I’ve mentioned University of Pennsylvania psychologist Angela Duckworth several times on this blog, with one post referencing her TED Talk on grit, and a second about her Grit Test. Duckworth’s recent New York Times piece reminding college graduates that it takes time to follow your passion is actually applicable for high school students, too.

Families are understandably more concerned than ever about the return on their college investment. They want to know that their kids are going to get jobs when they graduate. And one way many families address that concern is by encouraging their kids to identify their future career, then choose a college and a major accordingly.

I don’t think that approach is entirely misguided. There are lots of kids who are fortunate enough to get a virtual free pass at college, attending without focus or concern for making the most of their time there, only to find that the world isn’t so quick to throw jobs and money at them when they graduate.

But I do worry about asking a seventeen-year-old to decide what she wants to do with her life and then plan her education accordingly. Duckworth’s article is a good reminder that 1) many successful people took time to find what they loved, and 2) most of those people worked hard for—and during—their opportunities that led to those discoveries.

Some high school students can see their future clearly today. Many more cannot. If you’re in the latter category (or the parent of one of those kids), don’t force it. Think about what you enjoy today, where your talents seem to lie today, and what you’re excited to learn about today. Throw yourself into those things. Learn and do as much as you can. The other pieces will fall into place over time, but they are more likely to do so if you’re actively working and learning instead of waiting passively for passion to arrive.

As Duckworth writes, no matter where you go next, you have an opportunity to make the most of where you are now.