How to decide which path to follow

How should we make timely wise decisions? These decisions will impact the rest of our lives. Keanu Reeves in The Matrix decided between the red or blue pill within minutes. Even though we would rather just choose a path without the hassle of planning, we shouldn’t be like Keanu Reeves.

My local church, Highland Baptist, brought this to my attention yesterday. I realized my planning process wasn’t as thorough as it probably needs to be.

It is an exciting time in our lives: graduating from college, making new friends, moving cities and finding a career. Here’s the advice I have in making a wise choices:

Follow your heart and faith

Where does your heart lie within the options?  It is an important step to figure out which option would fill your heart more.  If it is a new job, will it be a job that you are excited to wake up early for?  Pick the option you can feel confident in.  Don't forget to consult your faith.  Wise counsel from your friends of faith can produce a clearer picture, as well.

Consider family and friends

Feeling comfortable can reduce the anxiety of change.  Having at least one or two familiar faces close by can be a deciding factor.  Also, know their opinions.  Simply ask, "What would be a good option based upon what you know of me?"

Never say never

If you are leaning one way, don't let it affect your decision until after you complete this process.  It could sway your options and potentially lead you down the wrong path.  Carefully handle the "fork in the road" with logic and heart.

Weigh the pros and cons

Make a pros and cons list for each option.  This is extremely helpful in coming to a logical decision.  Sometimes it will lead you to extreme factors in a decision that you wouldn't have found otherwise. Writing it down will help to clear your mind.

Make a decision

Trust your research and thought process.  Go with the path you chose and don't look back.

Do you think it's important to define your life path before making decisions?  How are you handling life decisions?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Related Articles:

Peak mindset

Life is all about making choices

Living life, making choices

Overcoming college stress: positive thinking wins a degree

The last semester to end a college career should be full of excitement and new memories. It is the last time to “go out with a bang,” to do everything you wanted to do and to live every day without regrets.  However, mine so far is full of uncertainty, deadlines and hardships. 

Typical college student agenda

Juggling personal life to school life to career life is difficult. There can be too many hats to put on, but we have to deal with this at some point. The time is now.

Depression is very real among students, including myself. “The number of students on psychiatric medicines increased more than 10 percentage points over the last 10 years.” This article discusses in depth how severe it really is.

So how can we overcome all of these obstacles and become the superman or superwoman we want to be?

First: Manage your personal life.

We can’t overcome any problem until we address our own mind, body and spirit. Feed yourself before you feed others. Do the things you love and don’t be distracted by all of the temptations to take on the world.

• Exercise daily to physically feel better and to release stress.
• Invest in your faith, whatever that may be. Spiritual peace does wonders to relieve anxiety and worries.
• Simply, take care of yourself. Take a bubble bath, read a book and do what you love.

Second: Completion is the goal.

Unless you have slacked off the past three years, you have earned wiggle room. Complete your assignments on time and study, however, don’t forget you are almost at the finish line. All you ultimately have to do is pass the rest of your classes. So, relax.

Finally: Think positive thoughts.

As my counselor says, fill your emotional cup. Next time you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see, stop immediately. Reverse your thoughts. You are a beautiful, unique person and can do anything you truly want out of life. These positive thoughts are what separate the joyful from the disheartened.

Remember, you only have one semester left. You can do it.

This time in our lives can hit us hard with overwhelming issues, but we can accomplish them by simply remembering these key guidelines. Stay positive.

How has your college experience affected your life?  Are you, or were you stressed out on a daily basis?  Please leave your answers and opinions below.


Related articles:

http://loveyourbody.nowfoundation.org/whatyoucando.html
http://www.npr.org/2009/10/26/114055588/a-push-for-colleges-to-prioritize-mental-health?ps=rs
http://www.self-improvement-advice.com/2012/01/top-7-stress-management-tips-for.html

The future of America grows up

As a child, growing up was all we ever thought about. It must be way better than having to do chores, trying to fit in at school and avoiding the class bullies.

Little did we know… we were wishing our innocent lives away.

Don’t get me wrong, life is beautiful and a blessing. But I miss the days where adults smiled down upon me and said, “You are the future of America.” As a 22-year-old, I am slowly being pushed out of the spotlight and into the workforce.

College-life was equipped with love, learning and memories to last a lifetime. It was also a time of anxiety, impossible deadlines and heartbreak. They leave that part out of the brochure.

So, now what?

Ahh, yes. A career!

Lining up a job for after graduation has been one of the most exhilarating yet difficult tasks of my college career.  There are multiple tasks to accomplish, before applying to jobs:

• Create a portfolio (online and offline)
• Create stationary for business cards, letterheads and envelopes
• Master all skills appropriate for career
• Be ready for complete financial responsibility
• Of course, practice for interviews questions and prepare your goals

Here a few of the sites you can utilize to find jobs in the public relations world:
http://www.getpublicrelationsjobs.net/
http://www.journalismjobs.com/
https://hoojobs.com/
http://www.prsa.org/Jobcenter/

Don’t ever give up on your dreams. Even though we may not be kids anymore, we can always follow our dreams and strive for happiness.

Please leave any questions or comments you may have in the comments section below.
I'd love to hear what your opinions are about the search for jobs.

Looking for something to inspire you?  Check out Jenny Blake's blog!