What Does “The World is Your Oyster” Mean?

Download the article Plus where this expression comes from and how to use it in conversation

This article was co-authored by Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA, and wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Michelle Shahbazyan is the founder of The LA Life Coach, a life, family and career concierge service based in Los Angeles, California. He has more than 10 years of experience with life coaching, counseling, motivational speaking and finding a partner. She holds a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology and a master’s degree in construction and technology management from Georgia Tech University, and a master’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Phillips Graduate University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of all facts cited and confirming the authority of its sources.

If you’ve ever listened to a graduation or recognition speech, you’ve probably heard the phrase “the world is your oyster.” This encouraging metaphor essentially means that the world is full of opportunities and you can take them all. If you want to know more about this folk saying, you’ve come to the right place! We will explain what it means, give examples in sentences and go through its origins. We also interviewed Michelle Shahbazyan, founder of LA Life Coach, for advice on living like the world is your oyster, so keep reading!

If someone tells you that “the world is your oyster,” they’re essentially saying that you can go wherever you want and achieve whatever you want. The world is wide open to you and you have complete freedom to choose your path.

1. 

   Be true to yourself and your passions. Living like the world is your oyster means going after what you truly want, even when you’re under pressure to choose a different path. “Sometimes people think, ‘I can’t do this job – there’s not enough money,’ or ‘They’ll look down on me,'” but that’s the wrong way to think, Shahbazyan explains. “The number one most important thing is to sit with your mind and decide who you want to be and not let external stimuli shape who you are,” she says.

   • For example, maybe your parents pressure you to go into medicine, but you are more interested in law. Or, maybe you want to work in a creative field, but people tell you it’s an unrealistic dream.
   • Whatever your situation, it’s important to remember that this is your life, so your passions and goals should influence your decisions more than what other people expect of you.
   • Plus, passion is a key ingredient to success, so you’re likely to reach even more impressive heights when you’re doing something you truly care about and enjoy![5]

2. 

   Build your confidence. If you’re embarking on a new life journey, such as entering college or moving out of your childhood home, you may be nervous about your ability to cope. To succeed, Shahbazyan recommends reminding yourself that you are strong and capable. “Know that you have all the tools you need to succeed,” says Shahbazyan. “Most people have a lot more abilities than they give themselves credit for, and every problem has a solution.”

   • Try reciting positive affirmations to increase your confidence in your abilities.
   • You could say something like, “I am a strong, determined and capable person” or “I have the ability to succeed and I will persevere until I do.”
   • When you approach life with this encouraging, motivated attitude, the world will truly be your oyster!

3. 

   Set yourself some goals and persevere until you achieve them. Once you’ve decided what you’re passionate about, start making a plan to achieve your goals. This usually means breaking your overarching goal into smaller, actionable steps and then methodically working through the steps.[6]

   • For example, if your goal is to become a lawyer, start by breaking this main goal down into smaller steps.
     • The first step may be to apply to university and obtain a bachelor’s degree. Then the next step might be taking the LSAT and filling out your law school applications, and so on.
   • Remember, it will probably take some time to open the oyster and get to the pearl you’re looking for, but with a little effort and determination, there’s nothing you can’t achieve!

Categories: How to
Source: newstars.edu.vn