In my life I feel like I have reached a cross roads. I am currently studying a degree in Music and Media Management. Music has always been a huge part of my life and a major interest of mine, but for the past year or so I have continuously doubted whether this career path is actually for me. Yes it interests me to a certain point, but is it my idea of living my dream life? Probably not.
Before starting university, I actually wanted to go on a gap year to travel and volunteer in different counties, helping both people and animals. However, thinking practically and listening to other people, I disregarded these thoughts and went with the option that would please other people. I could easily say I regret this decision now, but to be honest, I have grown so much over the past two years, and had so many wonderful experiences that I could never say I made the wrong choice or that I regret it.
The cross roads that I have recently been faced with is whether to take the road with an amazing offer for a 12-month PAID internship as part of a placement year, or to stay on the path I am currently on at university, complete my third year whilst focusing on building and making plans to start my own business, graduate and then go travelling.
Instantly I know which option makes me so excited I could scream and which just makes me feel like "yeah, that would be practical. It would give me valuable experience and develop my CV. I'd be working in an office 9-5, five days a week, probably feeling drained and exhausted but the money will be good."
I think you can probably guess what decision I made, (to Graduate and Travel) and I am so proud of myself for choosing this path. Certain people in my life aren't particularly supportive or happy about this decision, but for once I've gone with something that is actually for me, what I want to do, and I couldn't be happier with the thought of my future.
Drawing in on my own experience over the past few weeks, I've put together 5 top tips on making effective decisions that are aligned with your true self:
1. Answer the Following Questions:
- What would make me happier?
- Am I doing this for myself or to please others?
- Where do I see myself in 3 years time and is that aligned with the decision I am about to make?
Don't think too much about these, just go with your immediate responses.
2. Embrace the Idea of Failing:
This may sound like a crazy step but fearing that the decision will lead to bad results slows us down and keeps us feeling stuck. Have confidence in yourself and know that whatever you choose will work out perfectly.
3. Read Positive Quotes and Be Inspired:
"Everything you want is on the other side of fear"
“Maybe the journey isn't so
much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s unbecoming everything that isn't you
so that you can be who you were in the first place.”
"What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"
4. Use a Hat:
Put all the options on notes and place them into a hat. Pick them out and pretend that whatever you pick is the decision you have to make. Notice how you feel. If you feel disappointed, you obviously don't want to choose that option anyway. Pick the one you feel most excited about.
5. Visualize:
Live out each decision in your mind and choose which one would make you happier. Visualize the outcome and have confidence that whatever you visualize, you can materialize.
If you are someone who is currently feeling stuck, indecisive and doubtful, I hope this post will inspire you to take action and start making choices that benefit you and are aligned with your deepest desires and dreams.
Follow your heart.
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