That’s one question I dreaded many years ago when I first attended college (university). I dreaded the question because the truth was a bit embarrassing.
You see, I had no idea why I was attending college.
It wasn’t even my idea. It was my parents idea; my high school teachers’ idea; my friends’ idea.
I was going with the flow. It was the start of a long down hill journey where I let other people do my thinking for me.
I didn’t really know what I wanted to do.
Well, I take that back, I did.
But I didn’t believe in myself enough to go after it. It seems all the confidence had been driven out of me. By the time I was a senior in high school, I was pretty much whipped. I’d lost most belief in my abilities, my decision making, my life. I was willing to give it all up and let others decide for me.
I wouldn’t recommend this path for anyone.
What did I want to become?
I wanted to become a rock star or a professional athlete. A rock star like one of the Beatles. A professional athlete in ice hockey, baseball or soccer.
And, of course, this is a problem. Because, now I realize one of the keys to success is focus. Spreading my aim out across all these areas is not focus. I should have picked one and gave it my all.
It gets worse.
When in university people would ask another dreaded question, “What’s your major?”
I could normally get through this part ok by answering with a tinge of pride, “Business Administraion.”
I liked the sound of it … Business Administration. It sounded so official; so important.
But, then I’d cringe when the inevitable follow-up question arrived, “Why-ja pick that?”
“Oh, hmmm, ok, let’s see …” I would stammer. I had no idea.
Finally, I’d end up saying something very unprofound like, “I picked it because it’s easy, no math!”
Why are you going to university?
Are you going to university? If so, why? Do you have a good reason? Do you have a passion you’re pursuing? Are you fired up about the experience or do you feel like you’re wasting time? Are you there for you or are you there for someone else … to make someone else happy?
These are just a few questions you may want to ask yourself before you pour thousands of dollars into a university experience. And, even more important, before you pour thousands of your precious life hours into it.
Your time is precious
Your time is the most precious possession. It so precious because it’s non-renewable. You can’t make more of it. It’s finite.
Money is not. You can always make more money.
But I don’t know anyone who can make more time.
Are you spending your precious time on activities that move you closer to – and align with – your goals and dreams?
I wish I had asked myself this question many years ago when I first attended university. If so, I wouldn’t have been so wasteful of my time; time I cannot get back.