Dr. Leahcim Semaj
Psychologist | Author | Social Philosopher | Spiritual Guide | Management Consultant
When I ask groups of people this question, their responses typically follow a familiar pattern. Most answers are shaped by personal experiences and aspirations formed in childhood. Many people name specific job titles such as “teacher,” “nurse,” “pilot,” “engineer,” or “doctor.” Others describe roles in more visual terms, like “a job where I wear a white shirt and a pretty tie” or “a policeman riding a fast bike.” However, when the discussion shifts to their actual careers in adulthood, there is often very little overlap between their childhood dreams and their present reality. A closer look suggests that career outcomes are frequently influenced more by a series of random events than by intentional decision-making and conscious preparation.
Who Controls Your Destiny?
As individuals develop their sense of self, their locus of control—whether they perceive their lives as governed by internal or external forces—is established early. Unfortunately, many Jamaicans are socialized to believe that life events are primarily dictated by external forces beyond their control. This is reflected in common expressions like “Whey yuh can do fi mi?” and “Nutten naah gwaan fi mi.” Such beliefs perpetuate a mindset of dependency rather than self-determination.
Conversely, those who internalize the belief that “I can make my own breaks; I can become what I aspire to be” embark on their journey of self-determination and self-actualization early. What may have begun as a childhood fantasy, sparked by a chance experience, transforms into a tangible goal. They actively seek information, utilizing resources like newspapers, the internet, school libraries, and the National Library Service. They engage with professionals in their fields of interest, join relevant clubs, and participate in activities that provide exposure and preparation for their chosen careers. The most crucial resources in this journey are not financial but rather personal attributes: curiosity, drive, and determination.
The Power of Focus
This sense of purpose significantly influences subject selection in school, extracurricular activities, and career planning. No aspiring biochemist needs to be told twice to complete their homework; they understand that failure is not an option. When there is a clear goal, academic work and assignments are no longer seen as chores but as necessary steps toward the future they are shaping. Career success then becomes a matter of intentional design rather than a series of accidents. I know of one young woman who aspired to be an astronaut. Rather than dismissing her dream, her father encouraged her. Today, she is an astrophysicist—a testament to the power of encouragement and focused effort.
The Consequences of Aimlessness
For those who believe that external forces dictate their fate, life often unfolds in a state of entropy, moving from organized potential to disorganized stagnation. Their subject choices in school are random, effort in class is minimal, and academic deficits compound over time. Instead of taking responsibility, they attribute success to luck and failure to external factors—blaming teachers, circumstances, or the system.
Yet, even schools with poor academic records manage to produce students who excel. These students face the same teachers, facilities, and economic challenges, yet they succeed because they set goals and take charge of their future. The difference is their mindset and commitment to personal growth.
This lack of focus often extends into the workforce. Some job seekers send out applications stating, “I hereby apply for any position that suits my qualifications.” Others, when asked about their skills, respond with, “Any little thing.” Such aimlessness results in limited opportunities and an inability to carve out a meaningful career path.
Taking Control of Your Future
Many adults reading this may see themselves reflected in these descriptions. If you are not yet motivated to take control of your career, at the very least, ensure that you guide and encourage the next generation to do so. Engage your children in conversations about their aspirations and encourage them to take proactive steps toward achieving their dreams. Equip them with the mindset that success is not a matter of chance but of choice and effort.
Relying on politicians or external forces to bring job opportunities into communities is not a sustainable strategy. Those who succeed—whether in music, business, or any other field—go where the opportunities are and create pathways for themselves. It is time we all adopt that mindset and take charge of our own destinies.
References and Additional Reading:
- Bandura, A. (1986). Social Foundations of Thought and Action: A Social Cognitive Theory. Prentice-Hall.
- Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
- Rotter, J. B. (1966). “Generalized expectancies for internal versus external control of reinforcement.” Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 80(1), 1-28.
- Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner.
- Gladwell, M. (2008). Outliers: The Story of Success. Little, Brown & Company.
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