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Choosing what comes after high school can feel overwhelming—for teens and parents.
In this episode, Cynthia Coufal breaks down the most common post-secondary planning mistakes families make and explains how to make calmer, more thoughtful decisions about college, gap years, work, or other paths.

If you’re feeling pressure to “just decide,” comparing yourself to others, or worrying that one choice will determine your entire future—this conversation is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why there is no single right decision after high school
Why college is often treated like a test—and why that creates anxiety
How deadlines increase pressure (and how to plan without panic)
What teens should consider before choosing college
Why this decision is not permanent—and never has to be

This episode is designed for:
✔️ High school students
✔️ Parents of teens
✔️ Families navigating college or post-secondary planning
✔️ Anyone feeling anxious about “what comes next”

🔗 RESOURCES & SUPPORT

If you’d like support with:

Post-secondary planning
Understanding strengths and decision-making
Reducing anxiety around college and life after high school

You can:

Contact me and ask questions.

Feeling unsure doesn’t mean you’re behind—it means you haven’t been given the right tools yet.

YouMap® helps you understand:
• what energizes you
• what drains you
• how you make decisions
• what environments fit you best

That self-awareness makes college and life decisions lighter.

👉 Start with YouMap® here:
https://cheerful-writer-462.kit.com/products/takethe-you-map-assessment

00:00 – Take a breath: There is no one right decision
02:00 – Why pressure makes decisions harder
05:00 – Why confidence doesn’t mean certainty
08:00 – Mistake #1: Treating college like a test
10:00 – Choosing college for the wrong reasons
12:00 – Mistake #2: Deciding to reduce anxiety
15:00 – Mistake #3: Confusing confidence with certainty
18:00 – Mistake #4: Not knowing your “why”
22:00 – Independence, stress, and readiness
26:00 – Mistake #5: Believing this decision is forever
30:00 – My own college story (0.0 GPA → 4.0)
34:00 – The “next best environment” question
38:00 – What parents can do differently
42:00 – Final reassurance + support options

Struggling with anxiety in your family? If anxiety is causing tension, fights, or disconnect in your home, you don’t have to face it alone. I help parents bring more peace, confidence, and connection to their families. Let’s talk—schedule a free consultation today or email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
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