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What is my dream?
I am a junior in high school, I don't know what to do, feel really lost.
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8 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Ziyue! Alright so, Here’s the Truth About Finding Your Dream! Buut,first off, shoutout to Trevor for spitting facts—he’s absolutely right. High school is basically a confusing scavenger hunt where you’re expected to figure out the rest of your life while balancing homework, social life, and probably sleep deprivation. Feeling lost? That’s normal. If you weren’t a little lost, I’d be more concerned.
Now, let’s start figuring things out without stressing over it.
1. You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out
Society makes it seem like you need a “dream” by the time you’re 18, pick a career, go to college, and stick with it forever. That’s a lie. Most adults change careers multiple times. Some don’t even find what they love until their 30s, 40s, or later.
Right now, your job isn’t to have a perfect plan. It’s to explore, experiment, and learn about yourself.
Give yourself permission to NOT know everything yet. The best thing you can do is stay curious.
2. Try EVERYTHING (Seriously, Everything.)
Trevor mentioned ADHD-ing your way through life—which is basically trying a bunch of things and seeing what sticks. You don’t know what you love until you experience it.
Think about it like this:
Ever tried sushi? No? How do you know if you like it or not?
Ever tried making a film, coding, painting, writing, or volunteering? No? Then how do you know if it’s your thing?
Your “dream” isn’t something you find—it’s something you discover through experience.
Now: Make a list of 5-10 things you’re curious about. It can be anything—sports, psychology, business, gaming, space, animals, music. Then do something small in each area. Join a club, take a free online course, shadow someone in that career, or try a hobby related to it.
3. What Do YOU Like? (Not What Others Tell You to Like)
You’ve probably had people tell you what you “should” do. Parents, teachers, society—everyone has an opinion. But what do YOU actually enjoy?
Forget “practical” for a second. If money and expectations didn’t matter, what would you do all day? What excites you? What topics make you lose track of time?
If you’re not sure, that’s okay! But start paying attention to the things that naturally interest you.
Go ahead and: Notice what excites you. If you don’t have an answer, try random things until you do.
4. Travel & Exposure = Clarity
Trevor’s 100% right about travel. You can’t figure yourself out if you’ve only been in one environment. New places, people, and experiences change your perspective.
Now, you might be thinking, “I can’t afford to travel.”
Travel doesn’t have to mean flying across the world. It can mean:
Visiting a new part of your city
Talking to people with different experiences
Trying activities outside of your comfort zone
The more you expose yourself to, the clearer your interests will become.
Do one thing this month that exposes you to something new. Talk to someone with a different background, visit a museum, attend an event, or watch a documentary about a topic you’ve never explored.
5. The Myth of “One Dream”
People act like you have to pick one career, one passion, and stick with it forever. That’s outdated thinking.
Some people love one thing and do it forever.
Others are multi-passionate and do many things over their lifetime.
BOTH are okay. If you’re someone who likes a variety of things, you don’t have to limit yourself. You can combine passions (e.g., someone who loves art + psychology might go into art therapy). You can also change careers later. Nothing is permanent.
Sooooo Instead of thinking, “What is my one dream?” ask, “What are a few things I’d love to explore?”
Feeling lost is normal. Life isn’t a straight line—it’s a messy, unpredictable adventure. The goal isn’t to have all the answers right now. It’s to keep moving, stay curious, and trust that things will fall into place.
Your dream isn’t lost. It’s just waiting to be discovered. Keep exploring, and you’ll find your way. Good luck! 🤗
If you feel lost, here’s a game plan: Explore different subjects & hobbies – YouTube, free courses, clubs, internships. Try things.
Think about what you enjoy naturally – What do you do in your free time? What excites you?
Talk to people in different careers – Ask adults what they do, what they like/dislike. Real experience > guessing.
Get comfortable with uncertainty – No one has it all figured out. Keep learning, and your dream will reveal itself.
Remember: Your career doesn’t define your life – You’re not just your job. Focus on building a life you love.
Now, let’s start figuring things out without stressing over it.
1. You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out
Society makes it seem like you need a “dream” by the time you’re 18, pick a career, go to college, and stick with it forever. That’s a lie. Most adults change careers multiple times. Some don’t even find what they love until their 30s, 40s, or later.
Right now, your job isn’t to have a perfect plan. It’s to explore, experiment, and learn about yourself.
Give yourself permission to NOT know everything yet. The best thing you can do is stay curious.
2. Try EVERYTHING (Seriously, Everything.)
Trevor mentioned ADHD-ing your way through life—which is basically trying a bunch of things and seeing what sticks. You don’t know what you love until you experience it.
Think about it like this:
Ever tried sushi? No? How do you know if you like it or not?
Ever tried making a film, coding, painting, writing, or volunteering? No? Then how do you know if it’s your thing?
Your “dream” isn’t something you find—it’s something you discover through experience.
Now: Make a list of 5-10 things you’re curious about. It can be anything—sports, psychology, business, gaming, space, animals, music. Then do something small in each area. Join a club, take a free online course, shadow someone in that career, or try a hobby related to it.
3. What Do YOU Like? (Not What Others Tell You to Like)
You’ve probably had people tell you what you “should” do. Parents, teachers, society—everyone has an opinion. But what do YOU actually enjoy?
Forget “practical” for a second. If money and expectations didn’t matter, what would you do all day? What excites you? What topics make you lose track of time?
If you’re not sure, that’s okay! But start paying attention to the things that naturally interest you.
Go ahead and: Notice what excites you. If you don’t have an answer, try random things until you do.
4. Travel & Exposure = Clarity
Trevor’s 100% right about travel. You can’t figure yourself out if you’ve only been in one environment. New places, people, and experiences change your perspective.
Now, you might be thinking, “I can’t afford to travel.”
Travel doesn’t have to mean flying across the world. It can mean:
Visiting a new part of your city
Talking to people with different experiences
Trying activities outside of your comfort zone
The more you expose yourself to, the clearer your interests will become.
Do one thing this month that exposes you to something new. Talk to someone with a different background, visit a museum, attend an event, or watch a documentary about a topic you’ve never explored.
5. The Myth of “One Dream”
People act like you have to pick one career, one passion, and stick with it forever. That’s outdated thinking.
Some people love one thing and do it forever.
Others are multi-passionate and do many things over their lifetime.
BOTH are okay. If you’re someone who likes a variety of things, you don’t have to limit yourself. You can combine passions (e.g., someone who loves art + psychology might go into art therapy). You can also change careers later. Nothing is permanent.
Sooooo Instead of thinking, “What is my one dream?” ask, “What are a few things I’d love to explore?”
Feeling lost is normal. Life isn’t a straight line—it’s a messy, unpredictable adventure. The goal isn’t to have all the answers right now. It’s to keep moving, stay curious, and trust that things will fall into place.
Your dream isn’t lost. It’s just waiting to be discovered. Keep exploring, and you’ll find your way. Good luck! 🤗
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
Look, high school is basically a four-year scavenger hunt where no one gave you a map. You feel lost? Welcome to the club—none of us know what we’re doing either. Even as adults, we’re just taller, slightly more responsible kids making educated guesses and hoping for the best.
You think once you graduate, everything clicks into place? Nope. We’re out here Googling how to do taxes, pretending to understand insurance, and debating if we can eat cereal for dinner again.
So don’t stress it. Try things, fail at things, laugh at things, and keep moving. One day, you’ll look back and realize that the best parts of life are the weird, messy moments where you were just figuring it all out.
Think about what YOU like, not what youre told too
Dont stress over it all because everything around you will be in your past someday.
TRAVEL; youll never be somebody if you cant understand others. Itll all fall into place
You think once you graduate, everything clicks into place? Nope. We’re out here Googling how to do taxes, pretending to understand insurance, and debating if we can eat cereal for dinner again.
So don’t stress it. Try things, fail at things, laugh at things, and keep moving. One day, you’ll look back and realize that the best parts of life are the weird, messy moments where you were just figuring it all out.
Trevor recommends the following next steps:
You are so right, and I feel the same way actually, because there is so much beauty in life, and there are so many different dreams, both big and small to dream about. Thank you for your advice.
Ziyue
Updated
Tahani’s Answer
What do you enjoy doing on a daily basis? Are there any hobbies or activities that you’re passionate about or particularly good at?
Thanks for answering ! I usually love to go out and take pictures, I love good weather and eating or having a drink on the outside of a restaurant.
Ziyue
Updated
Tahani’s Answer
Well, let me ask you. What do you like doing or feel interested in doing on a daily basis? Does anything come to mind, from hobbies perhaps or something you’re really passionate or good at?
Your question has cleared up a lot of confusion for me, and I'm not too obsessive about the dream issue, now.
Ziyue
Updated
TOCHI’s Answer
It is completely okay to feel lost right now, many people do, even beyond high school.
Instead of stressing about having everything figured out, focus on exploring what excites you.
Try new things, take different classes, talk to people in fields that interest you, and do not be afraid to make mistakes. Your dream does not have to be clear today, it will unfold as you learn more about yourself. Just keep moving forward, and you will find your path.
Instead of stressing about having everything figured out, focus on exploring what excites you.
Try new things, take different classes, talk to people in fields that interest you, and do not be afraid to make mistakes. Your dream does not have to be clear today, it will unfold as you learn more about yourself. Just keep moving forward, and you will find your path.
Thanks for the advice, I think you're right, don't get too obsessed with finding your dream, just live your life and you'll find the path you want to take.
Ziyue
Updated
Karen’s Answer
You're doing the best thing possible right now -- asking others for help. That's a sign of a mature person. Dreams can be wonderful because you get to think about anything you would like to do. You don't have to be prepared to do it, and there are no limits on dreams. If you can't think of anything, that's ok. If you have any hobbies or interests -- sports, movies, crafts, reading, etc. you might want to dream about being involved in one of those. Then begin to make a plan by asking others for connections.
Sometimes helping others is the most gratifying thing you can do. Try volunteering for something you've never done. Could be as simple as handing out water bottles during a marathon, participating in a fundraising walk, or serving a meal to folks at a shelter. Trying new experiences might energize you and present an opportunity in the future.
For now, focus on doing your best and enjoying life.
With every good wish and many blessings!
Karen
Sometimes helping others is the most gratifying thing you can do. Try volunteering for something you've never done. Could be as simple as handing out water bottles during a marathon, participating in a fundraising walk, or serving a meal to folks at a shelter. Trying new experiences might energize you and present an opportunity in the future.
For now, focus on doing your best and enjoying life.
With every good wish and many blessings!
Karen
Thanks for the advice, I've actually tried a lot of the things you mentioned, such as marathon pie water, and I've been a medical team for a marathon, and like you said, no need to get too hung up on the answer to this question, I'm now free of the confusion I had before, thanks again.
Ziyue
Updated
Eric’s Answer
That's a great question! I believe you already have an idea of what you want to do. However, self-doubt can sometimes hold you back. Begin exploring now, and eventually, you'll find your path. This might not happen until your early 30s. The sooner you discover who you are, the less time you'll feel is wasted. But remember, stay open to new experiences.
Updated
Cliff’s Answer
Hi Ziyue,
You may not believe this, but many people are like you! Some might have a 'general idea' but are not really set on what they want to do.
Here's some things to think about that might help you:
- Think about what you LIKE to do: Do you like working with your hands to create things or are you more into puzzles and brainwork? Do you like being OUTDOORS or are you more of an INDOOR person? Is there anything you or your friends or family think you are GOOD at?
- Think about people you admire or look up to. What kinds of things do they do? What kinds of jobs do you see on TV or other places could you truly see yourself doing?
- Do you like helping people? Working with kids? Helping the elderly? Do you like constantly learning? Are you good with numbers? Do you have a good memory? Are you outgoing or more introverted?
. People who like helping others and learning could be social workers, teachers, nurses/doctors. Those who are good with numbers could be accountants, administrators, or managers. Memory helps with a number of the aforementioned fields. Extroverts do well in hospitality, introverts make great computer programmers.
I would make an honest list of your strengths. Then seriously consider what kind of role you might be interested in based on them.
Also, seriously talk with your friends, family, older relatives and ask them about jobs they are doing or are interested in.
Then, you should consider shadowing some people who have jobs you might be interested in. There are also likely some internships you could participate in as a junior in high school. It might not be paid, but if it helps you determine what to do with your life it will be fully worth it.
Finally, talk with your guidance counselor at your school. With all the information you've put together on your preferences, they should be able to help you with some of the above options.
I would also say: Do it right away as it's never too early to make some of these decisions. The next 3-6 years of your life will likely determine what direction you will take: Immediate job, more education, or some other path like military. My son shadowed a doctor when in 5th grade and knew that was his path; now he is a doctor!
You can do this! Take control of your future and be honest with yourself and you will be on the path to the best version of Ziyue!
Good luck!
You may not believe this, but many people are like you! Some might have a 'general idea' but are not really set on what they want to do.
Here's some things to think about that might help you:
- Think about what you LIKE to do: Do you like working with your hands to create things or are you more into puzzles and brainwork? Do you like being OUTDOORS or are you more of an INDOOR person? Is there anything you or your friends or family think you are GOOD at?
- Think about people you admire or look up to. What kinds of things do they do? What kinds of jobs do you see on TV or other places could you truly see yourself doing?
- Do you like helping people? Working with kids? Helping the elderly? Do you like constantly learning? Are you good with numbers? Do you have a good memory? Are you outgoing or more introverted?
. People who like helping others and learning could be social workers, teachers, nurses/doctors. Those who are good with numbers could be accountants, administrators, or managers. Memory helps with a number of the aforementioned fields. Extroverts do well in hospitality, introverts make great computer programmers.
I would make an honest list of your strengths. Then seriously consider what kind of role you might be interested in based on them.
Also, seriously talk with your friends, family, older relatives and ask them about jobs they are doing or are interested in.
Then, you should consider shadowing some people who have jobs you might be interested in. There are also likely some internships you could participate in as a junior in high school. It might not be paid, but if it helps you determine what to do with your life it will be fully worth it.
Finally, talk with your guidance counselor at your school. With all the information you've put together on your preferences, they should be able to help you with some of the above options.
I would also say: Do it right away as it's never too early to make some of these decisions. The next 3-6 years of your life will likely determine what direction you will take: Immediate job, more education, or some other path like military. My son shadowed a doctor when in 5th grade and knew that was his path; now he is a doctor!
You can do this! Take control of your future and be honest with yourself and you will be on the path to the best version of Ziyue!
Good luck!
You are absolutely right, I don't really need a clear answer, there is no standard answer to the question of dreams, and it is possible to live a good life without them, and to have different dreams as well. Thanks again for your advice.
Ziyue