When I Grow Up...

Have you ever been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Is your answer, “I don’t know”? It is not the end of the world if you are unsure. Some adults ask themselves the very same question!

In order to know what direction your life should take, it is vital that you ask yourself, “Who am I?” This may sound strange, but you must discover the answer! Doing so is an exciting and fascinating process.

Do not worry if you cannot figure it out in one day. This is your life we are talking about. It could take some time. In fact, it should take quite a bit of time. As the saying goes, “Only a fool rushes in.” Invest the time you need to answer the question, “Who am I?” and do not take for granted that you know the answer.

While you should listen to wise counsel, circumstances or other people’s negative opinions should not direct your course. Nor should you allow yourself to be tossed to and fro and knocked off the path of your dreams. Successful people do not allow others to move them off course. They have a plan, they are focused, they have goals and are determined to accomplish them. They fight for their dreams—and so must you!

But unlike other teens in the world, you have the supreme advantage of making God your partner in this process. He has given you a unique set of natural talents and abilities, but it is up to you to discover and develop them. Therefore, the journey to answering this question must include His guidance—He knows you best!

With a little effort and God’s direction, you can learn who you are and be able to confidently finish the sentence, “When I grow up, I want to be…”

Take Time to Think

If you are going to do anything, you need a plan. Charging forward without one is just plain foolish. This is especially true when it comes to finding a direction—the right direction—in choosing your path in life.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to drift aimlessly along and allow life to just “happen,” with no planning, no thought.

Instead, what you need to do—and do carefully—is take time to think. This requires effort and planning. Focused thinking can be difficult, but do not allow yourself to be interrupted by anything or anyone. Rid yourself of all distractions—your cellphone, television, MP3 player—everything.

Wherever you go to think, plan on being there alone for a while. Bring a notebook and be ready to write. You will be surprised how easily you can concentrate when you block out all distractions. Treasure this very special time and make the most of it.

Figure Out What You Enjoy

Start writing down all the things you enjoy doing. Do not worry about spelling, grammar or sentence structure. Allow yourself to dream…and dream big! Write down your hobbies, things you like to do when you are with people, and personal interests. Write down subjects you enjoy in school and favorite jobs you have had. Write down what sports you enjoy. Don’t stop—just keep writing until you don’t have another thought.

Ask yourself, “What do I enjoy doing? Do I prefer doing things by myself? Am I outgoing? What am I good at? What makes me happy? What activities do I enjoy? Do I like working with my hands or do I like analyzing and figuring out problems?”

Do you enjoy writing, speaking or reading? Do you like talking to people and figuring out how to solve their problems or do you prefer helping them with physical tasks? Can you sell someone an idea?...

As you can see, this process may take a long time and require thoughtful consideration of many factors. Yet there is no more rewarding and fulfilling experience than to discover the type of person you are and where you “fit.”

Try this exercise: write out your personal Top 10 list—the 10 things you love most about life. There are no right or wrong answers—this is you discovering you! You might also want to consider taking an aptitude test. This will show you where your natural strengths lie. You can find aptitude tests on the Internet, many of which are free.

After amassing all this information, organize it and talk about what you have discovered with your closest friends and family, even a minister. These people know you best and will be able to give positive advice. Be honest with yourself and listen to what they say. Many times we don’t see our strengths—but others can. You might be completely surprised by what you learn.

Take Action

Once you have a plan, start researching the types of jobs you have determined you might enjoy and the schooling involved in each. Some might require a four-year college degree while others only require two. Certain vocations even include an internship—where you are trained on the job.

Next, seek out those in the field you are interested in and ask questions. Most adults love to share their stories and experiences with you. Take advantage of this opportunity while you are still young and have the luxury of time.

Then, during the summer, try various types of jobs so you can determine tasks that you enjoy and that fit your natural abilities. This will help you focus your search.

Setbacks Will Come

Sometimes circumstances do not allow you to go in the direction you would like. But do not let this discourage you. If you have a dream and natural aptitude that can support that dream, then little should stop you. Take the reins of your life—and with God’s help you will be able to determine the right path to take. Although time and chance may try to derail you from your goals, dig in your heels and charge ahead!

Realize that even the best-laid plans may go awry. Come to expect this and prepare yourself to adjust. You are going to be disappointed along the way. Don’t quit! Setbacks should only make you stronger and strengthen your resolve. You need to be resourceful in these circumstances. (Make sure to read David C. Pack’s booklet The Laws to Success to learn how.)

You must also accept the fact that God can change your course based on His specific plan for you. Always seek His will and ask for guidance in everything you do. Remember Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (NKJV).

Eliminate Fear

One setback that destroys any dream is fear. You must get rid of it. Look fear in the face and stand up to it. Defeat it. Fear is almost always conjured in the mind and is not real.

Circumstances can and will seem impossible to overcome, but don’t allow yourself to be defeated. Those who have accomplished the greatest things in life have also generally failed on their journey to success. Failure is an integral part of the process! You must not get discouraged.

The Bible is filled with encouraging examples of great servants of God who overcame obstacles and setbacks to achieve success.

Consider the story of Joseph (Genesis chapters 37-50). He was sold into slavery by his siblings and then later imprisoned for something he did not do. His strong faith in God, unwillingness to give up, and fearlessness allowed him to become a great success. God had a plan to use him in a special way—and He can do the same for you!

Achieve the Impossible

Consider the story of the four-minute mile. For many years, no runner could run a mile in under four minutes. Many got close, but it was believed that no human being was physically capable of doing it.

Then in 1954, Roger Bannister, a 25-year-old British medical student, came along. He believed he could break the barrier. He worked hard to prepare himself—then did it, running it in three minutes and 59.4 seconds.

Afterward, a strange thing began to happen. Other runners also broke the four-minute-mile barrier. Even though no one initially believed they could do it, once someone did it first, the seemingly impossible became possible!

You must defeat negative thoughts in your mind before you try to overcome difficult circumstances—or they will cause you to give up before reaching your goal. Remember Jesus’ words in Mark 9:23, “…all things are possible to him that believes.”

Anything worthwhile will not come easy. Once it becomes “too hard,” most people will convince themselves that the goal was not worth the effort.

But dreams realized are made up of the proverbial “blood, sweat and tears.” You have all the tools to make your dreams come true. You have access to the truth and understanding of God’s Word. Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary! Determine now to be a success.

Those who have found where they fit and love their careers will tell you, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” When you discover who you are, learn about yourself, take the steps outlined here, and seek God’s guidance, you can achieve your dreams. Be unique, be brave, work hard, and strive for your fullest potential!