The YouSchool Podcast

Detailed Overview of Each Intelligence Type:

Each type is discussed with descriptions, academic pursuits, and career paths.

Without realizing it, people want, desire, and pursue goals and ambitions that others pursue first. We are an imitating people, subconsciously reaching for goals not purely because we value them but because of our innate need for approval and acceptance. It’s also how we learn, starting at birth, where we mirror and mimic the faces of others. It’s how we learn to speak and behave.

It’s also the secret that advertisers play on. We aren’t just fed ads about attractive new products; we watch people like us obtain those shiny new objects, and the subsequent joy and implicit fulfillment they receive awakens desire within us. But at some point, we need to stop mimicking the desires of others and discover our own. 

Tune into this week's episode to hear more about discovering your own desires.

You've probably heard the old adage, "Choose a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." Sounds wise, right? But what if I told you that aiming straight for a career that promises you personal happiness might be a misstep?

In today's episode, we're going to dive into why chasing happiness, especially in your career, might not be the golden ticket we've all been told it is.

We spend a lot of time focusing on college admissions and career planning with kids but not much regarding life planning. As a result, they’re unprepared for the type of character and clarity they’ll need to put together the most important aspects of their life, the parts that bring deep meaning, fulfillment, and satisfaction. 

It’s a mistake to plan for your career but not your life.

The best research on talent reveals a truth that, in one part, is common sense staring us in the face: when it comes to long-term success and achievement, talent is NOT as important as effort is. According to Angela Duckworth, a famed author and TED talker, effort is twice as important for achievement as natural talent. 

In other words, people willing to maintain consistent effort with less talent will always beat a talented person unwilling to put the effort in.

“Follow your passion, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” - Every Graduation Speaker Ever.

You’ve heard that advice before, right? Probably given it a couple of times, too, I bet. I know I have. Well, maybe not exactly verbatim, but something along the lines of: now is the time to figure out what you enjoy and what makes you come alive, then find a career path that suits you. Or, I’ve said contrary advice: whatever you do, don’t do something that doesn’t bring your energy or life.

Either way, the message is the same, and yet it’s notoriously difficult to follow.
 

It’s not a helpful thing to say because it adds stress to an already stressful decision process. Not only do you have to pick something that will pay the bills, but you also need to choose a path that won’t lead you to drudgery or destruction.

It’s not helpful advice, but it doesn’t mean it’s untrue. As my son asked me recently, “How do I figure out what I want to do?” He’s asking for help, guidance, and support—not a blanket platitude that actually brings more anxiety than clarity.

That’s where interest discovery comes in—an iterative process to grow in self-awareness.

Tune in to this week's episode...and read the full article available on our website theyouschool.com/blog

If you listen to external voices as your predominant filter for decision-making, research shows you will not only be less fulfilled than you could be but also achieve less than your potential. People who tap into an internal drive are happier and more successful. Full stop.

Listening to people’s input is a healthy exercise. But listening without filtering, considering, mulling over, or reflecting will lead you down the wrong path.
 

So, we return to the question: What do YOU want to do with your life?

Figuring out what you want to do with your life is still the central conundrum of growing up. But most people in advanced years still joke about their own lack of clarity. Most people just shrug their shoulders at the idea and laugh it off.

I don’t think it’s very funny; I think it’s tragic.

I’ve been fascinated for over twenty years now about figuring out how to figure things out. A few days ago, I stumbled upon a pocket of psychological research that got me fired up. It’s the same exhilarated feeling I got when I found a Ken Griffey, Jr. Upper Deck rookie card in 1989 (ikyk). It’s called Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and it’s all about knowing what to want and set your sights on—the process by which we pay attention to the deeper parts of ourselves and learn to live in alignment with our core nature.

I cannot wait to tell you all about it!

Go to theyouschool.com/checklist to download our Thirty Questions Every Kid Must Answer to Build a Meaningful Life