For young people
Everyone else seems to have life figured out. Am I behind?
No. Most people your age are still figuring things out; they are just better at hiding it. You are not behind, you are exploring, and your path shows up while you move, not before.
Why it feels like everyone else is ahead
When Ash asked a room of 25 Year 11 students who knew exactly what they wanted to do after school, two hands went up. Twenty-three stayed down. Lots of people feel unsure. They just don't say it out loud.
The pressure is real
Grades, subjects, careers, "What do you want to do after school?" It can feel like you have to decide the rest of your life right now. You don't. Plenty of people change courses, change careers and find their direction much later.
Try a better question
Instead of "What do I want to do with my life?", ask "What is something I could give a go?" That question creates movement, and movement gives you information about yourself.
Give this a go (60 seconds)
Ask yourself: what is one small step I could take this week? Send a message, look up a course, or ask someone about their job.
From Chapter 1, "You Are Not Behind".
Quick answers
Is it normal not to know what I want to do at 16?
Yes. Most people don't, and many don't at 18 either.
What if my friends seem certain?
Some are. Many are guessing more than you think.
Related questions
Why people trust Start Where You Are
- Written by Ash Manuel, a former PE teacher and founder of Growing With Gratitude, which has reached more than 1 million young people across 1,205 schools in 80 countries.
- Foreword by Dr Phil Cummins of the University of Sydney and the Sydney Character Initiative.
- Shaped by conversations with young people about what they actually wanted from a book like this.
- Published by Amba Press and featured on 9News Adelaide.