Many students plan their careers and futures the minute they step into high school – maybe earlier, even. They take classes and clubs that allow them to confine themselves in that singular interest, that singular future. There is nothing wrong with having a point in your life where you are really interested in a career, and set goals to acquire it. That is normal – beneficial, even. It becomes a problem as soon as you begin to push your interests to all fit into this one goal, when you base your choices on what your future plan is. However, regardless of whether or not you have a plan for the future, it might be time to branch out. 

How can someone who has only focused on one goal for most of their life adjust that goal? It starts with pushing yourself out of your fixed pathway. Join a club that you might not have a month ago, or do a hobby you find interesting. It might be what turns you in a different direction. 

In my own experience, I have always leaned more towards art and creativity. I’ve tried several clubs and sports in the past, and after each one, it gave me less hope that I would find the enjoyment that other people did with their hobbies. I put minimal effort into the activities I did that weren’t a part of my goals for the future, and I realized halfway through the school year that I didn’t have anything I really enjoyed doing, as all my other plans had been unsuccessful. Through trial and error, and looking back at activities I had looked past, I found interests that I wouldn’t have ever found without first turning back around and trying something new. 

Though the path you are on may feel permanent now, changing it may be beneficial. Try something new this school year, outside of your main interests. This isn’t only applicable to high school, either. Find yourself in different activities throughout college and into the rest of your life. Do not deprive yourself of experiences when you choose to focus on one goal.