All throughout the educational system there has been a preordained path that students will follow until they are deemed ready to release into society to contribute with their newfound knowledge. This allows students to focus all of their energy on the absorption of knowledge without having to make any difficult choices as to the path they are taking. One of the only major decisions comes when university students are asked to choose a major which will determine the classes they take in the following years. Adult life, on the other hand, is the polar opposite of this clear and directed environment. Everything is an option after graduation and the amount of choices can be just as paralyzing as the lack thereof.
Life planning is a good way to help maintain a sense of direction in what can appear to be a directionless world. There is no longer anyone to tell you what to do, so you must become the source of authority over your own life. One of the most effective ways to do this is to consider your values and to picture your life in five or ten years down the road. Who do you want to be? What do you want to accomplish? Is financial security more important than creating a family? Is exercise more important than enjoying the moment? All of these things will factor into your decision.
Many people make their career and their family the center of their world. If you have chosen a major which easily lends itself to a career path then much of this will be simple for you. Those who have studied the humanities or have decided that they would not like to pursue a career in their field of study can have a much more difficult task ahead of them.
One thing that is important to remember is that nothing is permanent. You can always choose a new path, and get a fresh start if you no longer feel fulfilled with your current path. Without this knowledge attempting to make such a big decision can be paralyzing. However, the decision should be made very seriously because while nothing is permanent, there are certain decisions which will require more time to come to fruition. Choosing to become a doctor will take years of additional schooling. Climbing the corporate ladder could take a lifetime of hard work and dedication. Make sure you are considering your options carefully.
Once you have set a life plan for yourself charge head first. Action is the most powerful thing you can do in order to become successful. Check in with your plan every once in a while to make sure that you are still on the path you have set, and that this path is still taking you where you want to go. Life is a mystery to almost everyone and that is what makes it so exciting. Having a life plan can allow you to have fun and appreciate the beauty along the way.
[What color is your parachute]