What does the (Word) "Future" Hold?

GREIN & ÞÝÐING ARTICLE & TRANSLATION Jónína Kárdal Náms- og starfsráðgjafi við Háskóla Íslands Career and guidance counsellor at the University of Iceland

What Does the (Word) “Future” Hold?

Sometimes we don’t see what is right in front of us when we contemplate the future. In fact, the word itself contains some pearls of wisdom, if you know how to look (check out the first letter of each heading below). Here are one career and guidance counsellor’s contemplations on the topic in the hopes that students find them entertaining and maybe even helpful when dreaming of their own futures.

TAKE INITIATIVE AND BE A LEADER The first step towards a solution is to take initiative and be unafraid to meet the future with the knowledge, skills, and aptitudes that we possess. Taking initiative means taking on the role of leader (in any circumstances) and dealing with new demands and changing circumstances.

HONE YOUR ANALYTICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS Higher education purposefully trains students to learn and use analytical thinking skills and be critical when facing problems or challenges. These are important skills to have when searching for solutions to future projects.

ENDEAVOR TO BE AMBITIOUS Ambition fuels our goals and is characterized by enthusiasm and interest. We have ambition to reach these goals and strive in both words and actions to do so.

FOSTER DISCIPLINE Self-discipline is necessary when taking on various challenges we might face. Self-discipline means choosing what will help you meet your long-term goals over that which provides short-term pleasure.

URGE YOURSELF TO DREAM We all have dreams for the future, some dating back to childhood and others having formed later in life. Dreams are motivating. It’s good to let yourself dream – to allow your thoughts to wander and imagine the future. Dreams can help us set goals and give us the power to take action and pursue them. What are your dreams for the future?

TACKLE YOUR WORK WITH DILIGENCE This word is often mentioned in connection with “ambition”, and the two concepts are closely connected. Diligence means not stopping until your work is finished. If we add the word “time” to the equation, then you could say that an individual who has the ambition to finish an academic degree demonstrates diligence throughout that process. Their dream of graduating from university will then become reality.

UPHOLD EDUCATION AS A KEY TO THE FUTURE Access to education and a selection of diverse educational opportunities are essential to all societies and their advancement. The Universty of Iceland strives to offer an outstanding education that meets international quality standards. Access to world-class scientists and participation in scientific research and innovation hold great value for the future.

REACH FOR INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS In today’s world, it’s important to build a future founded on knowledge, skills, applied scientific knowledge, and innovation. The research and pursuit of knowledge that students undertake in their academic studies encourage creative problem solving, which is a good foundation for innovation. Developing a mindset around growth and innovation is important for taking on the challenges of the future!

EXIST IN THE PRESENT In words, poetry, and music, many people have tried to figure out time. The fact is that time is limited, according to our calendar, to 365 days a year, plus that extra day we get every four years (Leap Day). We either wait impatiently for time to tick by, for it to stand still, or for it to turn back. The bottom line is that we should enjoy the time we have and live in the now, while also taking the past into account and looking to the future.