How did you discover what to do with your life?

Well, as Ikkabod said, it may sound cliche, but at some point you're just going to have to dive in to life. I mean, don't get me wrong, a cautious, well thought out plan is good-- but not at the risk of worrying yourself in to stupefaction. I, like you in some regards, was extremely fond of music growing up to the point of near total consumption of my time. So, I formed a band that was on a decent road to quasi-success. But, the ravages of time and more immediate concerns slowly dissolved our endeavors.At about that same time, I grew utterly fascinated with the US Navy Seals. This now consumed my thoughts. I wanted to test myself to the maximum capacity as well as go far beyond the mediocrity that other people settled for in their lives. So, I went for it.But that too was temporary. I came to the conclusion that the wise Latin adage, carpe diem (seize the day) was the summation of the quest. In other words, don't let time go by, (and it goes by faster each year) wondering what you should do. Do something you enjoy. Nobody says that you have to be pigeon-holed in to one profession for your whole life.But if it still brings fire in to your life, then keep doing it. I've changed career paths a few times. Do I sometimes pine over what could have been in other areas? Sure, I think we all do that to some extent. But at the same time, there is another adage that sounds rather cliche, even though its so true.Life is not a destination, its a journey. Lastly, none of us can tell you what career to choose simply because we aren't you. We all have different things that wake us up in the morning. You are going to have to figure that out for yourself. And you know, my uncle changed degrees and careers more often than most people change their underwear. He eventually found his niche and is very well off and living out a quiet life of contentment.The point is, you aren't unique to this situation. And let me spare you the suspense-- you're gonna falter a few times in your life. You are going to make some bad decisions, and you are going to make some decisions that seem bad but turn out to be a total blessing.If all else fails, read my quote and take a lesson from our 26^th President. If you are going to fail, at least fail while daring greatly.

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"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat." -Theodore Roosevelt

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At about that same time, I grew utterly fascinated with the US Navy Seals.

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Oh man, that's great! I'm very happy for him. And if you don't mind, I'm going to live vicariously through him. That he should start seriously training as of three months ago. Always listen to the Instructors. Don't fluff off on your boat crew. Give your maximum at all times.Most importantly, tell him to take it one day at a time. Scratch that, one evolution at a time. People tend to be overwhelmed the first week when they start getting their butt handed to them on a silver platter. You can't think too far in advance, because it will all seem too daunting. No, I seriously doubt that no more than 4-10 people per class (out of 90-120 to begin with) fail out because of the 50 Meter underwater swim. But, this is what got me. I suffered shallow water blackout, twice, because I was so hypoxic.The Discovery channel ran a special where they followed Class 234 around. I was actually in Class 233, and a large percentage of the guys in 234 were medically rolled from my class into theirs.Edited by nemesis_juggernaut, : No reason given.Edited by nemesis_juggernaut, : No reason given.

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"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat." -Theodore Roosevelt