‘Wanted to be a different thing every single year’: Priyanka Chopra on starting her career at 17, not having a ‘clear ambition’

Starting her career at 17, Chopra attributes her journey to a mix of serendipity and divine guidance. Reflecting on her childhood aspirations, she revealed, “I wanted to be a different thing every single year. I really didn’t have a clear ambition… I started working when I was 17, so I guess God helped me find what I was supposed to do.”

This perspective is refreshing in a society that often equates ambition with success. It challenges the ‘Roadmap to Success’ belief that achieving success requires a meticulously planned and linear career path. But it also raises intriguing questions about how people navigate life without a clear direction and whether such an approach can lead to happiness and fulfillment.

How does the pressure to have a rigid career plan impact mental health?

Psychologist Anjali Gursahaney tells indianexpress.com, “A lot of times, family expectations prevent young individuals from exploring what they would truly enjoy. Instead, they often find themselves caught in a rat race. In India, this pressure is common whether it’s government exams like UPSC, engineering colleges, or an MBA. This relentless focus on a prescribed path often leads to anxiety, stress, and a fear of failure when things don’t go as planned.” 

Mental health counsellor Anuckriti Garg adds, “In the long term, this can lead to chronic stress, fear of failure and burn out which is characterised by physical and emotional exhaustion. In such a situation, unpredictable developments can bring up difficult emotions (you can mention these — feeling of hopelessness, feeling trapped, being anxious about making the right decisions, the need for perfectionism) which can intensify stress and act as a trigger for mental health issues like depression and anxiety.”

Fulfillment and purpose can start from little things and does not have to be professionally driven. (Source: Freepik)

Embracing uncertainty and unplanned opportunities

Gursahaney agrees that embracing uncertainty can be liberating, as it reduces the need to control every aspect of the future. This mindset encourages individuals to focus on growth and resilience rather than fixating on predetermined outcomes. 

“Unplanned opportunities can serve as catalysts for self-discovery and innovation, often leading to experiences that align more closely with one’s evolving values and interests. This shift in perspective can alleviate stress and promote a healthier approach to navigating life’s unpredictability,” she confirms.

How can individuals find fulfillment and purpose without having a traditional or defined ambition?

Garg notes, “A research study titled ‘What constitutes a fulfilled life? A mixed methods study on lay perspectives across the lifespan conducted in 2022 defined fulfillment in life as ‘a cognitive-affective experience referring to a sense of wholeness, fit, and value toward the self, one’s life, and one’s impact’ [Baumann, Doris & Ruch, Willibald. (2022).”

Fulfillment and purpose can start from little things and do not have to be professionally driven. It is important for us to explore our interests, indulge in hobbies, be part of a community, try something new, and evaluate our greater ambition from this lens, says Garg. 

“Rather than focusing on traditional ambition, individuals can explore diverse interests, build connections, and engage in meaningful work or hobbies. Reflecting on personal values and aligning daily actions with those values can provide a strong sense of purpose,” Gursahaney concludes.