There comes a point in almost every young person's life when it feels as though a decision has the power to shape everything that comes afterwards. It might be choosing GCSE subjects, deciding whether to go to university, applying for an apprenticeship, accepting a first job, changing careers, or simply deciding what to do next when the original plan no longer feels right. Whatever the situation, the pressure can feel overwhelming because we often believe we should somehow kn

If there is one thing I have noticed through both my own experiences and the conversations I have had with the young people I mentor, it is just how easy it has become to measure ourselves against everyone around us. Comparison is something that almost all of us experience at some point, yet it rarely makes us feel more motivated or more fulfilled. Instead, it often leaves us questioning whether we are doing enough, achieving enough or moving quickly enough through life. It h

One of the most common things I hear from students and young professionals is, "I wish I had more confidence." Sometimes they are talking about speaking up in meetings or seminars. Sometimes they are worried about interviews, presentations or meeting new people. At other times, the lack of confidence runs much deeper and influences the way they see themselves, the opportunities they pursue and the decisions they make about their future. What has always struck me is that peopl

One of the things I wish I had understood earlier in life is that there is no such thing as a perfect career path. When I was younger, I believed that successful people had somehow managed to work everything out in advance. I imagined they had chosen the right subjects at school, selected the correct university course, secured the ideal graduate role and then progressed steadily from one achievement to the next. Looking back, I realise that this belief was probably shaped by

Throughout much of my education, I believed that success was largely determined by academic achievement. Like many young people, I assumed that if I worked hard, achieved good grades and followed the path that had been laid out in front of me, everything else would naturally fall into place. To some extent, that belief was helpful. Working hard, taking pride in your education and striving to do your best are all valuable qualities. However, as I progressed through university,

There seems to be an unspoken expectation that by the time we reach our late teens or early twenties, we should have a clear plan for our future. What university should you attend? What career do you want? Where do you see yourself in five years? What are your long-term goals? These questions are often asked with good intentions. But for many young people, they can create a huge amount of pressure. The reality is that most people do not have everything figured out. In fact, m