3 answers
Peytin
Student
Knoxville, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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Why do I know that I'll be successful in life, but I have no idea what career I want to pursue or how I should go about finding what I'm interested in?
I have always known that when I find what I'm passionate about I'll do whatever it takes to become successful. I'm just lost on how to find the missing piece.
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3 answers
Karen Doan
Marketing
10
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Hi Peytin,
Many people choose a career path simply because it seems safe or because someone else expects it of them. You’re taking the time to figure out what genuinely motivates you. One thing I’ve learned is that you don’t find your passion by sitting and thinking about it. You find it by trying things. Volunteer, take internships, join clubs, talk to professionals, start small projects, and say yes to opportunities that spark your curiosity. Every experience teaches you something, even if it’s discovering what you don’t enjoy.
Also, don’t put pressure on yourself to find the “one perfect career.” Most successful people didn’t have their entire future mapped out when they were young. Their careers evolved as they gained experience, met new people, and discovered new interests.
I always tell students that success comes from combining three things:
1. What you enjoy doing.
2. What you’re good at (or willing to become good at).
3. What creates value for others.
The overlap between those areas often becomes a fulfilling career and one you will love without feeling like you’re working.
The confidence you have that you’ll be successful is a strength. Now focus less on finding the perfect answer and more on exploring possibilities. Every job, class, conversation, and experience is a clue. The missing piece isn’t something you’ll suddenly discover one day. It’s something you’ll build over time through action.
Keep moving forward, stay curious, and trust that it’s okay not to have all the answers yet. The students who explore widely and keep learning are often the ones who end up finding careers they truly love.
All the best Peytin!
Many people choose a career path simply because it seems safe or because someone else expects it of them. You’re taking the time to figure out what genuinely motivates you. One thing I’ve learned is that you don’t find your passion by sitting and thinking about it. You find it by trying things. Volunteer, take internships, join clubs, talk to professionals, start small projects, and say yes to opportunities that spark your curiosity. Every experience teaches you something, even if it’s discovering what you don’t enjoy.
Also, don’t put pressure on yourself to find the “one perfect career.” Most successful people didn’t have their entire future mapped out when they were young. Their careers evolved as they gained experience, met new people, and discovered new interests.
I always tell students that success comes from combining three things:
1. What you enjoy doing.
2. What you’re good at (or willing to become good at).
3. What creates value for others.
The overlap between those areas often becomes a fulfilling career and one you will love without feeling like you’re working.
The confidence you have that you’ll be successful is a strength. Now focus less on finding the perfect answer and more on exploring possibilities. Every job, class, conversation, and experience is a clue. The missing piece isn’t something you’ll suddenly discover one day. It’s something you’ll build over time through action.
Keep moving forward, stay curious, and trust that it’s okay not to have all the answers yet. The students who explore widely and keep learning are often the ones who end up finding careers they truly love.
All the best Peytin!
Dr. Jack Saxonhouse
Dental Practice Transition Consultant
11
Answers
Rockville, Maryland
Updated
Dr. Jack’s Answer
Pursue what brings you joy. Consider doing internships to discover what you truly enjoy.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
684
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Peytin. It sounds like you have confidence in your ability to succeed, but you have not yet discovered the career or field that excites you enough to fully commit to it. This is actually a common experience, especially for students and young professionals.
It is important to understand that passion is often discovered through action, not just through thinking. Many people find their interests by trying different activities, jobs, courses, or projects rather than waiting for a sudden realization. And, you need to focus on exploring your strengths, interests, and values. Pay attention to the activities that make you lose track of time, enjoy learning, or feel motivated to improve. These can provide clues about possible career paths.
You should also be open to experimentation. Volunteer, join clubs, take online courses, talk to professionals, or work on personal projects. Every experience teaches you something about what you enjoy and what you do not. All the best.
It is important to understand that passion is often discovered through action, not just through thinking. Many people find their interests by trying different activities, jobs, courses, or projects rather than waiting for a sudden realization. And, you need to focus on exploring your strengths, interests, and values. Pay attention to the activities that make you lose track of time, enjoy learning, or feel motivated to improve. These can provide clues about possible career paths.
You should also be open to experimentation. Volunteer, join clubs, take online courses, talk to professionals, or work on personal projects. Every experience teaches you something about what you enjoy and what you do not. All the best.