How Do You Know What You Want?

[BeanDean]

A lot of things I've read say that a man is someone that knows what he wants, and goes for it. That sounds great, but what about when you don't really know what you want? How do you go about finding it?

See I'm asking because I'm in high school and it's my last year. Now, I have the grades to become pretty much anything I want. The thing is, I don't know what I want to be for the rest of my life. My parents are Indian so when I asked them they said "accountant, lawyer, engineer, blah blah". And I really don't care if I end up doing that, but all I'd be doing it for is the money.

I don't feel this fits in the high school forum just because it has nothing to do with girls. I don't care for going into an "Attractive profession" or whatever. This isn't for girls, this is the rest of my life and I want to figure it out.

I just think that no matter what I do, if I love it I'll get to the top. But if I do something just because it pays good, I'll get good money but I'll always be in the middle, working under someone.

I don't know what I'm asking. I know no one can tell me who I am, so really this post may not even get me anywhere.
But if anyone has any stories or any advice as to how they found out their passions, or what they wanted at any moment of decision (not just high school) I'd like to hear them because maybe it could help me.

How did you find yourself?

 

[Alle_Gory]

The thing is, I don't know what I want to be for the rest of my life.

Welcome to the club. I don't think anybody can choose what they will be for the rest of their life. It's a monumental decision.

 

[Quiksilver]

I believe what he's asking is, how do some people know exactly what they want to do for the rest of their life from a young age?

It's a very good question.

 

[n00bPimp]

Its about discovering what makes you happy, regardless of the financial implications.
The reason why some find their true path earlier than others, if at all, is because of money. They either:

a. Find an opportunity to do what they love and they get paid well for it. Or,

b. They have a passion, and they can afford to do it without getting paid, or get paid very little but they don't place an importance on material possessions or social status. For example, a lot of successful Hollywood celebs decided to move from thousands of miles away with only a handful of dollars to their name to try and do what they love the most, acting.

Here's an example of a guy whom I've always admired for following his passion:

This man had a true passion for animal life, since he was young he was deeply involved in animal rights groups. Eventually, his passion for animals motivated him to found the first group dedicated to fight whalers, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Even though he started with barely any financial backing, Paul Watson has dedicated his life to saving whales, its his passion. Eventually he got paid for it, and handsomely. You may know him as the main star of the popular show Whale Wars.

The lesson: follow your passion, even if it doesn't provide you with the financial status you think you deserve, because eventually you will be rewarded for it.

 

[Mike32ct]

I agree with Alle Gory. I still don't know exactly, but have a rough idea.

Start with the easy stuff. Make a list of what you DON'T want.

I could never be in the medical field. I'm way too squeamish.

I could never be a lawyer. Reading cases and statutes would bore me to tears.

See where I'm going with this? Scratch off all the options that you KNOW won't work for you.

Then look to your strengths, interests, and passions to lead you towards what could work for you.

 

[BeanDean]

yeah quiksilver that's exactly what i want to know.

I completely understand what you're saying noobpimp, but that's just it; I don't know I'm passionate about. I love playing basketball, but I won't be going to the nba..

I do know for sure that I want to become a motivational speaker, but I can do that outside of a career.

And alright mike I feel like that's a really great idea. I'm going to make that list

 

[Quiksilver]

Most careers aren't what kids grew up dreaming about.

Kids grow up dreaming about being an astronaut, firefighter, pro athlete, ship captain, infantry captain, or pilot.

How exactly does someone get passionate about being a bank clerk, pharmacist, or store manager?

What inspires people to work their asses off to end up writing perscriptions for sick people, opening a till and giving currency to people, or telling people when they can go for lunch?

I'm currently in an okay position for my age, however there is nothing at all exciting about formulating insurance products and packaging investment properties for people.

To me, a passion is something one loves doing. I love sky diving, body boarding, sex, hitting the gym, and hiking, etc.

How can someone be passionate about offering financial products to people?

More importantly, how does somebody know what general career they want pretty much from sophomore year of high school? How are they passionate about it when there are so many more interesting things to be passionate about in life?

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Is it that <the chosen career they're passionate about> its the only thing they're reasonably good at?

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That was my vice in highschool. All the potential necessary for being successful, however nothing "pulled" me to complete assignments or study for exams.

To this day I still do not understand how people are enthusiastic about completing assignments and studying for exams.

A lot of questions, but no answers.

 

[OzyBoy]

Just go with what you feel happy to do. :rock: