Lesson 3: Seek guidance but trust yourself

When we’re teenagers, the world can feel like one giant maze, full of confusing paths, dead-ends, and occasional shortcuts. In this stage of our lives, we’re surrounded by advice – from parents, teachers, friends, and that one YouTuber who insists they’ve unlocked the secret to life at 21. It’s all there, flooding in like an endless wave. The question is: when do you listen, and when do you follow your own voice?

Growing up, I was always told, “Learn from others’ mistakes so you don’t make them yourself.” And it’s true; guidance is gold. When I first started my ventures – be it coding projects, setting up a nonprofit, or trying to build something out of nothing – I leaned heavily on advice. I read articles, watched tutorials, asked questions, and absorbed what everyone had to say. It was comforting, knowing that someone else had already walked the path and could point out the potholes and bumps along the way.

But here’s the catch: the path someone else walks isn’t exactly yours. No matter how valuable their insights might be, they aren’t looking through your eyes. I remember a moment that cemented this lesson for me. 

I learned this firsthand when I set out to organize a hackathon. Overflowing with ideas, I reached out to mentors, peers, and professionals, hoping their insights would light the path. Their advice was helpful, but not all feedback aligned, leaving me more confused than confident.

I wanted this event to be exceptional, to resonate with young innovators like me. But after countless emails, meetings, and moments of self-doubt, things didn't pan out as I hoped. The hackathon I envisioned didn’t come to life – not because of a lack of trying, but because I lost sight of one crucial element: trusting myself.

This experience taught me a powerful lesson: while seeking guidance is important, over-relying on external opinions can blur your vision. Your voice, your instincts – they matter. You need to be the captain steering your own ship. Guidance should inform your path, not determine it.

It’s natural to reach out for advice when you're navigating uncharted waters. But remember, no one knows your dream the way you do. Taking advice is smart, but blending it with your own judgment is wiser. I discovered that even if plans don't work out, the journey itself teaches resilience and the art of trusting your gut.

So, the next time you’re chasing a goal, seek guidance, yes. But don’t forget to trust the one person who’s been with you every step of the way – yourself.