Graduation Cap Image by Ben
It’s been bothering me as a dad that my daughter, who is going to college and has for a few years now, doesn’t really know what she wants to do with herself after graduating. As a technically minded guy and a father, I am naturally drawn to wanting to help her solve problems. I have learned the value of just listening and being a therapeutic ear, but that’s not enough I feel in this case.
I read the book, “Managing Oneself” by Peter F. Drucker from the Harvard Business Review Press (February 28, 2017) where the author asks the questions. What are my strengths? How do I perform? What are my values? What can you do that will make you feel like your contribution is making an impact? What results have to be achieved to make a difference within the next 18 months? Exploring what we are good at, what we feel passionate about, what is important to us and what motivates us every day should very much be a part of what helps us decide what it is that we want to do.
My next father and daughter date night, I would like to explore these thoughts with her. My hope isn’t to solve this for her that evening but plant the seed in her mind that will hopefully take root and grow the occupation that she feels she was born to take on. This is important to add, I am not trying to influence her in any way, I don’t want to decide for her, she needs to come to this conclusion on her own. I am simply trying to guide her in the direction that will help her reach the conclusion and the final outcome that will bring her joy, fulfillment, and pleasure in life for many years to come.
Here is to your future college bound little ones growth to a happy and fulfilling future.