Constructing Your Path

Hello and welcome to MySelf Builder Digital Workshop. We coach, mentor, and motivate students to become the best version of themselves. Today we're talking about paths that lead us into our future. A path is the direction in which something moves. In life, we’re presented with pathways that lead us to different goals.

If we asked someone how they became a doctor, they’d describe how they studied, went to medical school and started working with patients. If we asked a fireman the same question, they might share all of the training exercises they endured and why they became interested in putting out fires and saving lives. A person’s path is just like their destiny. Our destiny describes the events that take place in our lives. Our destinies lead us to destinations, which is where we end up and how we feel once we’re there. Certain paths may be straightforward and lead to an expected outcome. For example, a person who grew up in a family of educators may decide to become a teacher themselves. Our pathways can also be confusing, complicated, difficult, and lead to something unexpected. Perhaps you know someone who wanted to become a professional athlete but instead they became a successful business owner. Or maybe you’ve heard stories of people who graduated college with a degree in one field, only to do something completely different. Perhaps college was never an option or somewhere that a person decided not to go, so they entered the workforce or started their own business. Everyone has their own special, unique path or destiny. It’s easy to become influenced by what others are doing, especially those who are close to us. You may have friends who are planning on going to the same school next year, that are joining the same groups or organizations, or applying to work at the same company. Remember that your path is unique and may not follow the traditional route, make sense, or match what others around you are doing. When we notice that our paths are different from others we may become disappointed ask:

“Why didn’t I get into that program?” “Everyone else is getting this opportunity except me?”

“All of my friends made the team. Why was it different for me?” Trying to match or follow others can make us feel unfulfilled or like we’re falling behind. Stay committed and focused on what truly motivates you. What are you good at doing? What else are you passionate about? What’s a big problem that you could help solve that would help others? Your path is going to lead you to different people, through different places, and be shaped by unique circumstances. Embrace what you have and who you are and then continue to move forward by doing what you love. Find ways to connect your hobbies and talents to something that can help or entertain others. Seeking advice from others can be helpful, just make sure it is from someone who knows what they are talking about, that it challenges you to excel and aligns with what you are feeling. In other words, surround yourself with people who can help you imagine and build the image that leads you through your next destination. If we remain committed to our goals and focused on our future, we’ll continue our path towards “building ourselves and becoming our best.” Keep building!