What Do You Want To Be?

Introduction

One of the most common questions we're asked from a young age is, "What do you want to be?" It's a question asked by parents, teachers, friends, and sometimes even strangers, as if the answer will define us forever. Some children answer with confidence - maybe a doctor, an astronaut, or a musician. Others feel unsure and overwhelmed, especially as they grow older and the question becomes more serious. In reality, knowing "what you want to be" can be complex and evolving.

This article dives into the layers behind this question, exploring why it's okay to not have all the answers right away and how you can approach your journey to discover what you want to do in life.

The Pressure of "Having It All Figured Out"

The question, "What do you want to be?" often carries a lot of pressure, especially as we move through different stages of life. There's an underlying expectation that we should know what we want to do, and that this decision should remain steady over time. But that's rarely how life works. Many people don't find their true calling until much later in life, while others find joy and fulfillment by following a winding path filled with different experiences.

1. The Influence of Society and Culture

Society often puts pressure on people to choose a career path early and stick to it. Success is often defined by stability, and people who change directions or try new things are sometimes seen as inconsistent or unfocused. These societal expectations can make people feel like they're "behind" if they don't know exactly what they want to do.

Additionally, different cultures have varying views on career choice and success. In some cultures, traditional paths like medicine, engineering, or law are seen as the only acceptable choices, while creative careers might be discouraged. Understanding the societal pressures around this question can help you separate what you genuinely want from what you feel you're expected to want.

2. Family Expectations and Pressures

Many people also feel pressure from family to follow a particular path. Some families might have a history of working in specific professions, and children are encouraged to continue that legacy. Other parents may want their children to pursue high-paying jobs to secure financial stability. While these expectations usually come from a place of care, they can sometimes make it harder for a person to consider their own interests and passions.

Family expectations can create a conflict between the need to please loved ones and the desire to follow a different path. If you're feeling this conflict, remember that while your family's guidance is valuable, your happiness and sense of purpose matter too.

3. The Fear of Making the "Wrong" Choice

Another reason why answering the question "What do you want to be?" can feel difficult is the fear of making the wrong choice. This fear can lead to indecision or a tendency to choose a "safe" path over something you truly want to do. Many people worry that if they make the "wrong" choice, they'll be stuck in an unhappy career or miss out on something better. But the truth is, few decisions are final, and there's always room to pivot or change direction.

Exploring Your Interests and Passions

Instead of feeling pressured to make a concrete choice, it can be helpful to think of your career path as a journey of exploration. Discovering what you want to be often requires trying different things, learning about yourself, and gradually figuring out what you enjoy and what aligns with your values.

1. Identify Your Interests and Strengths

The first step in discovering what you want to be is to take a closer look at your interests and strengths. What activities make you lose track of time? What topics or tasks do you find exciting or fulfilling? Identifying what energizes you can help point you in the right direction. You can also ask yourself what people often come to you for - whether it's advice, help with a particular skill, or simply your perspective on things. Sometimes our natural strengths reveal our passions.

If you're unsure about your interests, start by exploring a few different hobbies or subjects. Read books, watch videos, or take online courses to get a taste of various fields. You might discover a passion in an unexpected area.

2. Consider Your Values and What Matters Most

Your career should ideally align with your core values - the principles that are most important to you. These values might include helping others, making a difference in society, having flexibility in your schedule, or achieving financial security. When thinking about what you want to be, consider what kind of impact you want to have and what role aligns with your personal beliefs.

If you value creativity, for example, a job that allows for self-expression might feel more fulfilling. If you're motivated by helping others, you may be drawn to healthcare, education, or social work. Identifying your values can narrow down options and help you focus on roles that will feel rewarding.

3. Explore Different Career Options

Don't limit yourself to a narrow list of career options right away. Instead, take time to explore different paths. You can start by learning about various jobs, talking to people in different fields, or even doing internships. Many schools and universities offer career counseling services or provide workshops and events where students can meet professionals from various industries.

Job shadowing or part-time work can also give you a firsthand look at different careers without a long-term commitment. The more experiences you have, the better sense you'll have of what feels right for you.

The Importance of Flexibility and Openness

It's essential to stay open and flexible as you explore different options. Many people change career paths multiple times in their lives, and it's perfectly normal for interests and passions to evolve over time. What you want to be at one point in your life might shift as you gain new experiences or as the world around you changes.

1. Embrace the Idea of Lifelong Learning

A fulfilling career isn't necessarily one that you plan and stick with from day one. Lifelong learning allows you to keep expanding your skills and interests, making it easier to pivot to new paths if you ever want to. Embracing learning as a constant journey rather than a one-time decision can make it easier to face changes or setbacks. Many fields also change over time due to technology and societal shifts, so staying open to learning keeps you adaptable.

2. Redefine Success in Your Own Terms

Society often defines success by wealth, status, or prestige, but these external measures don't always bring happiness or fulfillment. Consider defining success in a way that aligns with what you genuinely value. For some, success might mean having work-life balance, creating meaningful connections, or simply enjoying the work they do. When you define success on your own terms, you're less likely to feel pressured by external expectations and more likely to find satisfaction in your journey.

3. Be Open to Redefining Your Career Path

Many successful people didn't start their careers in the fields where they eventually made a mark. Some people discover their true calling later in life, after years in a different industry or role. Don't be afraid to pivot if you find something that excites you more than your current path. The skills and experiences you gain in one field can often transfer to others, giving you a unique perspective and diverse skill set.

Overcoming the Fear of the Unknown

The journey to discover what you want to be isn't always straightforward. It can be scary to move toward a goal without clear answers, and you may face moments of doubt. However, fear is often a natural part of any big decision, and learning to navigate that fear can help you grow and make informed choices about your life.

1. Take Small Steps Forward

If the question "What do you want to be?" feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Start by exploring an interest, taking a short course, or talking to a mentor. Taking small steps forward allows you to try new things without feeling pressured to commit. Over time, these small experiences can help you gain clarity and confidence in your choices.

2. Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Destination

Career fulfillment often comes from enjoying the journey rather than fixating on a specific destination. Learning new things, facing challenges, and achieving small successes can all add meaning to your life, regardless of the end result. By embracing each step of the journey, you're more likely to find joy and growth in whatever path you choose.

3. Build Resilience and Self-Trust

Finding what you want to be involves trial and error, and it's natural to encounter setbacks along the way. Building resilience can help you recover from disappointments and move forward with a positive outlook. Trust yourself to make decisions, and don't be too hard on yourself if things don't work out perfectly. Confidence in your abilities will grow as you continue learning, exploring, and adapting.

Conclusion: Embrace the Possibilities

Ultimately, answering the question, "What do you want to be?" is less about finding a single, perfect answer and more about creating a life that feels fulfilling, meaningful, and aligned with your values. Allow yourself to explore, adapt, and evolve. Remember that career paths are rarely linear, and each twist and turn can bring new insights, skills, and opportunities.

By embracing flexibility, staying curious, and being open to new possibilities, you can build a life that reflects who you are and what matters to you. So, rather than seeing "What do you want to be?" as a daunting question, view it as an invitation to explore, learn, and discover all that you're capable of achieving.