College Prep: Is it All it's Cracked Up to Be?

There are different levels of commitment to college preparation and different things you can do. For example, you can go to a college prep school. Or if you don't want to take it that far, you can go to a public high school and take college prep classes or even a community college and take college prep courses. Regardless, in most cases the preparation is a mismatch between student and desired outcome.

The problem occurs when the student does not know herself / himself well enough and poorly matches interests, talents, abilities, and gifts with career or desired outcome. And even here we're just touching the tip of the ice burg, but the problem often lies not with the student but the school, for the proper techniques are rarely utilized and depth of understanding needed for success rarely achieved. Nevertheless, once the above has been accomplished, then the student must look closely at character and the flaws that will surely hold her / him back, for we all have them in varying degrees. But the mismatch spoken of here is of greater consequence now than at any time in history, for with cost of living at an all time high (people averaging $10,000 in credit card debt) and the savings rate at an all time low it is critical to optimize one's income potential. One can't afford to waste time on archaic and ineffective techniques and ideas that have had their time.

And if you go after the wrong career you will in all likelihood change careers or live in quiet misery, for work takes up one third of our time on this earth and if you're not doing something you love it's nearly impossible to get up every day, month after month, year after year after year, and do your best. Just think of that class you had that lasted just a few months that bored the pants off you, and I think you'll see what I mean. So you need to find that career that is right for you; the career that will get you up and moving with energy and focus every day.

But how is this done?

Well, it's certainly not done by merely prepping for college without thoroughly knowing one's self. Doing so is like sitting down to a math test without studying. What do you know? In most cases, people choose careers because of influence from family, friends, or society. The majority of people do what others have told them to do while never thinking to verify the depth of truth or validity of what's they're told. They may be chasing someone else's dream or looking to financial security or prestige with little consideration of what they really want: "I've heard you can make good money as an engineer. My dad's one." "Lawyers get a lot of respect." "Doctors live the prestigious life, don't they?" and so on. Not a way to plan for what you'll be doing with one third of your life. Believe me, if you're not cut out for a particular career, it will catch up with you and in the end the majority end up wasting lots of time and money.

Point of note, within five to ten years 70% of college grads no longer work in a field related to their major. The reasons are many, but those who know themselves stick to a chosen career path and learn to nurture it without veering. How's this done? Well, certainly by knowing oneself but there are also certain success principles that must be in place that are rarely if ever taught at school. It takes a lot of courage and fortitude to "do the right thing."

What does this all tell you? Most formal educations are missing quite a bit. In my book Education: A Waste of Time? I estimate that about 80% of what is needed to be successful in life and career is never taught in school or picked up at home. Why do you think the self-help industry is so huge? And why do the majority come to it in their late twenties? It's about that time that people begin to realize that something big is missing in their lives. All the above I've mentioned and more.

So if you want to get a head start on success in life, never mind career, you need to get to know you. Sounds odd, but that's what coaches do. You've spent many years listening to what others have to tell you is best for you by listening to career counselors and taking career placement tests and such, but it's about time to listen to that person who knows best what's for you even if that person hasn't learned how to do so. Yes, that person is you. And through success, career, and mentor coaching you will discover within you all you need to know to pick that career you'll love as well as work on you to amend any serious character flaws that can and will sabotage success quicker than you can say the word itself. You'll also learn critical success skills like how to work well with others; how to do more than your asked; honesty and sincerity and how they'll help you build success from the inside out; how all success begins within by learning how to give to others first; and so much more.

So if you're ready, now is the time to get your life in order.

Here's to your success!