Hopefully, after reading Tuesday’s blog post, you were able to better define the core values in your life and identify what is most important to you. Now, let’s continue on in understanding God’s plan for your life through your passions and desires. Think of your passions as the GPS guiding you through the twists and turns of the journey into college. Let’s dive into another exercise from Dennis Stemmle’s book, ‘Purpose, Passion, and College: How to Choose the Right College, Major, and Dream Career!’ and see if we can even connect them to your future dream job.
Exercise 2: Mind Mapping
Mind maps are a brainstorming tool that helps us gain clarity by getting ideas down on a paper without the normal filtering process we tend to place on ourselves when thinking about potential future careers. So remove that filter and allow yourself to create a free association of words, one right after another.
For your starting point, think of a word that resonates with what your dream job would look or sound like. Let’s say you’re all about that outdoor life – your central word? “Outside.” Now, let your mind wander and jot down related words like “Travel,” “Beach,” and “Boating.” As your map grows, throw in more branches with specific interests or skills. So, under “Travel,” you might branch out to “Resorts,” “Mountains,” and “Tropical Island.” Connect the words with lines, showing how everything links up. Before you know it, you’ve got a visual roadmap of where your passions lead!
This mind map isn’t just about picking a major – it’s about setting the stage for a college journey that screams “you.” Let your passions be the decision-makers. Every move you make is a step towards your future. Uncover those passions, let them shape your choices, and don’t shy away from changing your path. You can always make a new map.
So, grab a pen, map out your passions, and let them guide your way to finding a college major.