...is often the one that you choose. Whether your choice is successful or not, making your own choice is probably the best option. That is not to say that you shouldn't listen or take the advice of others, but don't let others dictate your choices. Regret is far worse than failure.
1. You choose, and you fail. Even though you failed, at least you chose and you tried. You probably learned something in the process, too. Many times, the other options are still available because the popular options are often institutions of some sort.
2. You choose, and you succeed. Well, there is no need to explain the positives of this one.
3. You don't choose, and you fail. You now have failure and regret. You may have even passed up opportunities. The reason for your failure might have been that you weren't happy doing it in the first place.
4. You don't choose, and you succeed. You'll be successful in the eyes of others. You might be happy. However, you will question, "What if..." One of the biggest regrets of people before death is not living a life true to themselves.
