Whether you are unsure about what you want from life or you feel that your path has already been chosen for you and there is nothing you can do about it, finding ways to not only unlock but also embrace your full potential can be a challenge. 

That being said, even if you feel you are struggling right now, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find hope for the future and create both a personal and professional life that you will love. Keep reading to discover how you can embrace life and become the person you want to and know you can be. 

  • Address any mental health issues

An estimated one in five teenagers in the United States currently suffer with a mental health disorder, whether that be depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or ADHD. Furthermore, 14.8% of young adults struggle with at least one substance use disorder. 

In terms of unlocking your full potential, you are never going to be able to do this if you are struggling alone with a mental health or addiction problem, or both. In fact, the majority of people who have a substance abuse problem also have mental health issues. 

Fortunately, you do not have to suffer alone. If you don’t feel like you can talk to your family or your friends, there is psychiatric help for teens that is specifically designed to help young people cope with the pressures of modern day life. 

  • Discover your passion

It can be all too easy to follow the crowd when it comes to deciding what you want to do with your life. Perhaps your parents have expressed a desire for what they want you to do, or maybe you are feeling pressured by your friends to go to a specific college or apply for a particular job. 

However, if you want to be truly happy, you need to make your own choices. Yes, you may make mistakes, and yes, you may regret some of the decisions you make, but that is all part and parcel of growing up and discovering your own path in life.

  • Set yourself goals

Without direction, unlocking your full potential can be a challenge to say the least. Therefore, it can be a good idea to set yourself both short and long-term goals. 

Examples of short-term goals may be to apply for university, write a killer resume, or take an evening class. Whereas examples of long-term goals may be to complete your degree, get your dream job, or start your own business. 

Although you want to ensure your goals are realistic, don’t be afraid to dream big. If you don’t believe in yourself, no-one else will.

  • Surround yourself with positive people

You will be surprised just how draining and detrimental negative people can be to your overall success and happiness. That being said, it can sometimes be difficult to identify negative influences, especially if they have been in your life for some time.

Some warning signs to look out for when it comes to negative people include:

  • Constant pessimism 
  • Complaining 
  • Worrying 
  • A reluctance to go outside their comfort zone 
  • Leaving you feeling emotionally and physically drained 
  • Overly sensitive to criticism

Instead, focus on surrounding yourself with open, honest, and supportive individuals who are happy to help you reach your full potential.