Do you ever feel like you're just not heading in the right direction? It's the kind of feeling you get when you're driving down the highway, and you realize something went wrong. Maybe you took a wrong turn, too soon or too late. Maybe you forgot where you're going, or don't know if you want to get there at all. If this sounds familiar, you may be feeling a little off course. Use these tips to help yourself get back on track.
1. It's okay. It happens.
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When I use my GPS, it's constantly recalculating to find the quickest way to get me where I want to go. Even a machine needs time to re-evaluate it's route. Without algorithms to fall back on, we as humans often feel that when we change our minds, we're completely alone. Lost. But that's not true at all. If there's one place where more life-changing choices are made than any other, it's college, I can almost guarantee you that the girl sipping her matcha latte at the table next to yours wondered, "Am I doing alright?" at least once today. You're surrounded by peers, mentors, and resources to help you achieve that change of pace, location, or direction that you've been craving.
2. Evaluate.
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In order to get back on track, you need to decide where you want to go, and more importantly, why. Take time to evaluate why you're no longer happy with the state you're in and why you want to make a change before you take action. For example, if you want to change your major, ask yourself why you originally chose that major. If you made the switch, would you be sacrificing passion for career options? Or if you've found a new interest, what opportunities would pursuing that grant you? Are you too far along in your credits to make a change at all, and if so, is switching your major really worth an extra year of school? Considering both your current and potential trajectories may save you from further confusion, impulse decisions, and unwanted surprises down the road.
3. Ask for help.
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Maybe you know where you want to go, but don't know where to start. Or perhaps you've made headway, but have reached a crossroads. If that's the case, it's time to tap into the resources around you. Like any good college kid, the internet is probably your best friend. Try searching blogs, news articles, or trustworthy websites for preliminary advice or ideas. Need some more concrete sources? Go to your professors, school career office, or on-campus organizations. If you still can't find the answers you're looking for, network until you do.
4. Take a break.
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Sometimes, when there's too much to do, the best thing is to do nothing at all. Maybe you don't need motivation or a change of plans, but a break. I cannot emphasize the importance of taking time for yourself enough; if your mental and physical health start to fail, then what's the point of it all? If you spend your days running between classes and meetings, cut items from your schedule until you've narrowed down your to-do list to the things which actually interest you. That will give you extra time to spend on each activity, and perhaps point you in the direction of your passion. Maybe you feel out of touch with yourself. Unplug for a day, cancel your plans, and enjoy a low-key afternoon. Hitting the reset button may deliver some clarity.
