In the hustle and bustle of university life, you may feel like transforming into a work-producing machine is a requirement in order to find success. Throwing away everything that defines you in order to fit the mold of what you imagine ‘success’ could bring some short-term benefits, but more than likely it will end with you feeling unsatisfied with your results.
Many people feel that there is a prescribed way of achieving success in life, possibly fueled by societal expectations and what is seen in the media. The images of individuals who spend all day putting their heads in the books and ‘grinding’ for success flood the feeds and minds of many and you may feel like you’re always playing catchup. Hearing your friends talk about their achievements whenever you meet up could also make you question whether you are doing everything you can do in order to make sure that you are as ahead in life. Frustrations loom as you begin to analyze every facet of yourself as you try to rationalize what it is that could be holding you back, but in reality, things aren’t nearly as dire as you imagine.
University is an interesting time. People from all walks of life come together to learn, some knowing exactly what their goal is from the offset and others hoping to learn along the way. With such a diverse range of people, everyone’s paths are bound to head in different directions and it’s hard not to get caught up in someone else’s current while navigating your own. You see stories of success, of people having to “become adults” in order to reach that next step of being a professional. Everywhere you look, the faces of people who look responsible and well put together are featured in posts and articles and you wonder how you could be sharing the same institution as them, especially when you’re starting out. It could feel a bit overwhelming, but focusing on the achievement of others should not be something that you use to compare yourself to. Simon Fraser University provides many options to assist with your personal development, the most important of which is the academic and career advising pages on SFU’s website, along with their services and resources on campus.
The truth to all of this is that success doesn’t have a specific path, but rather, comes from within. Someone else’s footsteps should be a guide, but not guaranteed directions as what works for one person may not work for another. Some people may be able to bear down and study for most hours of the day by themselves, while others may work well in short bursts in a group setting. Others worry about moving out and becoming financially independent or buying their first car, while some have the ability to stay at their family’s place a little longer. Whether you’re working to pay for your studies or working to pay for leisure, all walks of life are equally as valid when it comes to finding yourself on the path to success. That is why you must remember that you are on your own path, and as long as you are doing the best that you can, you will be able to achieve the goals you set out for yourself.
