One of my young employees told me yesterday that he’s not sure he wants to be a martial arts instructor when he gets older because he feels a pull towards science.
“…You’re 14,” I told him.
And then proceed to say something along the lines of: Of course you’re not sure what you want to do when you grow up. To think you should know what you want to do for a living at 14 is crazy. And anyone who tells you or makes you think you should know that by 14 is crazy.
…Lean into your interests. If you feel a pull, follow up. But, keep your doors open. You just don’t know how things will play out… the key, I think, is to just keep on playing.
And this is advice that I think is as true at 35 as it is at 14 as it is at 44 as it is at 76.
We aren’t carved from rocks. We’re constantly flowing as a river.
I’ve been surprising myself lately with my sudden interest in music—something I’ve never really been drawn to… and I’m 35. My current plan is to play around with it and see how it plays out.
…Advice I’d pass along to you if you’re feeling any sudden pulls in life, too.