It always worried me, as a child, that I had not the slightest clue as to what I wanted to be/do when I grew up. Indeed, I absolutely hated anyone ever asking me that question. I think I found the prospect of growing-up, or being an adult, rather terrifying. Neither could I see around me many examples of the benefits of being an adult, it looked damned hard-work to me, full of responsibilities and woes. As a consequence of not 'facing-up to the future' I've tended to drift willy-nilly through life, always taking the line of least resistance, staying where I felt comfortable, or moving-on, when i did not. I've been luckier than I deserved, but that's exactly what it was - sheer luck and nowt else!
I believe that children should be shown/taught how to construct 'life-plans' ....breaking-down, into easy steps, all that they need to do in order to achieve a desired success. It doesn't matter that at some stage you may change your mind; as being 'on a plan' means that you are better able to 'switch plans' ....the importance, is the plan itself, and your adherence to it. Even if you wish to do other things between times, the plan is merely temporarily held in abeyance, until your return etc. Thus you have direction in life, via a process of steps; each step broken down into even smaller 'parcels' of things to do, and how to achieve them. It sounds daunting, but it is actually the reverse; it makes life a whole lot easier. More than most, I see the importance of such direction, having had little of it myself. However, I think it is a valuable asset to anyone.....something that can be continued throughout life. And, if like me, you don't have the first clue as what you want to do; then you plan for the best 'general position' of education/work/experience' according to your natural assets and inclinations, to befit you once you do discover a course to follow. Just waiting around, for something to drop from the sky, and trusting to luck, is seldom a good idea......and even if it works-out fine doing it that way; it doesn't offer much towards a sense of achievement.
Sorry if I've lowered the spirit of the thing
- but I really believe that most things are indeed possible, when you have direction. So, it best to be like Baldric, and have a 'cunning plan'! By the way, has anyone seen my turnip...?