Do you get distracted with different opportunities? Are you constantly shuffling through different employers? Have you ever lost interest in a career after just a few weeks or months? You might be indecisive now, but after reading this article, you’ll be ready to choose one opportunity and run full steam ahead! It is far better to be brilliant at one thing than to be mediocre at several things. You’ve already made the first step by doing research on where to start. Great job! Read on for tips on how to stop making excuses and dive into a career that makes you happy. 

1. Assess Yourself 

Take some time to look inward. You may not have it figured out yet because you haven’t explored yourself. Cancel out all the noise and take time to think about what makes YOU happy.

2. Make a List 

Ask yourself what career would make you the happiest and then write down what comes to mind. Stop at the first three or four. Remember, the goal is to pick a field and stick with it. So a long list will make it more difficult for you. Generally, the first three or four careers you write down, you feel most passionate about.

3. Identify Your Life Values 

Your life values are incredibly important. This will help you when you’re searching for career opportunities by narrowing down your search. When you start too broad, the influx of options can be overwhelming, even if you don’t realize it at first. Examples of core values can be Sustainability, Female Empowerment, Authenticity, Philanthropy, Innovation, Equal Rights, or Work-Life Balance

Once you figure out your values, the job search will be easier. You will look for these values in companies when you’re applying—and in turn, allow you to be more determined in your process.

4. Write a Career Action Plan 

Action plans allow you to stay focused. You can document your little wins and progress along the way with the right template. Feel free to check out this video from the Graduate Coach, here, for some ideas on how to write a well thought out plan. 

5. Narrow Down Your Options 

Remember that list you made about careers that would make you happy? After doing some further research and writing down your core values, it’s time to narrow down your options to one career. It’s much easier to do when you can cross off opportunities that don’t align with your values and cancel out all the noise. 

6. Conduct Informational Interviews 

Don’t be shy! Network with people from the field and pick their brains about what they love about their job. This will give you more insight into their day-to-day routine and help you determine whether or not you can see yourself in that field. After conducting these interviews, you will feel more confident about making a decision. Don’t know what to ask? No problem, we have you sorted. Reference our article, 30 Questions To Ask In An Informational Interview, for some guidance.

7. Set Realistic Expectations

Sometimes, it’s easy to jump the gun before you’re ready. That’s why we recommend reading the job descriptions of your dream career. Understand what it takes to get there. You might have to learn a new skill or you might need to stay within a role for a few years before you get promoted to that executive role you’ve been dreaming of all your life. Remember, if you chose something you’re passionate about and love, then the time it takes to get there, won’t bother you. Be realistic about the situation and feel empowered to do your best. 

8. Make Your Career Choice 

Alright! You’ve made it this far! Congratulations! You are now ready to start a career that you love and can fully support. For a deeper dive into chasing your dreams, read Logan Gelbrich’s “Going Right: A Logical Justification for Pursuing Your Dreams” novel.

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