Answer 10 Questions and Discover Your Future

culled from:collegeboard.org

Your big future begins with you — it’s your journey. Asking yourself questions can help you figure out who you are and where you want to go.

What are some things you feel you do well?

Think about the talents you already know you have, and ask friends and family what they think you’re good at. You might be surprised by what they say.

 

What challenges you?

The things that challenge you might be opportunities to improve and move toward your goals — and they might suggest areas of study and work that will keep you interested long into the future.

What do you like to do for fun?

Think about the reasons you enjoy your favorite activities, the things they have in common and the strengths they bring out in you.

Who do you look up to?

The people you admire — whether they’re celebrities, historical figures or people you know personally — can tell you something about who you are and what you value. Consider what it is about them you like and whether those qualities are worth reaching for.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to try?

Consider your reasons for wanting to do this — and why it is you haven’t done this yet. Do you find it exciting? What do you expect to get out of it?

 

What accomplishment has made you most proud?

Your answer might have nothing to do with a hard-won A or a trophy — it might be the time you stuck up for someone who needed your help. What you’re proud of can help you see what matters most to you.

 

What’s your favorite class?

Don’t limit yourself to the subjects that come easiest to you. Think about which classes make you lose track of time. Is it the teacher or the subject matter that holds your interest?

 

What do you read about in your free time?

The kinds of stories you follow in the news, your favorite books and websites — these can help you figure out what really makes you curious.

 

If you could do any job for a day, what would it be?

Think about which careers you want to try on. What is it about them you find so appealing? What would you change to make them fit you better?

 

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Even if your childhood dreams seem silly now, remembering them may show you what’s always been important to you.

 

What now?

Keep asking yourself questions like these and you’ll make important discoveries about who you are. Stay open to the places and interests they lead to. For more self-discovery exercises, read