I am constantly being asked the question, "What next?"
When asked, the answer lurks in the back of my mind, but putting it into words seems nearly impossible as I mutter "I don't know" through my clenched jaw and confused stare. If you are anything like me, it's not necessarily that you are not sure what you want out of life, but is more along the lines of wanting to experience anything and everything. So the next time you are asked the question "What next?," remember these ten reasons why being indecisive could be your best decision yet.
1. Saying "I don't know" opens a door, and maybe even a couple of windows, to countless possibilities.
When you say "I don't know," you are open for anything; any movie, any destination, any pizza toppings, anything. Not knowing what you want is a way of trying everything there is to try, and weening out what you dislike/don't want; eventually you'll figure exactly where you belong, it just might take a while.
2. Being indecisive gives you room to grow.
At age 18, you may not know what you want. At age 35, you still might not know. Individual growth is of greatest importance, and growth as a person comes when you try new things and branch out. Finding yourself as an individual allows you to see others as individuals as well, and really connect with yourself. You come to know who you truly are, and you create new experiences that shed a light on things you never thought you'd do.
3. Not knowing what is next create's opportunities some people only dream about.
If you wanted, you could sell all of your belongings and travel the world. You could join the peace corps, go to culinary school, open a boutique, star in Fashion Week, finish your degree, even all of the above. If you don't have a plan, the world is your playground and you can do anything you set your mind to.
4. Just say 'yes.'
Time and time again I find myself saying 'no', and turning down incredible opportunities because I am scared or uncertain that something else might come up. By saying 'yes', you allow yourself to be open-minded. Not knowing what exactly is next allows you to take advantage of those immeasurable opportunities that often only present themselves once. If you let go and do whatever it is tugging on your heartstrings, you wont regret it. So stop saying no, and start saying YES.
5. Being indecisive allows you to be curious and explore.
Exploration allows you to recognize what YOU want, not anyone else. Trying new things and getting to know yourself inside and out can result in better decision making in the long run. Let your hair down and be free.
6. Not having a plan is a plan in itself.
Doing things you don't want to do just so you can have a plan typically results in unhappiness. Going with the flow lets you do what you want, and plan in your own sporadic way. Engraving certain ideas or expectations into your mind paves the way for a difficult future. I'm not saying don't expect anything from yourself, I'm saying to set guidelines to live by, and if you stray away from those certain areas, it is perfectly okay.
7. Having countless opportunities provides bliss.
Enjoy your life, and make the most out of every possible decision. Sure, deciding between cereal and pancakes will come up once or twice in your life, but at least you'll enjoy the outcome when you decide on both.
8. 'Not knowing' allows you to press pause.
When you take your time and reflect on every option, you can then make the best decision possible (eventually). Rushing into a decision may succeed, but it also may crash and burn. After I graduated high school I decided to go to the college of my choice for all the wrong reasons. I then decided to transfer to a tiny nursing school, but soon realized that the thought of blood and sick people 24/7 made me cringe. After moving home as an (almost) Junior in college, I realized that if I would have just pressed pause and thought about what it was I truly wanted, I would not have rushed into things I thought would make other people happy, only to end up living at home and figuring out my life once again. It is okay to not have a clue about what you want to do for the rest of your life, but take your time and listen to your gut.
9. Don't be afraid of the unknown.
The unknown provides spontaneity. Just say "I can do anything," and then do absolutely anything. Being able to step outside of your comfort zone takes courage and strength. Most people say that the unknown is scary, but the unknown is what keeps us grounded. Not knowing lets us hope, lets us dream, and lets us believe. Knowing what's to come shows us our limits, but not knowing allows for limitless possibilities. So don't be afraid of the unknown; prosper in the unknown, and live in the unknown.
10. It's okay to be selfish and love yourself.
Wanting the best out of life is normal. Wanting a plethora of options to sift through is natural. Doing what makes you happy is all that really matters. Even though I am 19 and have been to two different colleges already, I have made some of the best friends possible, and I wouldn't change my stupid decisions for the world. It is okay to think about yourself. I mean, it is your future we are talking about.
The next time a distant relative ask's you what your plans are for the future, just smile and say, "I don't know," because in reality, no one is certain of their future or what it is they want exactly. The best way to find out is to explore countless options, because what better way to live life is there besides actually living it?
