I'm the type of person who likes to know what is coming next. I enjoy when people tell me the entire plots of movies before I watch them, I skim through books before I read them, and I once watched the season finale of "Project Runway" before starting the first episode. Don't get me wrong, I still love surprises and spontaneous adventures, however, when it comes to long term goals and plans, I find myself scrutinizing over details that don't even need to be considered yet.
As a senior in college, I spend a lot of time researching dream jobs for when I finally graduate, online apartment hunting in random cities, and wondering about decor for my future home. To fantasize about where I will be in five years gives me a false sense of control and allows me to pretend that maybe I do have my sh*t together after all, even though I am a 21-year-old student who ironed my shirt with a hair straightener this morning while eating a spoonful of peanut butter.
Coming up with a five year plan is a waste of time when you probably don't even know what is going to happen one month from now. In a world of constant change and surprises at every corner, a life plan would look more like a flow chart, full of "what-if" scenarios. Focusing on mapping out the next five years of your life will detract from where you are right now. There is so much to be admired and appreciated in this exact moment, wherever you are. Take a second to look around and notice how great this day is. By waiting and wishing for the future to come, you are ruining what could be an amazing time in your life. Stop waiting for whatever it is you're waiting for and be present before the next five years flies by.
In no way am I saying you should throw all your ideas for the future away and start living like the future doesn't exist (no matter how tempting that sounds). It's okay to know what you want out of life, but that doesn't mean you should stress about the inevitable. Passion and determination will bring you what you are searching for — there's no need to worry. Take a deep breath, enjoy where your life is right now, and then throw that five year plan in the trash.
