Finding Your Direction is a Journey, Not a Decision

Planting the Seed of Intention 

From the time my children were in high school, I made a point of periodically asking a simple question: "What are you interested in that you would want to do for a living?" I always stressed that this wasn't a lifelong commitment they were making. Rather, I wanted them to envision their post-high school life and consider what fields they might want to pursue. My message was simple and consistent: the earlier you identify your "thing," the sooner you can focus on moving in that direction. 

Of course, they were kids. Their worlds were filled with friends, video games, and the endless scroll of social media. "I don't know" was the standard reply, and I understood. They were young, with diverse interests and no clear path forward. My goal wasn't to force a decision, but to plant a seed. I wanted questions to linger within them and always be that quiet hum in the back of their minds. “What am I interested in? What gives me enthusiasm?  

Defining Your Own Success 

The concept was always about passion. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that moves you and gets you up in the morning. This leads to the fundamental truth that "success" is not universal; it's what you, as an individual, define it to be. Making that determination isn't easy. It requires self-reflection, life experience, and a strong support system.

The beauty of being young is the freedom to explore. Whether it’s college, trade school, entrepreneurship, or military service, there are so many options available. The key is to choose a direction and take the first step, knowing that the path is never straight. Be sure to grant yourself the grace to explore, make mistakes, and pivot. True growth happens at the detours and the forks in the road. Your career may take you far from where you started, but as long as you stay connected to your core drive, you can find your purpose in any field.