Sail off without a Map

We worry too much about our careers as freshers. We end up developing skills in overthinking if what we’re doing right now will work out later or not. Some of us get anxious and start doubting the decisions we take in our respective fields. Being a young adult and taking big steps that no school carefully prepared us for leave us worrying and overly conscious about the future. But what if we decide or choose to not believe it? Because we lose ourselves in the middle of capitalized society and rat race with the utmost competition.

What if instead, we choose to take it as an exciting event and see what happens. For example, we take our decisions as a stimulation rather than a lack of an alternative. New beginnings are always exciting, so “sail off without a map” what does it really mean?

It was the year 1519 when Ferdinand Magellan of Spain, decided to take off with 260 men on a boat to explore what lay ahead in the unknown. He became a successful explorer who entered the region of the pacific ocean, which was named by him because it seemed “peaceful” and “calm”. Back then there were no paper maps, there were no google maps or live locations. So, he literally sailed off without a map. It led to discoveries of several other Asian countries, a major highlight in world history. Many explorers went on to navigate pathways and discovered one thing or the other along the way. This blog started with how many of us are anxious about the future or being clueless about our future in careers, but that’s the beauty of it.

We do not need to know about the future too much, yes it is great to plan things and aim high but we do not need to worry about the future insanely.

Living in the present, stepping into the unknown, is an adventure, and a pathway to create new ideas, a foundation of something new that you might learn and understand or even discover something new. It’s a way to explore your creativity or figure out the answers you’re looking for. Here are some factors that reflect the quote clearly:

1. Discover yourself

What’s an adventure without immersing yourself in new surroundings and being surprised to find out what you might be truly skilled at, or gaining a newfound experience?

2. Making decisions

It has occurred to me that the longer you hesitate, the less confident you’ll feel. So by now make up your mind no matter how difficult it seems and confidently select a decision.

3. Being driven by your motivation

Seize the opportunities that come your way. Believing that you’re capable and responsible to handle your tasks broadens your mind.

4. Purpose and Achievement

Goals, visions, and missions. Have a simple and clear sight of it. Setting a purpose makes the person confident to handle things that come along the way.

5. Wishful thinking

Managing the time, events, relationships, work, and everything else that comes along with it. Going by keeping realistic goals and setting the timing for everything helps immensely.

6. Facing outrageous situations

Whether it’s an unthinkable letdown or any illogical decision taken by someone, it is something that will truly help you in preparing and adjusting to how work-life works.

7. Constructive Criticism

It is likely that one will face some sort of criticism at least once in their lifetime. Constructive criticism is criticism that is taken in a positive aspect that can help one improve. It results in the betterment and can be quite encouraging.

8. It’s never too late

Lastly, it’s never too late. As cliche as it sounds, and the way it has been overly used everywhere, it is absolutely true. As good as it is to make a “heart’’ decision, other factors such as finance, etc can lead to constrained decisions with pressure. But it is never too late to follow what you really want to do. And it’s never too late to give new things a try or a second chance of pursuing your dream career. What we find at the end of the road may not always be ideal, but the footsteps that were carved along the way. An experience that will lead to better things, a worthwhile piece of an “artwork” that you created to remember.

It’s compelling to wander aimlessly every once in a while. From time to time, it would be thrilling to sail off without a map.