Now is the Time to Explore Widely and Try New Things Before Making Definitive Decisions

Dear Young People,

Oh what a joy and advantage it is to be young, wild and free! (Throwback to that iconic song by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, Iykyk). It’s a great privilege to be in this era of your life where the responsibilities are comparatively minimal and much less serious than they’d become as you grow and evolve as an adult. For the most part, you aren’t inhibited by the many duties that can make adulthood more complicated just yet and at least for now, it seems as though time is on your side.

So many of us have these overwhelming feelings and impressions about life where we feel as though we need to have everything figured out or precisely mapped out in order for us to live a full and meaningful life. We feel as though we need to choose and commit to a very specific career and/or field of work or to locations, environments and spaces right here and now to welcome success into our lives. But who says that’s the case? Do all your decisions need to be final and definitive right now at this age or any age for that matter?

As a young adult and enterprising professional, now is the time for you to take life by the horns and LIVE your life. Now is not the time to sit in the backseat and just go with the flow of things or yield to whatever your immediate circumstances may be. It is your birthright, regardless of your background and/or accompanying life conditions to explore widely and try as many new things as you’d like to personally, and especially within your professional career.

Surely, there are those among us who know from a very young age or early on in life, just where they lie on the spectrum, exactly how they’d like to contribute to society and they pursue that without brakes and limits. For the vast majority of us however, that isn’t the case. Oftentimes, we have to explore numerous vocations and wear a variety of hats before we truly get a handle on or an inkling into what deeply excites us and feels aligned to our core essence and life purpose.?

As you navigate this paradigm called adulthood, ceasing to continue dreaming, exploring and trying new things is by far one of the most fatal blows that you could deliver to your soul. Scores of persons walk about in society today disillusioned, jaded, disenchanted and discontent with life because they allowed the external environment and their intrusive thoughts to extinguish that youthful flame of childlike wonder, curiosity and initiative within them.?

Before you go ahead and make definitive decisions in your life, always interrogate yourself and question whether you are truly taking a path that will bring you joy, peace and an unmistakable level of purpose. It’s true that along the way, some paths you take may be temporary and serve very particular needs in your life at a given moment but even in those situations, don’t let it stop your shine or make you cease to believe that you can actively create the very life and lifestyle that you want to live and embody.

The more you try new things and open up yourself to the innumerable possibilities of life, the more likely you are to find your true calling and undertake work that lights you up rather than extinguishes your inner light. It’s common to hear the online “gurus”, “finance bros”, etc. harking on the point that you shouldn’t base your income driving activities solely on passions or likes or interests but rather practical areas that can bring money into your pockets. While this may be pragmatic or opportune for some or relevant in certain life seasons, how sustainable is it truly in the long run? Is meaningful work only categorized by the income to be potentially generated? Or should we be seeking greater fulfillment in life?

The only way to figure out what you really love doing is by availing yourself of the opportunities to explore different interests and curiosities to see what resonates with you. Don’t pigeonhole yourself by thinking that you ought to stay put and circumspect in the first permanent position/firm you encounter unless it’s something that makes you come alive and/or excites you on a deeper soul level. Let’s normalise a job opportunity/position being a stepping stone along the way and not necessarily the final destination. It’s quite okay and honestly expected of you to grow, outgrow and evolve beyond your current position as well.

Moreover, your life is yours to live and you shouldn’t feel obligated to remain still or stay stagnant for any reason. It’s smart to take things in strides and not rush from one thing to the next but always remember that you can reinvent yourself as many times as you’d like to because that’s your prerogative. It’s in your best interest to explore every opportunity and area of your life and not take your free will for granted. Don’t be afraid to colour outside of the lines and curate a life that you will be proud of in years to come. Sometimes curiosity doesn’t always kill the cat.

Have a solid and enjoyable week y’all!

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Welcome to 'Dear Young People'—your go-to source for actionable advice, inspiring stories, and practical tips designed to empower Gen Z to navigate life's twists and turns with confidence and resilience. Join our vibrant community of dreamers, innovators, and changemakers as we explore topics ranging from personal growth and career development to mental wellness and making a positive impact in the world. Let's embark on this journey together and unlock the endless possibilities of youth!