Will You Follow YOUR Inner Voice?

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” -- Steve Jobs


The life that is right for us will have no shortage of features that identify it as such. While we may not always be able to see these features clearly or logically, it is almost always something we can feel. What this means for every single one of us is that we need to take the time to step back and really evaluate if what we are doing is just what seems to fit the mold of "correct," or actually brings us happiness, joy and the sense that we are doing something important.

We are told from a young age exactly what is considered successful in the area we live in, school we attend or company we later work for. It is generally a combination of salary and prestige, as well as how we dress, act, speak or other social cues which define our lives. The problem here is that this may have NOTHING to do with our own personality, ability, desire or passions. While these expectations are generally conveyed with the best intentions, what they can really do is influence us to spend years or decades of our lives living up to someone else's ideals. The greatest irony here is that by not following our own passions, we are less likely to actually achieve the goals that are expected, such as making a certain amount of money.

It is important to take good advice when it is presented to us, and everybody needs at least a little help in finding their ideal direction. But all of this needs to pass through our own filters that actually let us know what will enable us to wake up happy and excited to face life’s challenges. Sometimes that means taking the path less traveled, and that means having to evaluate what risks are really involved. More often than not the real risk is in doing what we think is expected of us, as opposed to what our one true zone is telling us we really want to do. Doing what is expected, without analyzing what it actually means for our own happiness and well being, can result in locking ourselves in a life from which it becomes exceedingly difficult to turn around.

Finding our own voice isn’t easy, it can be hard to stand up to loved ones or mentors and explain that what is right for us may not be what was right for them. However, I think the answers you get may surprise you! If Steve Jobs is an example to live by, the reward can be your own happiness and success.

Here are our responses to the concerns posted on Face Book.

What if I don’t get into the college of my choice?
We understand that a great amount of emphasis is put on the idea that the college you choose will determine so much of the rest of your life and chances for success. The truth is that there is more than one college which can satisfy your academic goals and where you can thrive and be happy. The majority of students find that they are happy in the college they end up attending. However, if you truly feel you belong somewhere else, keep in mind that it is possible to transfer. We believe in the famous saying: “Accept the things you cannot change, have courage in the things you can and use wisdom to know the difference.”

At this late stage in senior year, there are few things you can do to change where your acceptances are coming from. So what can you do? LET IT GO. However, if you are on a waiting list or have not yet heard from your top choice school, you can still maximize your chance for acceptance by notifying the admissions office of any new achievements, honors, awards or great grades you may have received. Whatever school you get into and choose will likely be what is right for you. It will be the place that is the match for your goals and pursuits, where you will fit in and through dedication, hard but smart work and self motivation you will find how to tailor your experiences to back up your passion.

The end goal is the ideal career and a fulfilling life; these are the key ingredients to attaining that end.

How do I choose the right major?
Choosing your college major is a huge decision, but you will not be expected to make that decision until the end of sophomore year. This decision does not define your life, it merely allows you to hone in on specific field. If you are able to make that decision earlier, you give yourself a head start in finding internships, mentors, training and a career.

Consider our workshop or one like ours this summer to help give yourself that head start, to find what CAREER fits YOU. Check out the website, oneTRUEzone.com and read or download our white paper called “Career Choices for High School Seniors”. These resources are all about helping you.

How do I keep my old friends and keep in touch with them?
We are sure you have heard the saying, “What is meant to be, will be.” It is true. This will be a time of great transitions; however the mark of a true friendship is one that will allow both parties to grow separately without growing apart.

In this current world of social media, it is easier than ever to stay connected and if that is what is meant to happen, it will. Keep in mind that when one door closes another one ALWAYS opens. Don’t let your fear keep you from welcoming those new opportunities and friends. It may be hard to imagine, but these things ALWAYS work out the way they are meant to.

What if I don’t like my roommate?
This is one of the biggest concerns for everyone. Regarding roommates, one of two things is likely to happen. 1.) You and your roommate will become great friends for life, or 2.) You will spend a lot of time with the other friends you make and will then change roommates after the first semester. The key is to stay positive and optimistic. In the end all it will truly amount to is a conversation to reflect back on.

College is going to be so much harder than high school. How do I manage the workload?
Allow yourself time to adjust; it is a huge transitional period. You will find a groove that works for you as you get the lay of the land. Be patient with yourself. It always comes together, really, truly, it does. Talk to your professors, they will work with you and when you find the classes you are passionate about and enjoy, they will likely be easy. Also….don’t forget to find balance between your work and play. If you do not take down time you will burn out. Both are VERY important.

Feel free to contact us at oneTRUEzone.com for suggestions through the year. We are here to be a regular resource for your questions and concerns. We are working on a live chat, webinars and forums, so stay tuned.

How can I keep from getting homesick?
How you deal with this will depend on you and how you feel when you get to college. You know yourself better than anyone. We are in a world of social media. There is Skype, there is IM-ing through e-mail, cell phones and texting; the options are endless. You can decorate your room with family pictures or put them on your laptop. You may want to go incognito and lay low for a while until you feel in sync. Another coping mechanism is to get involved with the many clubs and activities available on campus. It will all be fine in no time! We do suggest making a time to check in; even if you feel like being incognito, let your parents know you are still alive. They will feel better and believe it or not, that connection (even if it’s just an e-mail or text) will actually be comforting to you also.

What happens after graduation?
This is our specialty; it’s why we’re here! The great thing is that if you are reading this, it means you’re already thinking about what happens after college and maybe even doing some research as to where you want to take your life. Discovering YOUR ideal career and how to land it is not an easy task, but one of the most rewarding when you reach your destination. Check out the resources on our website oneTRUEzone.com and consider our summer workshop. We are here to make those decisions easier; helping you discover yourself is our mission.

What about paying for college?
Take advantage of the expertise offered by your college financial aid office. They are there specifically to address your financial concerns. One of the biggest things you can do to make this easier is to determine your career fit and major early on. This will help you avoid the additional expense of a 5th or 6th year of college often brought on by changes in major. Use our tools for personal and self-exploration to help you answer these questions. If you are driven by passion for what you are doing, the rest just falls into place, and yes, that goes for the finances also.


Remember you are not alone with your concerns. OneTRUEzone exists for the specific purpose of helping you through these challenging issues both now and as you go forward into your college years. We actually listen to your concerns and are committed to helping you address them. We encourage you to continue to visit our website and facebook page and take advantage of the resources we already have in place to help you. Rest assured that we are in the process of providing even greater resources for you such as on line chats, webinars and more!