Where to start my journey

[Euragios]

So I am back.. ´ve not been to the forums for half a year now and my development stopped completely.

I am currently 17 years old, but my 18th birthday is approaching quite fast now (July).. I'm in my pre-exam year, so in the school year 08-09 I hope to get my high-school diploma. By the way, I'm Dutch..

As you all know it is time to go to university after high school (well, most people do..), so I am looking into all kinds of studies and universities. I am living with my parents (obviously) and am looking into the different types of universities. They all come with different accommodation possibilities. You can either live at your parents and go to a university nearby, you can choose to live in the city where the university is and you can choose to live at the campus (not all universities have a campus). I'm even looking into various options of studying abroad for the full period of the study (so actually migrating to an other country to study), but this is very expensive so this probably isn't an option.

Anyhow, to choose a subject for my study requires knowledge of myself and of my interest and strengths and weaknesses, what I want to accomplish in my life and what my dreams are.

I've read tons of stuff on these subjects already, either on the sites of Steve and Erin, or on other sites, and I feel greatly overwhelmed. Where do I start my experience? Should I start with identifying my purpose, look into my character or should I first focus on my high school study results (and thus improving my attention, my motivation, my learning skills, my reading skills, etcetera.) Where does this whole thing starts? Generally I feel very unmotivated to actually get some school work done and I spend a lot of my time actually wasting my time doing nothing..

Hoping to receive some good replies..

yours,
Euragios

[Plato]

You might get the best replies in the character and contribution section.

Anywhooo, yup, a purpose certainly comes in handy when making massive decisions like this! How do you get a purpose? Figure out what you value in life. If you can't figure out what's of value to you (this will change anyway), then perhaps something intermediary and productive whilst you do would be useful- perhaps a gap year.

Once you know what you value, where does university fit into that plan?

A key question: Is knowledge in itself of value to you? If so, what type of knowledge. I'm guessing this isn't the case for you (yet) since you say nothing you currently study lights your fire.

If you're not passionate about knowledge then if you choose to go to uni it becomes a means to an end. So you have to think about careers and what you're good at comes into play too. University is too expensive to attend just because you don't know what else to do- but having said that, any degree is useful when it comes to employment.

Personally I considered all of these factors carefully and came to the conclusion that I didn't have a clue- so I'm studying philosophy to help figure it all out!

[Euragios]

Plato thank you for your very useful reply!

The idea of a gap year popped up in my head a few times. I was thinking of travelling around the world and see some places (preferably low-budget travelling and thus getting in contact with different cultures as much as possible) - so I could figure things out and get some valuable experiences about life itself.

The possible downsides of that might be that I'm a year older afterwards and then I would be two years behind on my age group, but hey, I've actually done more in life then and I am more clear-minded about who I am and what I want.

Once you know what you value, where does university fit into that plan?
I like this question.. perhaps I've experienced something that makes me think I don't need a real job and could do with other types of work, like an online business or something. So purpose/ my value in the world should determine whether I actually need a proper education or not, although proper education could come in handy for income generating while setting up other things..

Obviously knowledge is very important to me. But the type of knowledge I usually have to absorb in high school (subjects I don't hold particular interest in - like French listening/reading skills and basic Geography..) is not really interesting. I like some subjects, like History and English as well as PE obviously. But the general bulk of information received is not detailed enough for me to get really interested in a subject.

Mods; could this perhaps be relocated to the Character and Contribution section?

[Rhythman]

Euragios....no need to figure anything out right away.

My advice:
Go to university, take the mandatory classes and see what interests you. In addition, university is going to provide massive social opportunities that you wont as easily find outside of school. Take advantage of it!
I would wait to travel...get a few a years of college finished. Backpacking during the summer is definitely fun

Rhythman

[Euragios]

Originally Posted by Rhythman

Euragios....no need to figure anything out right away.

My advice:
Go to university, take the mandatory classes and see what interests you. In addition, university is going to provide massive social opportunities that you wont as easily find outside of school. Take advantage of it!
I would wait to travel...get a few a years of college finished. Backpacking during the summer is definitely fun

Rhythman

The problem with this is what to choose.. I've lately been thinking of choosing business studies, but now I am in doubt again and also thinking of different studies (social studies, communication studies, you name it..). It is definitely hard to choose, because there are a lot of studies to choose from. I will need some kind of direction, because you don't have to take ány class, it's all up to you which direction you choose..

[bellemeadows]

In my experience, life takes you where you need to go.

To have credibility with others out there in the world, you need an education.

Many have tried to figure out their path, until in their mid to late life, they realized it was never apparant. . . I know, I know, not optimal, but it happens. They flitted, and never made a commitment to anything.

My advice; make a commitment, and get your education in something that interests you, and that you can make a living at. Just get it. That way you have a way of making a living, you have a big milestone achieved and overwith; from there you are free for your life to unfold.

The other thing is love what you are doing; whatever it is. Poar your love and joy into whatever you do, even if it isn't optimal, and your mind has lots of opinions about it. When we fight our paths, we get stuck. If we just love whatever shows up, in my experience, what shows up begins to be what we love.

Now, if along the way a passion arises within you for something unexpected, complete your current path, and begin moving to that new path. Your heart will be able to tell you more about that. Don't flit from one thing to another, but do honor your heart. Even if humanly it looks like it isn't so, I can assure you that there is a path from where you are to anywhere your heart tells you to be if you don't get caught up in the ego of it. And just honor it.

Don't rush, don't be urgent. Be committed to your success, whatever that is, and let your life unfold for you.

Just my thoughts. All the best to you on your wonderful journey, Belle

[Euragios]

Thank you very much for your reply, bellemeadows!

Sounds like another good piece of advice.. you are definetely sure that I should wait until I'm in my mid-40's and then realize that I lived my life in the wrong direction..

So I will attend uni or something and get a degree.. and then sort out some stuff.. because that is the best way to do things? Sounds like a fair option.. I've requested a lot of brochures on all kinds of subjects so I can choose the right study.. hope something pops out

I also like your advice, don't rust! It makes sense obviously..

Thank you again for your reply!

[The Cloud]

Anybody here who tells you they know where you should start is lieing. This is one thing where nobody can help you, where all the advice in the world won't matter unless you can ultimately make the decision yourself. Don't worry about doing the right thing. Just do the thing that feels right. Don't worry about missing something. You're missing so many things that it doesn't matter (as is everybody else). Work on the thing that will require the least effort for the most benefit. If that means developing a practical skill like speed-reading, go for it. If that means discovering more about yourself, then focus on that. You know what to do, you're just afraid that you're wrong. You're not, because you can't be. It's your life, you can't be wrong.

[Liara Covert]

Starting any kind of journey is all about mindset and sense of preparedness. You started your quest from the moment you began to take initiatives to learn. Its helpful to remember each life experience is part of a journey. This includes your perceived "ups and downs." Its not about "the destination." Revelations don't simply unfold without effort. Many people believe success includes the build up of anticipation, the process of rolloer coaster feelings, evolving to decide where you want to be, and discovering its where you are.

[Euragios]

Both thank you very much for your answer! Your viewpoints are definetely worth consideration. It certainly makes sense to just do what is on my path, and changing my path where I feel necesary. That's what a lot of blog writers want to tell you I guess.. I might as wel just go for uni and develop some good learning strategies and skills, before concentrating on the rest.. it makes sense to learn how to learn more (most?) efficiently.. and what techniques come in handy when learning.. (anybody got some good recourses on this one?)

[Ree]

Euragios, I'm coming in a little late on this but wanted to share a piece of advice with you. Volunteer. Look around at opportunities to volunteer in different fields and areas and if one sparks an interest, go for it. There are many areas of volunteerism: Habitat for Humanity, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, theater, children's services, recreation, work with the elderly, soup kitchens, service to those less fortunate.

I began volunteerism while in college as a way to make new friends. I continued it through my 20-somethings until I had children and when they were old enough, I took them with me to soup kitchens and Goodwill stores. Now that my kiddos are grown, I've trained as a Stephen Minister with my church.

This is an excellent way to gain experience and maybe find that "something" that you have passion for. You will also build on your resume, develop a network of contacts for the future, and make new friends with whom you have much in common. Also, the personal satisfaction is great. Good luck to you in all your endeavors!

[Plato]

Originally Posted by The Cloud

Don't worry about doing the right thing. Just do the thing that feels right.

I prefer to place more emphasis on reason in my decision making process. It is true that we are all dealing with incomplete information but that doesn't mean we have to make decisions based on whims.

[Savage]

Where to begin your path of growth

[Euragios]

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

Where to begin your path of growth

Steve, many thanks for you reply. I've missed out on that one I'm afraid.. but then again your site is quite large

I'll read the article when I find the time to do so.. and will report back in this thread to see if any questions pop up..

Loving your site!

edit
A question comes to mind while reading the first chapter.. it says "I’d have recommended you begin with goal setting, organizing, and time management." Isn't it actually possible to begin with one of the methods you specify while at the same time improving my time management and related education stimulating techniques? Because at this time, most important is to get that degree, which isn't álways easy, especially when lacking sufficient maths skills.. What are others' thought on this?

--
Ree; I'm actually into all kinds of volunteer work. I'm a youth coach at my local football club (coaching 2 different teams), and I help the others as much as possible (administrative things, helping in the canteen, you name it). I really enjoy doing this, especially the football-related stuff.

I'm also into all kinds of stuff for my high school and I occasionaly help people when necesary with a variety of things.

I find a lot of joy in doing these kinds of things, although it obviously isn't always stress free

And I totally agree with you on the resume/social contacts parts, I actually got some things done because I know a lot of people on different fields..

Thank you very much!

[Euragios]

After some serious thinking, I have come up with this mission and these goals (c/p from my journal entry):

"My mission for the upcoming half year, is to invest time in myself, so I become a much more clear-headed individual and so I master some techniques that will guarantee better results for me. I will also work on improving my motivation and social skills. All this to perform better at school and in life itself."

My goals for this period are:

1. *To meditate daily for at least 15 minutes, and study the process of meditation to get greater insight into the topic of meditation and to improve the quality of my meditation
   *To study the topics of time management, productivity and goal setting (+ related stuff), all to improve my school results
   *To study the best ways of learning school material
   *To improve my motivation, especially becoming motivated enough to do tasks like a lot of learning
   *To improve my social skills, especially public speaking and writing.

I think that this, in essence, is what the next 6 months of my life should be about. With my exam year and university coming up, I think I need to invest some serious time in my productivity and motivation/concentration.

I am aware of the fact that my goals are a bit vague, but I still have a lot of research to do on the topic of goal setting..

Any views are welcome, as well as other comments of useful links that will help me achieve my goals.