Discover how Motivational Interviewing can help clarify mixed feelings about further education and support making an informed decision.

There is a saying..."do what makes you happy" ...well...what is it that makes you happy? Or what are you missing to get there? Don't be afraid to reach out to those who are already doing what you think would make you happy. Understand what that involves. Everything has a cost and it's a matter of whether you are willing to pay it. Sometimes it can be challenging to understand what those costs are and one can be very idealistic about what it actually takes to get to where you think you would be happy. I believe it is about managing expectations...

Last updated on Aug 2, 2024

Your client is unsure about pursuing further education. How can you help them clarify their mixed feelings?

When considering further education, it's common to encounter a crossroads of emotions and decisions. It's a significant life choice that can shape your future, and it's perfectly normal to feel uncertain. Motivational Interviewing (MI), a counseling approach, can be a powerful tool in helping you navigate these mixed feelings. By engaging in a collaborative conversation, you can explore your own motivations and resolve ambivalence, ultimately leading to a clearer understanding of your personal goals and desires regarding education.

Key takeaways from this article

Visualize the future:

Encourage your client to picture where they see themselves after further education. This helps them gauge if their goals align with this path, making the decision more tangible.
Seek real-world insights:

Urge your client to chat with professionals in their desired field. Understanding the real-world implications of their choices demystifies expectations and clarifies the steps needed to achieve happiness.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

1 Explore Ambivalence

Ambivalence is a natural part of making big decisions, and it's important to recognize this as a normal and acceptable state of mind. You might feel torn between the potential benefits of further education and the sacrifices it entails. Through Motivational Interviewing, you can examine these conflicting feelings without judgment. By discussing the pros and cons, you can begin to weigh the importance of each factor in relation to your life goals and values. This process helps in acknowledging the complexity of your decision and sets the stage for moving forward.

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Jamil Ghulam

Technical Adviser tocar project (CBSP-CPPM-MDP-CAPM) Operations Management | Technology and Growth Advisory | IT Service Management | Business Strategy & Transform venture | Ai | Business Process | ERP Management
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Core elements of Motivational Interviewing · Open questions draw out and explore the person's experiences, perspectives, and ideas. · Affirmation of strengths,

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Udemeobong Akpan

School and Mental Health Counsellor || Commonwealth Scholar '22 (Dementia Studies) || Advisor, MORE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ALUMNI
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I've come to realize that it's normal to not know the exact career you want to pursue at your first step. I also want to point out that most times, we all evolve through daily living and exploration. So, don't panic at your first step.

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Marta Kowalska

Strategically Driving Program Development Excellence | Transformative Leader with a Vision for Impactful Solutions
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It is important to understand your why? Why that type of education vs something else. Why now? How does it align with your vision for you? Do you have a vision for you? I believe that learning is continuous and it never really stops, however pursuing formal education is time and finance consuming at best, not to mention the cost to your family or other considerations. It is important to understand why. And the why could be because you simply want to...and that is fine, as long as you are on the same page with yourself about that.

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2 Personal Values

Understanding your core values is crucial when considering further education. Motivational Interviewing helps you to identify and clarify what truly matters to you. By discussing what you value most in life, whether it's career advancement, personal growth, or financial stability, you can begin to see how further education aligns with these values. This alignment, or lack thereof, can be a powerful motivator or deterrent, and it's essential to bring these values to the forefront of your decision-making process.

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3 Future Vision

Visualizing your future can be a transformative exercise in decision-making. Motivational Interviewing encourages you to articulate a detailed vision of where you see yourself after completing further education. What opportunities might open up? How would your life be different? By painting a vivid picture of the potential outcomes, you can assess whether the pursuit of further education feels like a step toward that desired future or away from it. This vision can serve as a guiding light as you consider your options.

Add your perspective

Marta Kowalska

Strategically Driving Program Development Excellence | Transformative Leader with a Vision for Impactful Solutions
Report contribution
There is a saying..."do what makes you happy" ...well...what is it that makes you happy? Or what are you missing to get there? Don't be afraid to reach out to those who are already doing what you think would make you happy. Understand what that involves. Everything has a cost and it's a matter of whether you are willing to pay it. Sometimes it can be challenging to understand what those costs are and one can be very idealistic about what it actually takes to get to where you think you would be happy. I believe it is about managing expectations...

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4 Overcoming Barriers

Every journey comes with its hurdles, and pursuing further education is no exception. Motivational Interviewing aids in identifying potential barriers that might be causing hesitation. Financial concerns, time management, or fear of failure might be among the obstacles you face. Once these barriers are out in the open, you can start to explore strategies for overcoming them. This proactive approach not only addresses practical concerns but also empowers you to take control of your decision-making process.

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5 Decisional Balance

Decisional balance is a key concept in Motivational Interviewing that involves evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of making a change. By guiding you through a decisional balance exercise, you can gain clarity on the reasons for and against pursuing further education. This can reveal underlying priorities and concerns that may not have been apparent at first glance. The exercise helps to quantify the importance of each factor, making the decision less overwhelming and more manageable.

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6 Next Steps

Once you've explored your mixed feelings about further education through Motivational Interviewing, it's time to consider the next steps. Reflect on what you've learned about your values, barriers, and the potential impact on your future. Are there additional questions that need answers? Do you need to gather more information or talk to someone already in the field? This is about taking informed action that aligns with your personal goals and the insights you've gained. Remember, the path forward doesn't have to be taken alone; support is available as you move towards making an informed choice.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Cornelia Schmitz

Gemeinsam machen wir FÜHREN wieder attraktiv! Mentorin für Menschen, die ihre Liebe zum Führen wiederfinden möchten. Weil dein Wirken zu wertvoll ist, um sich nur auf den Feierabend zu freuen.
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In der motivierenden Gesprächsführung geht es primär darum, dass sich der Kunde verstanden und nicht bedrängt fühlt. Zuhören und Verständnisbotschaften sind ein wichtiger Teil der Gesprächsführung, ebenso wie das Fragen stellen. Was selten mit erwähnt wird: Ein Kunde wünscht sich durchaus auch Ratschläge, die ihn oder sie inspirieren. Wenn es um Weiterbildungsfragen geht, halte ich einen Aspekt für sehr hilfreich, damit sich Kunden guten Gewissens entscheiden können. Zahlt die Weiterbildung auf eine Zukunftsfähigkeit ein? Mit anderen Worten, wird hier ein langfristiger Mehrwert geschaffen. Diese Perspektive ordnet eine Weiterbildung für den Kunden ein und unterstützt bei der Entscheidungsfindung.

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Your client is unsure about pursuing further education. How can you help them clarify their mixed feelings?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Explore Ambivalence

2 Personal Values

3 Future Vision

4 Overcoming Barriers

5 Decisional Balance

6 Next Steps

7 Here’s what else to consider

Motivational Interviewing

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Thanks for your feedback

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More relevant reading

Your client is unsure about pursuing further education. How can you help them clarify their mixed feelings?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Explore Ambivalence

2 Personal Values

3 Future Vision

4 Overcoming Barriers

5 Decisional Balance

6 Next Steps

7 Here’s what else to consider

Motivational Interviewing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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