| "It's
really difficult!" the young woman told me, as we maneuvered through heavy
traffic. "The way the world is changing, I have so many opportunities.
And all that technology is revolutionizing everything. It's great -- but
it's also very confusing!"
I had
just given a presentation on the topic of Change at a Salt Lake City college,
and one of the students, Jill, had been assigned to take me back to the
airport. As we drove along, she asked me if I would mind giving her some
personal advice.
"Which
direction should I go?" she asked. And she listed some of the conflicting
career and personal opportunities confronting her. "Of course, I'd be miserable
if I didn't have enough choices," she sighed, "but it would be much easier
if I didn't have quite so many."
Being
asked to help design someone's life is a daunting task, but she was so
sincere and enthusiastic that I suggested some ways to help narrow her
choices.
"Here's
an idea," I replied. "Look at your list of choices, and choose the two
or three that fill your needs right now. Don't worry about planning for
10 or 20 years down the road. The world will change so much by then that
your preparations will be wasted."
"You're
right," she said. "I've already experienced that in just the past few years."
"Jill,"
I told her, "Live in the here-and-now. It's the only way to make the most
of the changes that are going on. You can't predict all your needs or all
the opportunities that will be available in the future."
She
looked surprised, "But I always thought I should set goals and make plans
for my future."
"Yes,
that's still true," I told her. "Lay out a road map for the future. Know
where you would like to go and identify some landmarks along the way. But
don't spend your energy trying to figure out the detail of the whole trip.
But, this doesn't mean it's okay to be directionless or unmotivated! Keep
reviewing the past because that's where you'll find the wisdom you need.
Keep learning new things because you never know what resources you're going
to need. And have an overall plan for the future because that's what gives
you your excitement and direction."
Are
you feeling confused like Jill? If you are, try this. Look at your many
options as items on a huge buffet. Choose your appetizer and pick a soup
or something from the various salads. While you are eating and enjoying
these, you can plan your next choice.
Don't
allow yourself to become overwhelmed by too many choices, so that you starve
while everyone around you is dining on gourmet fare. Take it a step at
a time. That's the fun of a buffet and of life!
To
learn more about Sheila Murray Bethel's audios,
books and speaking schedule, visit www.YourSuccessStore.com. © Copyright
Bethel Institute 2000 |