ruining my chance at other opportunities that may present themselves.
Instead, I simply wanted to know: does this interest me more than other options? At the time, a job in South Africa looked far more appealing than another year in college, so I followed it up. It wasn’t like a lightning bolt struck me one day and I knew what my purpose in life was. I simply saw an open door that looked more attractive than the others, so I walked through it.
Don’t Decide on Anything
Decision is such a clear cut word in my opinion. To me it sounds like once a decision has been made, that should be it. No turning back. If you want to live your life like that then feel free, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Hopefully some of you who read the last paragraph will know what to do now. You will realise you just need to start doing something, and the rest of the doors along the way will open up. Some of you, however, will have aims which are a little more ‘serious’ and require some additional thought.
This could be enrolling on a three year university course, taking out a loan to travel the world, or something else you deem an option. Some of you will even have multiple routes to take in your life right now and not be sure which one to take. Thankfully I know how to deal with that, as I was in the same situation.
After three months in South Africa, I was preparing to go home for a few months (for Christmas and New Year) and then decide whether I wanted to go back for one year. I honestly had no idea what to do. I had loved my time in the country, but wasn’t sure if I could handle a year there.
I did all I knew to do at the time, and picked up a pen and paper. I wrote down the positives of going back, versus the negatives of going back. There were more positives on my list, so I went back. It really was that simple.
Here’s What To Do
If you still aren’t sure what step to take next in your life then I need to work on my writing skills. Just for clarification, here’s a summary.
1. Just Do Something – You can’t follow a path you don’t know about, so stop trying to find it. Instead, look at the options you have in life now, and follow one of them. Even if it’s not something you want to do forever, just go down that road. I guarantee that this will open more doors and opportunities for you than doing nothing.
My path went something like: Move to South Africa >> Declare love for Social Media >> Realise I’m Not Liking Social Media much anymore >> Be Inspired to Pursue Aspects of Personal Development >> Try Making Money Online, Unethically >> Realise I Want to Be Ethical >> Start a Website About Personal Development Which Helps People >> Quit My Job
If I had of stayed at college would doors still open up for me? Of course they would, for no reason other than I was doing something. However, would I rather be in college than spend a year in Cape Town? No, so I didn’t go to college.
Do something (whatever interests you most) and you will end up where you are meant to be. I promise.
2. Don’t Decide on Anything – By this I simply mean, don’t feel like any option has to be clear cut. I thought I would be doing Social Media for clients for years to come, and I was wrong. Now, let’s say I wanted to prove my colleague wrong and pursue it for life, even though I hated it. How stupid would that be?
Always be open to following new interests and don’t feel like you have to stick to something. About a year ago one of my favourite bloggers said that they would happily stop blogging if it no longer interested them. At the time I thought “You can’t do that, you have all these readers, what a waste that would be.”
Well, now, I feel exactly the same. If something no longer fills you with passion and you literally can’t motivate yourself to keep going, why do it? I would rather spend my time doing something I am passionate about. Life is short.
3. Take the Next Step – Whatever is in your mind after all of this, just do it. Stop looking for the answer in ‘life purpose tests’ or ‘What job should I get?’ Facebook Quizzes. Seriously, get out there and do it. If you need my support or advice, feel free to email me or comment. I’m pretty sure that you’ll have a good idea in your mind.
If you’re still thinking that you need to have a better idea of what to do, then at least follow whatever is available to you now. I ‘wasted’ time building all of these unethical internet ventures before the right path opened up to me.
Finally, if this post has helped you at all, please pass it on to others who could do with help in this area, I would really appreciate it.
If you enjoyed this post, I would appreciate if you share it on Twitter, Facebook or Delicious!
Glen,
Great post. Thanks. I’m inspired. I would add…
FEED, FUEL AND FAN YOUR CURIOSITY
I have a dear friend who is a great example of what you write about.
He used to love watching TV, especially movies. As a boy, he would sit for hours and hours watching TV from the couch. Fascinated by their stories, action, imagination and intrigue. His parents warned that he would ‘get square eyes’ if he sat around doing that all day.
It was his passion, his interest, his love. His school work was average at best. He didn’t go to college. He didn’t get any handouts from parents. He moved from job to job. And still he loved to watch TV.
Long-story-short, he has a top career developing creative art for a TV company. Now he gets paid top dollar to do a career he loves – watching TV all day.
Best, Robin
Hey Robin,
That is an excellent example, thank you for sharing.
And, as always, I appreciate the comment!
– Glen
I think this is one of your best posts so far Glen. I couldn’t agree with you more.
My thing was that I was caught up with the magical idea that somehow my “purpose” would fall from the sky, or that I couldn’t be truly happy until I figured what I was suppose to be doing. Well, when I stopped “trying” to figure it out and just began “doing” the things that brought me joy and fulfillment everything just seemed to begin to fall into place.
“Follow your bliss.” – Joseph Campbell
“Always be open to following new interests and don’t feel like you have to stick to something.” …I think people tend to beat themselves up when they give up something, which is why they remain at it without passion. I think it comes down to knowing the difference between “giving up” or “giving it up”. Giving up is quitting before you reach your goal, giving it up is moving on for lack of passion and interest.
Excellent points.
Thanks Ron, I’m really happy with the post. Although there was no way to say what I wanted to without pushing the 2,000 word mark.
I’m glad you could relate to ‘waiting’ for the perfect opportunity. I remember doing the same…and also remember that it never arrived.
Thanks buddy!
Hey Glen, very inspirational post. Thanks for sharing.
I have changed 2 careers in the last 4 years, so I know what you mean
Hey man, you’re very welcome.
Did you end up in a situation you’re happy with?
Yes, is just that I like to try out new things, especially ones where other says are very difficult to accomplish, nothing exceptional though.
I get mixed feelings from this post.
I think it’s because I have made similar experiences to yours, but with a few crucial differences. It seems to me that your view on this subject is distorted by the fact that you have been very successful in many of your endeavours.
See, I also decided to leave the rat-race and follow my own interests a few years ago. I also followed my interests and started different projects. BUT I wasn’t very successful at most of the things I did. And the few things I was successful with aren’t financially very rewarding.
Following your fancy can become frustrating when you keep getting into things that require a lot of dedication and you keep struggling along, financially.
I’m obviously not as good at monetizing my talents as you seem to be, but I think you’re also lucky in some ways. You happen to be interested in a few things that are hugely popular (SEO, personal developement, making money online) and handle easily (no shipping, no warehouses, no international taxation chaos, etc).
That isn’t to say that I disagree completely with what you state in this post. Even though I’m not as successful as I would like to be, I’m very happy that I chose the path I did. I just want to offer my perspective and am curious about what your take on it might be.
Cheers,
Shane
Hi Shane,
First of all, I have had my fair share of failures. Whether that’s being in jobs I hate (working in a clothes store) or quitting college after spending 2 years there (waste of time?).
On top of that, I have absolutely no qualifications. If I wanted a job in the rat race outside of the marketing industry, I’m sure I would start on the bottom of the ladder. I couldn’t even go to a university in the UK right now.
However, this does not bother me in the slightest.
That really depends on whether you would prefer to spend time doing what you love with little finances, or do what you dislike and be financially abundant.
I prefer finding out how to make doing what I love a source for financial gain.
It sounds to me like you’re on the right track, but you haven’t figured out how your interests will make you $$$. Well, that’s fine, becuase if you really want to…you will.
Yeah, I’m still counting on my true passions also being able to make money for me at some point. As I said, I’m about half-way there, so I don’t really have anything to complain about.
Shane I understand your comment because I am in somewhat similar situation.
What you said about being happy for choosing the path you did, even if you are not as successful as you want to be, I couldn’t agree more. That’s the way I feel right now.
One thing that I learned the hard way is – if you are unsuccessful at something it is much more easier to get over it and continue with your life if you chose your path because you wanted it than going on that path because people told you so (safer choice) and ignoring your intuition. And if do it your way when you look back at it you won’t see missed opportunity, instead you’ll see it as learning experience.
Very good point. Only now, reading your comment, have I realized that I don’t have any regrets concerning the choices I made for myself. When I do something for myself (not because someone pressured me to do it or because it’s “the right thing to do”) and I mess up, I don’t mind.
If I follow someone else’s idea of what I should be doing and mess up, it feels like I’ve wasted a part of my life.
Its an easy trap to get stuck in. We have been raised with this idea since we were little that we should grow up knowing what we want to do for the rest of our lives, and while I know some people that have who are quite happy this world is constantly changing. Somebody needs to be ready to adapt, and that won’t happen as easily if one is just bound and determine to do what they decided they would do when they were 6.
Justin, great point.
I know a lot of people who have had their lives planned out from a young age. Usually moulded by what their parents do or what their parents want them to do.
While parents can be big influences at least one person that comes to mind just had supportive parents who would let her go after which ever career she decided. They encouraged her just as much in art as they did in science. She chose her path, and her sister was the same way.
Of course maybe a lesson that could be taken from this is do not try to direct your children’s future as you have no idea what job will be best in five years, let alone 15-20+ Better to just be supportive of whatever the child wants to do so long as they are taught to follow through.
Really great post, Glen! I love the different spin you’ve put on the age old question “What am I going to do with my life?” Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Hey Dani,
Thanks for stopping by!
Killer post my friend. I like how you stress to just follow what you’re passionate about. It’s crazy how two years can literally transform your life.
Two years ago I was borderline existing and then my friend passed away, and I was inspired to live. Sure it’s not as simple as that but one or two events can completely change you as a whole.
If you always follow what interests you opportunity’s WILL PRESENT THEMSELVES and you will feel fulfilled in the process.
While IMO it is important to have a clear direction of where you want to go, the path in which you take to get there doesn’t have to be known. Dare. Experiment. Find out what makes you tick and DO IT.
While I would love to elaborate more I have a U.S History Exam in a few hours. It’s 33 % of my grade! =O
Hope the facebook fast is going well. I know mine is
Bud Bud Bud,
I hope you’re prepared my man. Completely agree with what you have said here.
I haven’t even thought about Facebook to be honest. I guess that’s a good sign
Right on Glen,
My interests have been swelling as I go through the years. The great thing about following through and exploring each interest is that after many years you start to notice underlying trends or qualities that are consistent across each interest. Then you can really start honing in on your current awesome.
Hi Jarrod,
Always great to see when you stop by
I can relate to that, especially in terms of qualities / skills coming through into different areas of your life.
P.S. You look a hell of a lot like my ex-colleague, Jaydon
Glen –
Great points, all around. I’m a firm believer in moving at all. If you’re stuck, don’t know where to go, take the first thing that looks appealing. Not only does this get you moving in a direction other than backwards (because let’s face it, that’s all stagnating does), but it forces you to start trusting your instincts. If you don’t have the time and the resources to flesh out all the ups and downs of possible actions, what would you be doing? Most of the cons are created in our head. If we don’t take the time to create them, then other opportunities just start popping up!
Thanks for this bit of morning inspiration
You’re welcome Kristin,
Thanks for re-iterating my points, but in a much simpler form
- Glen
Great post! Makes me feel better about STILL not knowing what I want to be when I grow up.
Haha, a few people have emailed / tweeted that to me today as well.
It’s like they finally give themselves permission to not be sure about something.
Great post! One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was: if you have to make a decision between two things, then neither of them are the answer. In other words, the right path should unfold without having to make a decision.
Interesting.
Not sure I really agree with that idea, but it’s definitely a new viewpoint.
Glad you liked the post Tisha, and thanks for your comment.
Glen – you definitely have it down.
I struggled for such a long time wondering ‘what is it I want to do with my life.’ This is really the wrong mindset….at least it was for me. I focused too much on finding one ‘right answer’ as opposed to just doing something.
I work in a corporate job now, but I’m taking steps to move to my ultimate goal of one day working for myself. Instead of coming up with this master plan, I just started taking small steps. I was reading too many books and blogs. Doing too much research. I got bogged down in planning and trying to make everything perfect. I finally decided to just do something.
If you do have a grand plan for life, that’s great! My advice to people would be to break that grand plan down into smaller, more manageable goals. Then TAKE ACTION. It’s only by doing that you will learn and move forward.
It’s not all candy and rainbows…I admit that. But as long as you are taking actionable steps each day to actually do something you are moving in the right direction.
I’ve learned to enjoy life more and stop taking myself so seriously. It has done wonders to improve my self confidence in myself that I can go out and do something on my own.
Cheers.
Thanks for contributing another great example Nate.
This.
Very helpful post. I would add the importance of looking inside and seeing how your subtle, hidden thoughts might be limiting you. When I finally did this, I discovered why I hadn’t found my life passion, and now that those thoughts have had some loving attention, they hardly appear anymore. No more limiting thoughts = limitless possibilities!
Hey Glen!
Man I gotta say I think this is one of your best posts I’ve read:)
I always knew you were into sneaky blackhat stuff
Haha, but I’m sure you’re going to make loads of money going the ethical route, you’re awesome and I’m sure many people will agree!
I very much have the no decision decision right now. I’ve pretty much planned to December, where I go to Amsterdam with you, and from then on it’s a whatever presents itself situation. Maybe I will travel for the next two years, maybe find another country to live in, who knows. It’s all part of the excitement and the adventure.
I think that people who decide what they want to do when they are young and end up doing it for most of their lives are far and few between. Most people end up studying for years and finally do something totally different and unrelated to what they studied for.
Great post man!
Tweet and stumbled
Cheers
Fabulous post my friend – I hear you on all points, implementation is imminent…
OH and those issues with big companies and Social Media, nothing has changed
Hey Candy,
Awesome to see you here. By the way, the colleague I was talking about in the intro was Pierre
Hope everything is well over there!
“Do something (whatever interests you most) and you will end up where you are meant to be.”
This is great advice. Just the simple act of moving forward towards something, anything, will help shape direction. This doesn’t mean to move forward without regard to where you are going – we all have goals and end-games in mind and that’s a start. But never forget that life is in the journey…great post, Glen!
Paul
I love this post Glen. I think following our “gut” instincts combined with our passions always leads us to the place we ultimately want to be in our life. This can be applied to our work or other areas in our life. But most of us don’t listen to our own hearts.
Love the post!
Cheers,
Dayne
TheHappySelf.com
Hey Glen.
This is cool material. “Just Do Something” clears the air about whether to hesitate and hesitate about doing the right thing, or attack forward.
Your description about the blackhat material reminded me of Eminem saying he should have done more borderline or risky activities when he was younger, that people would have said the he shouldn’t have done. There can be a lot of learning there.
Actually, I understood this concept much earlier. But, good that you have noted this down. I have some more simple things to say, if you may like to know.
1. There is no such things as ‘your role in this world’, it’s what your mind and heard decide.
2. There is no such things as miracles. You have to have intense desire, persistence and even more of creative hard work in whatever you are doing.
3. You should start with whatever you have got to do. I mean, if you are a student, you may start with concentrating on studies. When the right time arrives or there is something better your heart finds, you can switch to that.
I really enjoyed this post, a different way of looking at things.
) and I know whatever happens, if i enjoy it this much it is the right path.
I do believe as you say Glen, basically do what you enjoy and the rest will follow. I can’t believe hom much I enjoy blogging (I get up at 6.30am now to do it!
Thanks for another great post Glen.
Jen
I think as time goes on, what we decide to do with our life can naturally change. I love being a software engineer right now, but does that mean I’ll love doing it in 30 years? Maybe, maybe not!
The nice thing about life is that we can change when we really want to. Usually the only thing holding us back is ourselves.
I’m a big fan of your blog. I’m 26, unemployed and depressed with social anxiety, I’m a voracious reader, and fast learner. What’s holding me back is my social anxiety and lack of cofidence, what advice would you give to me? thanks
Hi Francis,
I asked this in the personal development face-off that I did and here were some of the responses:
- Henrik Edberg
- Luciano Passuello
- Leo Babauta
- Peter Clemens
My personal advice would match very closely with what Leo has to say.
Hi Francis, you might check out the techniques of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). It’s a scientifically-validated type of mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, and it’s all about developing the kind of psychological flexibility that allows you to deal with negative thoughts and feelings and then take action in pursuit of valued goals. Great place to start is the book The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris (http://bit.ly/adCyM), or check out the site http://www.contextualpsychology.org/
Glen,
Great post. From a relatively old guy, I think I can say you are mature beyond your years. And from experience: follow your heart and just start somewhere are almost always the best things to do. Herminia Ibarra’s Working Identity http://ow.ly/rYAF is a good read for this approach (many active experiments are best path to finding the career of your dreams).
Tweeted!
Cheers,
Rich
Thanks for this Glen. I really enjoy the ‘voice’ of your blog and am glad I found it (through Alex I think).
Cheers,
Yavor
This is definitely something I have been struggling with. Part of my difficulty is deciding what interests me most. I’m sure that I am also hindered by low self-esteem and fear of the unknown, yet I also think that I have quite a few interests and, besides wanting to have a family, I haven’t narrowed it down to one thing. Thank you for giving me something to think about.
Your post inspired me to figure it out! I blogged about it here: http://daphneanddonald.blogspot.com/. Thank you!
Thanks for the great post. Your “Don’t decide on anything” suggestion seems most pertinent to me. I’ve found that if I keep and open mind and keep on doing what I love (and do it well) opportunities rain from the heavens.
Hey Glen,
This is a great post and it came in the right moment when I am wondering what to do with my career. It’s as great source of motivation for me to follow the most clear path I see in front of me.
Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks!
Great post, its all about making a decision, and getting things done. Just do it , like Jordan said. sweet post bro.
– Keep it Gangsta
Better to fail at what you love doing, then succeed at something you hate? Happiness is about pursing your dreams and taking the chances, life is too short to spend it doing something you don’t like.
Great article.
Its a disturbing feeling to realize you care absolutely nothing about what you spend 40+ hours per week doing.
Thank you for the continuing inspiration to correct my situation Glen.
Hiya, great post and I can relate! Since I was a teenager, I’ve always known that I wanted to work in conservation, specifically in orangutan conservation. I guess I can count myself lucky because the first job I got was in the conservation line, although I had to wait for a few years before the opportunity came up to do orangutan research (although I should note that I told everyone I knew what I wanted to do, until someone recommended me to this org, and I ended up getting hired after a couple of months of graduating – so there is truth about putting your desires out there for the universe to help!). The wait was well worth it! However, after 6 years in the line, I started to have my doubts, wondering whether I was some sort of quarter life crisis, and all I knew that I had to leave my job, and do something else, even though I wasn’t sure what it was.
I spent almost 2 years (one of which was still in conservation, the other in an interesting non-profit ICT org), before accepting another job in orangutan conservation! Some might say that it was a waste to give up my first job because it was permanent (although are such things really permanent these days?) and an international org. But I don’t regret moving on, and trying new things. In fact, I feel that it has made me a better conservationist because I was able to think beyond the box, other than the org line of thinking. I’m currently in a very interesting job where the org’s vision and mine align. As well, taking the risk of leaving that first job, I’ve ended up making more money than I ever did – even though it was not planned!
I enjoyed your post because it reminds me that things are not permanent, including your desires. I didn’t think that I would be in this position a few years ago – nay, I didn’t think I could do it! It really is important to get out of your comfort zone, and try doing various things. You never know…
Also to comment on a previous commenter who isn’t making money from his interests. I’d say, stick to it, increase your portfolio, and network, and also change your lifestyle to suit your current budget. My sis did this, she did a lot of pro bono work and led a simple lifestyle – lived with our parents, etc. and now, she’s flying around the world on paid trips, and has recently accepted a very cool job in Paris. You just have to be patient, and realize that not all of us can succeed 100% of your life. We’d all had the hurdles, and there would be more in the future, we just have to recognize the joy of what we’re currently doing. I’m also saying this to remind myself.
Hi Glen. What an awesome post. It actually made me a bit depressed as I know I need to make some changes for the better in my life – I have been procrastinating a load of stuff I would like to do for at least a year and a half now for no good reason I can think of.
I will try and sit down and have a (very outdated) session with myself. Things need to change. I am happy with my job and I have awesome friends but some things need to be attended to.
Thanks for your post.
Hi,
I really like your blog and this post. Interesting way to look at life. I like the “Don’t decide on anything” point. A decision is so final and intimidating. I’m glad I found your blog.
Best,
Bob
Great post mate. You are obviously a very talented young man and I wish you the best of luck.
Great post. I think the best point you made is to be open minded about what you are doing and willing to allow it to evolve over time and even turn into something else. It is easy to think once we have decided we are going a certain way that we are not doing what we should be doing if we move in a different direction. However, things change and we have different realizations about life and where we should be. Ultimately, what matters is that we are moving forward and always pushing toward something.
Good post. Always nice to hear when the process, which never stops, is being undertaken willingly; too often, people fear change and growth because it can be uncomfortable.
Thought you might like this bit of poetry by Rainer Marie Rilke:
Will transformation. Oh be inspired for the flame
In which a thing disappears and bursts into something else;
The spirit of re-creation which masters this earthly form
Loves most the pivoting point where you are no longer yourself.
This is the best of all your posts. I think long-term planning doesn’t really suit our high-change, fast-paced, world (with all it’s abundance of choices and opportunities) anymore. I’m really interested in how you see this fitting with traditional goal setting that you often talk about.
Cath
Found this post through Cath and really glad I did. you are a very insightful young man. Looking forward to reading more on your blog.
I’ve always been an indecisive person. Pretty much from the time I was 10 til I was 20, I changed my mind almost every single year about what I wanted to be, despite pressure to choose within a certain field. I’ve traded up hobbies every couple of months. Because I thought I had to “pick something and stick with it.” Obviously, that (sticking with it indefinitely) wasn’t happening.
I also used to believe in trying the one thing that interests me most, as you’ve said. But I have a hard time deciding on any one thing. Now I just believe in having my cake and eating it, too. I decided to dabble in everything I’m interested in and take it from there. As much as humanely possible, that is.
Before I was aimlessly looking for the wrong thing. Now I’m purposely aimless (with purpose). I’ve never felt happier and more motivated in my life.
Without further ado, here’s the customary compliment: loved the post, Glen! Here’s to not deciding (or rather, deciding to try it all). Valerie, out.
DJ,
It’s funny that you mention the pen and paper thing. My grandfather always recommend it when I was younger, I didn’t put to much stock into it until, I got my first to job offers out of college. The jobs were almost equal and I wasn’t sure what I would do. So wrote down the list, and went with the job, that gave me the better opportunities, which in this case had them paying for me to move to another area of the country.
Vince
Such a simple message goes so far. Action trumps all – literally no thought is required. Sometimes people forget this in their over-analyzation of their lives, as if their lives were static in a way. However, we need to be willing to be able to adapt to the winds of change.
The other thing about “what to do with your life” is that we’re always contemplating the future with our present selves. The person we are today is not the person we’ll be tomorrow or five years down the road.
As we evolve, so too do our ideas.
Hey Glen,
Another great article, in fact, I think this is the most helpful I have read up to now, and really relates closely to my situation at the moment.
We have just been told at college we have until December at the latest to decide what we are doing etc, do our UCAS applications and personal statements for university, and I have absoloutly NO idea what to do. So this post has kinda helped. I have been pondering for the full past year what I want to do though and still have no idea.
All I know is that I want to go to Uni, no doubt about that, it’s set in stone in my head.. so I guess that’s what I want to do and I’m going to, but I don’t have any idea what to do there. After being on a computer course for 2 years, I’ve realized I don’t want to be sat in an office for the rest of my life writing monotomous programs and drinking coffee, but I don’t know what else to do because I don’t even know where my talents lie as such.
I love graphics design and web design, but they have never really been my strong points so I don’t want to go to university to do something related to them only to find I struggle (not that I could get on a graphics design course without a portfolio anyway lol).
Anyway sorry for the extremely long winded comment, but thanks again for a great post. It has helped me a lot (although I still have no idea what I’m going to do at university, I’m sure I will come up with something, at least… I hope before december o_0).
Howie.
Hey,
wonderful post! Maybe even the best one I’ve read about this whole life path thing…. just enjoy the moment. Do what you love, and then if it changes, it change…go with the flow…
Nice!
Adrian
Hi Glen! Great story. I recognize a lot in this from my own life story. By taking chances and an occasional risk, and by following what I thought I liked to do most, I got amazing opportunities and live an amazing life for which I am grateful!
I also think it is important to think about what you want to do with your life. There is no need to take concrete decisions following that question. Just consciously thinking about it is already a big step forward! I also experienced that people often feel the need to define it very specifically, while a more general concept can also work very well. My own is rather simple: I want to live ‘Wow!’. And that is what I try to do every day
This is great! Do what you love and be ready to question tradition.
Well done, Glen.
Thanks Glen . . . for finding me on Twitter and for writing such an inspiring post.
As someone a wee bit older than you (with a long list of strange career and persoanl twists and turns), I so appreciate your insight into yourself and that life is short. I have finally followed my passions and ended up with two businesses.
Sweet post, Glen!
I’ve just been struggling recently with exactly what I want to do in my life (basically my college course stopped exciting me, and while I have a personal development blog, I didn’t see an immediate way to develop that a lot more).
Then I looked around and realized my ideal job right now would be life coaching (it’s what excites me the most). So I got in touch with Tim Brownson on exactly how to become a life coaching…
Anyway, thanks for this post. You’re making me feel more secure that I’m really making the right choice to follow my current passion!
Hi Vlad,
I was fortunate to be able to interview two life coaches in a recent post. I know this may sound like a shameless plug but it really lays out what a life coach does, as I really didn’t know beforehand. You could also contact either one of the wonderful women I interviewed. By the way, it’s a very honorable profession! Good luck!
Best,
Bob