The Fear of the Future Is Heavy (But Normal)

Thinking about the future can feel like standing in front of a giant fog. Everyone keeps asking what you want to do, who you want to be, what career you’ll choose — as if you should already know. But how can you know when you’re still discovering who you are?

Future anxiety often comes from one belief: “If I make one wrong decision now, everything will collapse.” This belief is false — but it feels real because school systems and society exaggerate the importance of early decisions.

Most successful adults changed paths multiple times. Your first choice is not your final destiny. It’s just a starting point.

Feeling unsure doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you’re thoughtful. It means you care about your life. It means you want meaning, not just achievement.

Treat the future like a journey, not a test. You don’t need a full map — you just need the next step.