We just got an e-mail from one of our readers, a young woman who graduated from college in December. Although she was always a successful, goal-oriented student—she graduated magna cum laude—right now she’s working as a server at a country club. She wrote, “Even though I’m not where I thought I would be at this point in my life, I am so much happier. I’m not stuck to a plan I don’t love just because it’s better than not having one at all.” She’s planning to go to graduate school in the future but she says, “I’m learning to accept the fact that it’s okay to change my mind if I feel things aren’t working out.”

We were amazed by this young woman’s wisdom and courage. When we look around us, we see countless people who would rather stay stuck forever than accept that something just isn’t working for them. And it seems especially hard for young people in today’s competitive world to follow their own hearts. So many students and recent graduates live lives based on other people’s expectations. But if you live what you love, you’ve learned this one thing: there’s no manual or book of rules telling you what you should be doing.

4 Reminders for Recent Graduates

1) Each of us craves different experiences and those desires change and evolve continually. It’s essential to remain flexible and be open to new ideas.

2) Remember to re-evaluate how things are working on a regular basis. Just because you’re doing what you always thought you wanted to do, or what someone else told you to do, doesn’t mean it’s actually right for you.

3) When you embrace a Live What You Love attitude, you know that you can make decisions that are based on your own needs and experiences—not on other people’s expectations.

4) Remember to trust your instincts! They will rarely steer you wrong. ]]> http://livewhatyoulove.com/2008/05/19/just-graduated-how-not-to-get-stuck/feed/ 1