Just finished with board exams10th/12th? Standing at a crossroad to decide on which stream or career to aspire and prepare for? or made your choices already? There are so many options available and it is a daunting task to choose. It's a question of your entire life and you must carefully weigh your choices. Think about what is it that you want in life? And why? A bit of careful planning and preparation can help you navigate this journey and avoid groping in the dark and missing out on opportunities.

Many of us go through the usual parental, familial, peer group pressure when it comes to deciding on our career choices. While it is important to discuss matters of your future with your family, loved ones, and seniors whom you respect, as that could bring a perspective and an unbiased opinion that you might lack. However, it would be more meaningful and productive if you have done a bit of introspection and have some understanding of your own goals, values, priorities in life before getting into a discussion about your possible choices with anyone. 

It is important to remember that your choice of career has to do with you, with all your unique talents, skills, interests, personality. You are not anyone else. Imagine having to spend a major part of your life in a career which is a drudgery, feeling misfit and miserable. Now is the time to make an informed choice and reap the benefits for the rest of your life. Remember, behind all those success stories of your idols, lie years of hard work, of perseverance and endurance, and an unwavering focus. But it is the discovery of a passion in one’s heart that makes all this possible. A dream that turns mundane into sublime, and setbacks into an opportunity to learn and grow. 

There are professionals available to help you with the process of self -discovery and a clear-cut plan to reach your education/career objectives, if you need help. Or else you can follow a simple process to begin with. 

Start by writing down what your strengths and interests are. Think hard, think smart. What is that one subject, activity, interest that you feel passionate about? That one dream you are willing to go that extra mile for. Of course, it could be a variety of interests. Write down all. A pattern might emerge that could help identify areas of strength.  Next question to ask is, what is your level of proficiency in your chosen subject/area of interest? You don’t need to tell anyone else so be honest in your assessment. Maybe you need help, training, a specialized course to build on your latent skills? Remember you need to pursue career/education goals that are grounded in a realistic assessment of your skill sets vis-a-vis available opportunities. This is just the first step but a necessary one so go on and make a start. Now!
 

 Next steps? To be continued....