1. Pick up a pen a write down what you consider your lifestyle to be

We need to know what life we want to live to decide a possible life path. Here's what you need to ask yourself:

• What is your current lifestyle? How do you envision your future lifestyle?
• Do you like to be active, or would you prefer staying put?
• Do you like having a consistent schedule, or prefer switching it up?
• Do you have expensive taste?
• Is traveling important to you?
• How hard are you willing to work?
• Are you willing to relocate?

Based on these answers, you're getting to know yourself. You're deciding what future you want. Design your future! Later, you will use these lifestyle characteristics to help you decide what major could help you live out your best life.

2. Flip to the next page. Now list your interests, strengths, and weaknesses

Simple. At this point, we're collecting data about YOU that will come in handy when selecting a career path. What attributes about you are ideal for *said* major? What interests do you have that could be found within a major?

3. Time to start research. Look up a complete list of your college's majors. Look through it, and narrow it down

What majors catch your eye? What sounds interesting to you? Pay attention to only the majors that intrigue you if you value enjoyment. Narrow it down to 5-7 majors. Research the classes that are required for the major and consider your interest in these classes. Do your strengths align with the needs of that particular area of study? If yes, great! Select your top three majors based on your strengths and level of interest.

4. Now we're getting somewhere. Next, complete in-depth research about the three career paths that interest you

Reach out to people who do the job you're considering to have yourself. Shadow them, ask them questions, and consider the pros and cons of becoming a part of that industry. Conveniently, you can find a majority of the information you seek online as well. Here are a few things you should research about a possible career path:

• Frequency and opportunity to travel
• Average pay
• Mobility within a job position and opportunity for promotion
• What a day in the life is like in that field
• Job availability in your geographical region
• What a typical starting position consists of

Research companies within each field you are considering. How will the major you choose and career path you wish for fit with your lifestyle, strengths, and weaknesses? Be honest with yourself.

5. Make a decision, and listen to your heart. Cheesy, yes, but necessary.

Out of your narrowed list, what one career path can you envision yourself in? You have used your intelligence to research and narrow down your possibilities. Now use your heart to decide. Whatever you choose, it should be something you're passionate about. With passion and hard work, you CAN succeed in your field of choice.