Purposeful Living: 5 Questions to Ask to Find Purpose If You’re Undecided in College
Finding purpose is an ongoing posture throughout the changing seasons of life. It begins with the key contemplations in your early adult age. For many early adults, they have chosen a college path to develop their career path and find a purposeful life.
If you are a college student, summer break is more than halfway over. Before you know it, you will be headed back to school. Is that exciting or daunting for you?
College can be one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re undecided about your major and educational path. You’re not alone, though. According to research, up to 80% of students change their major at least once during their college career.
The good news is that there are ways to figure out what you want to do. Answering key questions to unearth your unique gifting is the starting point to declaring an educational path that will bring you purpose in life, and a career that fits your personality and skills.
So, if you are starting or headed back to school, take time to answer the questions below:
- What excites me the most?
This may seem like an obvious question, but it’s the most important one to ask if you’re undecided about your major. Take a moment to think about what really excites you. What topics do you find yourself reading or researching about even when you’re not studying? What activities give you the most joy and fulfillment? The answers to these questions can give you a clue as to what you’re passionate about. Your passions are 1/3 of your unique gifting. They hold great hints to your education path and landing a career of purpose.
- What are my skills?
Reflect on what you’re good at. What skills have you developed over the years? Are you great with numbers? Do you enjoy writing? Can you understand technical instructions with ease? Once you identify your unique skills, you can match them up with potential careers and industries that require those skills. Your unique skills are 1/3 of your unique gifting. When you use your skills in a career your job satisfaction.
- What are my values?
Your values play a crucial role in finding your purpose in life because they inform your ethics, beliefs, and sense of morality. Consider what’s important to you. Is it helping others? Creativity? Flexibility? Work-life balance? Understanding what values guide you can help you find a career that aligns with your personal convictions. When you integrate your values in your career path, you are bound to increase your impact and be more purposeful.
- What are my priorities?
College can be a busy time, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed with things to do. Figure out what your top priorities are and make choices based on them. Is it your academics, extracurricular activities, or your mental health? By focusing on what’s most important to you, you can streamline your efforts toward finding a career that will bring you satisfaction and fulfillment.
- What’s my end goal?
What do you want to accomplish in life? Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, or even 20 years? Visualizing your ideal future can help you determine what steps you need to take to get there. Knowing your long-term goals can help you make decisions today that will benefit you in the future.
Finding your purpose in life and choosing a career can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By asking these 5 important questions, you can gain clarity about your goals, skills, values, and priorities.
Remember, it’s okay to take some time to figure things out, and it’s okay to change your mind. College is a time for exploring and learning about yourself, so don’t be afraid to try new things and take risks. When you do finally figure out what your purpose is, it will be worth it. Happy exploring!
