As a young adult, we find ourselves with too much to do in too little time. Some of this is our own doing. We overestimate our ability to handle too much, and as a result, we put too much on our plate.
While I think that it is important to try new things and put yourself out there, it is also important to be mindful of yourself and what is best for you. One suggestion I was recently told was to stagger your responsibilities.
For example, I have a friend who is determined to try one new club or opportunity each semester she is at Pepperdine. I recognize that this technique may not be for everyone, but the benefits this has can’t be ignored. She is able to try something new and this will ensure that she finds her niche. The more she explores, the more likely she is to find what she loves.
But it is so important that we don’t feel the need to try it all at once. For me, I constantly feel like I have to figure out what I’m doing with my life as soon as possible. I want to establish myself in college in my extracurriculars and beyond.
But I’m here to tell you to take your time.
You shouldn’t feel pressured to throw yourself into everything at once. If anything, this will create stress and confusion and turn you away from opportunities you could have been putting your full effort into. Try something new every once in awhile, and if it sticks, great. If not, that’s OK.
A few nights ago I spoke to my mom on the phone. Through tears, I told her that I felt like I had too much going on with no time to accomplish it all. She reminded me of something that has stuck with me for many years: we make time for what we care for.
If you find yourself putting off doing something because you just don’t enjoy it, then don’t do it. Of course, there are some exceptions to this. In college especially, we are placed in courses with work we don’t often want to do. But we’re making time for school because we care about our education. That’s the difference.
I suppose that the point of this article is to remind you that it’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out. It’s healthy to try new things and create new experiences, but that doesn’t mean you should pile your plate too high. Take your time, and create time for what is important you.
Call your mom. Finish that assignment. Most importantly, do what makes you happy.
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