We all want that dream career, the one that will allow us to pursue our passions to the fullest and make the difference we so desire to see in the world.

When we think we have found this job, we dive in head first and give it our all.

Sometimes things don't go the way we expected and we find what we thought we wanted is not really what we wanted at all. I recently went through an experience like this.

When it happens, you feel like you have been hit with a ton of bricks. You want to run and hide. It is a hard thing to admit that the choice you made was not the right one … and no one likes to be wrong.

However, I believe this is the wrong way to look at the situation, especially when you are young with a life full of possibility ahead of you like me. Instead, I say you must embrace it; own the situation. Study the lessons presented and then apply this knowledge usefully in the rest of your journey.

You see, I recently realized I need more. I have an incredible desire to use my knowledge and abilities to help others. To do any less would be denying who I truly am. In order to do this, though, I had to make some difficult decisions. Some people have questioned these decisions but in my heart I know they are best for me and what I know is my purpose in life.

The biggest take-away from any experience like this, I have learned, is you have to do what is right for YOU and no one else. Only you truly know your heart’s desire. Like I’ve said in earlier blog posts (found here and here), it takes drive, initiative, sound goals and planning to make things happen in life. However, all this planning does not guarantee a road free of potholes, road blocks or detours along the way.

When encountered with adversity I find it worthwhile to remember these lyrics from the ancient Roman poet, Horace:

These lessons in adversity help us to more clearly define and hone what our goals are. In the end, the unforeseen benefits allow us to more fully and effectively achieve our intended purpose and the goals we have set for ourselves.