© Derek Schoffstall 2013.
Dear Derek, So for the past couple of years I have changed my mind about what I want to do with my life. I am not asking what I should do, but how do I know for sure that what I choose is what I want to do? It seems like every few months I get really into what I want to do, and then I start to question that choice. I am starting to become afraid that I will never know what I want to do with my life. What can I do to make sure I know what is right for me? - - JCA
Dear JCA, Do not let your fear stop you from questioning what you want to do with your life. For a long time, before my undergraduate studies, I attended a school that taught a classical education. We could argue for a long time about the advantages and disadvantages of the paradigm of the classical education system, but one thing I did learn from my time there: the Socratic method.
the Socratic method: disciplined questioning that can be used to pursue thought in many directions and for many purposes, including: to explore complex ideas, to get to the truth of things, to open up issues and problems, to uncover assumptions, to analyze concepts, to distinguish what we know from what we don't know, to follow out logical implications of thought, or to control the discussion.
Although not usually called this, questioning is part of everyone's lives. People want to know everything from "what is truth?" to "what should I do with my life in the future?". As time goes on, and people become more mature, they continue to ask more and more questions, refining their worldviews and beliefs. This is what I think you are in the middle of right now.
Questioning what you want to do, and changing your mind is absolutely normal and healthy. Do not be discouraged that you do not know what your future holds yet. These things take time, and should not be rushed. As to how you can make sure what major or job is right for you...well I can not answer that for you. There is no formula to life. Decisions should come from a mix of prayer and trial and error. If we are open to it, God can lead us down roads that we would never take on our own.
So, although I have not been able to tell you exactly how you can know what is right for you, I hope that I have pushed you in the right direction. Keep questioning. Pray. Also, seek the advice of those around you who know you well. They may be able to push you in the direction that you need.