📚 How to Choose Subjects Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Dreams) 

Choosing subjects in high school is one of the first big career decisions you make — and let’s be real, it can feel like choosing your entire future at 15. But here's the truth: you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to choose wisely, not fearfully.

Here’s how to make those subject choices like a boss — without panic, pressure, or people-pleasing.

1️⃣ Start With Vision — Not Vibes

Forget trends. Forget your friends. Forget what your cousin’s doing.

Start by asking yourself:

• What kind of life do I want to build?

• What industries or fields make me curious?

• If I had to start a career tomorrow, what would I lean toward?

You don’t have to know the exact job, but you should have a general idea of what excites or interests you. Then ask:

“Which subjects make sense for that direction?”

🔑 LIFT Tip: Your subject choices are not a life sentence. But they can open or close doors. Choose ones that keep more doors open while pointing you in your preferred direction.

2️⃣ Find the “Yes, And” Subjects

Here’s a secret: some subjects work harder for you than others. These are your “double agents” — they support multiple careers.

Think:

• Maths → finance, data science, engineering, economics

• Geography → urban planning, environmental law, logistics

• Business Studies → entrepreneurship, marketing, management

• Life Sciences → medicine, psychology, food tech

You don’t have to marry one career idea. Just make sure your subjects play well across more than one path.

🔑 LIFT Tip: Ask “If I change my mind about my future career… will these subjects still give me OPTIONS?”

3️⃣ Don’t Pick Based on Fear (or Peer Pressure)

Choosing subjects based on fear sounds like:

• “I heard this one is hard — I don’t want to fail.”

• “They say only smart kids do Physics.”

• “My parents want me to take Accounting, so I’ll just do it.”

Choosing based on peer pressure sounds like:

• “All my friends are taking this combo — I don’t want to be alone.”

• “This teacher is funny, so I’ll just go with this subject.”

🚫 Don’t do it.

You’re choosing for your future, not someone else’s comfort. Be brave enough to disappoint others if it means staying aligned with your purpose.

4️⃣ Play to Your Strengths

Let’s keep it 💯 — you’re not going to flourish in subjects that drain the life out of you. If you struggle deeply in Science but thrive in writing and public speaking, it’s worth leaning into that strength.

Strength = energy = confidence = performance = success.

🔑 LIFT Tip: Choose at least 2 subjects you’re confident in. They’ll balance out any new challenges and keep your morale up.

5️⃣ It’s Okay If You Don’t Know Yet

The most important thing? Stay curious.

If you don’t have it all figured out, focus on keeping your options wide while you explore.

• Take subjects that stretch you and suit you.

• Ask questions about different careers.

• Use job shadowing, YouTube, podcasts, and conversations to learn what careers really look like.

This season is about discovery, not perfection.

Final Word From LIFT:

Your subject choices are important — but they’re not permanent.
They’re a launchpad, not a lock-in.

Make the best choice you can with what you know now.
God will guide the rest — and you’ll grow along the way. 🌱

📍 LIFT. early careers