A Counselling and Mental Health expert and senior lecturer at the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Epe, Dr. Shade Adeyemi, has advised young people to understand themselves before making major career and life decisions.
Adeyemi spoke on Thursday during a live conversation hosted by The Counsel Room, themed “Purpose, Career and Making Wise Decisions.”
She shared practical insights on purpose discovery, career choices and how to navigate important life decisions.
The don stressed that self-awareness remains a key foundation for sound decision-making, noting that people who understand their strengths, weaknesses, values and limitations are better positioned to make choices that align with their goals.
“Young people need to take time to understand who they are and what they value rather than making career or life choices based solely on external expectations,” she said.
She added that understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses is essential, especially when choosing a career path.
“To make wise decisions, you need to understand yourself, your strengths and weaknesses,” Adeyemi said.
She explained that self-awareness helps individuals identify areas where they can thrive and those that need improvement.
The don also spoke on the importance of intentionality in building a meaningful future, urging young people to make decisions that reflect their purpose and long-term goals.
The session centred on helping participants understand the relationship between purpose, career development and wise decision-making, while offering practical guidance for navigating life’s uncertainties.
Adeyemi urged youths to see self-awareness as a continuous process, noting that knowing oneself brings clarity when facing difficult decisions about education, career and personal growth.
“Know yourself. Make wise decisions. Build intentionally,” she said.
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