I have a problem: There are just far too many different things I want to do with my life, and the knowledge that I won’t be able to do all of them frustrates the Hell out of me! My mind consists of a chaotic jumble of interests all fighting for my attention. When I’m studying, or just chilling out watching TV, one or more of these interests will leap to the forefront and I will have an almost irresistible urge to Google something, pick up a particular book and start to read, or look into taking a Masters course in something totally unrelated to anything I’ve studied thus far in my life.
It’s truly maddening!
Even now that I’ve decided upon a career in Law, something I’ve wanted to do since I was around 16, I’m still torn between which branch to go into. Do I become a solicitor and possibly regret not becoming an advocate later, or do I pursue the Bar, knowing that my A-Levels count and are nowhere near the standard of most candidates, it’s more expensive, and I might only be attracted to the drama of the profession, rather than the realities of the job. However, I also have my heart set on having some writing published at some point. I’d love to write for magazines, and I harbour the desire to start my own one day, either Online or in print. I’d love to try graphic design and photography (though having little in the way of actual drawing skills, I doubt I’d ever get onto any above basic level courses for the former, though learning to draw is something else I’d love to do!) I’d like to do some major charity work sometime, and part of me wants to give politics a go too!
I want to study theology, as I find religion fascinating. I’d also love to learn about anthropology and psychology – both subjects I’ve found appealing for years, yet dismissed in favour of what I saw at the time as more “useful” subjects.
I’d love to open a small publishing house.
Sometimes it almost breaks my heart to know that I may never be able to do all if any of these things, and all I can do is try my hardest to focus on one thing at a time, and not take on too many things at once. I keep working hard at the Law at the expense of my other interests in the knowledge that it’s better to to well at things one at a time, than take on everything at once and fail.
Does anybody else have this problem? How do you manage to juggle all your interests and ambitions?
Like you, I have a lot of interests and have many things I want to do with my life. I always thought that this was a problem until I stumbled on the book Refuse to Choose by Barbara Sher. This book made me realize that far from being a flaw, my many interests made me a more well rounded person. It is really worth the read. Here is the amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Refuse-Choose-Revolutionary-Program-Everything/dp/1594863032
Oh, I DEFINITELY feel the same way! Writing is my #1 passion, but I’d also love to work in charity or travel, learn to make jewellery, learn about real estate or law.. argh, there’s so many things! I always used to say that when I was younger: ”I want to do EVERYTHING!”
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! It’s hard. Fun though, better than being boring. But yes, frustrating.
This is definitely a “problem” I have. While it’s frustrating to be chasing so many butterflies, I do remind myself from time to time that it’s amazing I have so many butterflies to chase, and to stop and appreciate the whole before I go back to finding out which one I want to chase.
But I remember, also, the adage about the man who starved trying to decide between two feasts. I have to pick -something- with which to move forward, and there’s nothing that says I can’t come back and change my mind later, or come back for seconds.
Just take little steps… did you go to Uni? Maybe do a LLB first and then think about one of the Inns. You’ve plenty of time.
An ex went to Middle Temple
I’m glad it’s not just me
@ Werther – I have a BA and I’m now taking the GDL, since the College of Law have degree-awarding powers I’ll get an LLB on completion of the LPC or Bar course.
I felt this way for years. I also felt like I should be doing something “proper ” with my life!
I was so paralysed with indecision I ended up doing nothing much and after university I was miserable for years!
Now I’m a full time blogger, it might not be a “proper” job, but I’m happy, just a shame it took me 6 years to find out and relax about it!
I definitely know this problem! I tihnk my way of solving it is to work in a job which, while not everyone’s cup of tea, I enjoy and means I have enough money to do the other things I enjoy as hobbies in my spare time. For some people I know this is a bit of a boring choice, but it’s the best way I can compromise for myself and try and get everything I want. Like you say if you try and take everything on at once you often end up failing, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on all your other dreams forever!
You are definitely a scanner, for sure.
I’m exactly the same and at the age of 25 and totally stuck as to what to do for the best and how to achieve my dreams I have now, finally, got round to buying Barbara Shers book.
Luckily all my interests tie into my ‘ideal’, my world view but I just need to work out how I exactly I create my perfect life whilst at the same time fulfill my souls purpose in life. But I have no answers for you I’m afraid.
Sometimes I get so frustrated at my inability to just do something, anything!, towards achieving my dreams instaed of being paralised with fear and indecision.
Jodie, England
I actually found this site by asking Google how I fit everything I want to do into my life. Reading your peice has made me realise I’m not the only one with this jumble of crazy thoughts in my head…although my ideas are generally for hobbies or small business ideas rather than career choices.
I’m definitely going to have a nose at the book that Ellecubed reccomended because I have not figured out how I’m going to fit everything in.
I basically want to learn EVERYTHING and read EVERY book but the more I think about what I want to do the less I actually get done.
There must be a way! I refuse to believe I cannot get everything I want from my life.