2 answers
Jack
Student
1
Question
Updated
115 views
How do I build a life that is genuinely successful, not just one that looks successful on paper, where my college choice, career path, and daily habits all line up with who I actually want to become rather than who I feel pressured to be #Spring26?
I am someone who is ambitious and wants to do well in life, especially in college and in my future career. I care about success, stability, and making smart decisions early, but I also do not want to end up pursuing something just because other people see it as impressive. I want to find a path that fits me as a person, not just as a résumé. I sometimes wonder how to separate my real goals from outside pressure, and how to know whether I am building a future that will actually make me fulfilled.
Login to comment
2 answers
Malisa Gill
Sr. Director, Audit, Controls & Complaince
43
Answers
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Updated
Malisa’s Answer
Jack — I love this perspective. It’s incredibly thoughtful that you’re focusing on your own goals, values, and dreams while being intentional about tuning out the noise that can push us toward someone else’s definition of success instead of our own.
In my view, the best way to know whether you’re building a future that will truly be fulfilling starts with getting clear on you. That begins with identifying your personal goals and sense of mission—even knowing that these will evolve over time as you gain experience and learn more about yourself.
Ask yourself questions like:
What do I envision for myself right now?
What genuinely makes me happy and energized?
What values are non‑negotiable for me?
How do I set healthy boundaries—knowing when to take advice and when to step back and let it go?
Once you understand those things, it becomes much easier to look ahead with clarity. A helpful exercise is creating a simple 2–5-year roadmap: where you’d like to be, what experiences you want to have, and what goals matter most to you during that time. Those answers will naturally guide the actions you take next.
When your decisions are grounded in self‑awareness, you create a future where you can stand comfortably in your own skin—confident in your direction—and allow external pressure or expectations to pass you by. That, in my experience, is what real success feels like.
In my view, the best way to know whether you’re building a future that will truly be fulfilling starts with getting clear on you. That begins with identifying your personal goals and sense of mission—even knowing that these will evolve over time as you gain experience and learn more about yourself.
Ask yourself questions like:
What do I envision for myself right now?
What genuinely makes me happy and energized?
What values are non‑negotiable for me?
How do I set healthy boundaries—knowing when to take advice and when to step back and let it go?
Once you understand those things, it becomes much easier to look ahead with clarity. A helpful exercise is creating a simple 2–5-year roadmap: where you’d like to be, what experiences you want to have, and what goals matter most to you during that time. Those answers will naturally guide the actions you take next.
When your decisions are grounded in self‑awareness, you create a future where you can stand comfortably in your own skin—confident in your direction—and allow external pressure or expectations to pass you by. That, in my experience, is what real success feels like.
Rita Chuang
Physician
305
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I think I probably chased things that looked good on paper. I felt I had to because I wanted to get into medical school. It wasn't necessarily the wrong decision though.
I believe it was Diane Sawyer who said her father told her to pick a job that even if they didn't pay you, you would still do. Then, the pay is just icing on the cake. To find a job that fulfills you is hard. After doing something for so long, I feel the majority of people do get bored and you wonder if you made the right decision. Every job has pros and cons and you just need to see enough pros to make it worthwhile. Realize that you are also growing and changing. The friends you have now may not be your friends in the future. The toys you play as a child are not as interesting. That's okay. Your job will change as you change. That is part of this journey in life. Whenever you have a job, just ask yourself if you feel content. If not, it's probably time to change.
I believe it was Diane Sawyer who said her father told her to pick a job that even if they didn't pay you, you would still do. Then, the pay is just icing on the cake. To find a job that fulfills you is hard. After doing something for so long, I feel the majority of people do get bored and you wonder if you made the right decision. Every job has pros and cons and you just need to see enough pros to make it worthwhile. Realize that you are also growing and changing. The friends you have now may not be your friends in the future. The toys you play as a child are not as interesting. That's okay. Your job will change as you change. That is part of this journey in life. Whenever you have a job, just ask yourself if you feel content. If not, it's probably time to change.