As a junior in college, there is one question I find myself getting asked all the time: "What do you want?"

I don’t think the answer to this question matters all that much. Sometimes I want to act and write, and sometimes I want to cuddle and watch a movie. What I want changes hour to hour. There are other, more important questions we young adults can ask ourselves that access more consistent and important drives.

What is your mission?

This question likely has a visceral answer. It probably has something to do with saving the world. Something you might not have even realized that you keep trying to fix, with some particular strength that only you bring. A mission can translate into any activity, any career.

When have you done your best work?

You’ve worked hard for a long time now, probably. You’ll find that what you’re most proud of is not necessarily what you’ve put the most effort into; but rather, what you’ve put the most sincere care into. These were probably the most meaningful to yourself and others. How can you keep doing that kind of work?

What are you good at?

A seemingly simple question that we don’t always remember to ask. At this point, you have a couple of skills and talents. You’ll probably be successful doing what you’re good at. If success is important to you, consider following your strengths.

Are you good at it naturally or did you work at it?

Talent and skill are two different words. What are you good at because you worked hard? Likewise, what have you always been good at? Application of skills might lead to more rewarding work. Talent might lead to easier work.

Are there crafts you haven’t learned that would better realize your “mission”?

Even if you need to learn something new. Maybe what you know is not serving you. Or it’s not helping you serve the world in the way you want.

Start asking yourself specific questions like these. Give yourself space. The answers will likely lead to increasingly specific insights.

Only you can articulate these wells of energy within yourself. They are your instructions for thriving.