Finding My Calling: A Guide to Discovering Your Purpose
Have you ever felt lost in the vast sea of career options, wondering what you’re truly meant to do? Finding your calling—that deep sense of purpose that aligns your passions, skills, and values—can be a transformative journey. In this post, I’ll share my personal story of finding my calling, along with practical steps to help you discover your purpose in your career and life. We’ll explore self-reflection, exploration, and action, weaving in resources for deeper dives into finding your calling.
My Journey: From Confusion to Clarity in Finding My Calling
A few years ago, I was stuck in a corporate job that paid the bills but left me unfulfilled. I spent evenings scrolling through job listings, feeling like I was chasing shadows. It wasn’t until I took a sabbatical to travel that things shifted. During a hike in the Appalachian Trail for inspiration on nature’s role in self-discovery, I had a breakthrough: I realized my passion for storytelling and helping others navigate life’s big questions.
This “aha” moment led me to pivot into career coaching. But how do you replicate that when finding your calling? Let’s break it down with steps to discover your purpose.
Step 1: Self-Reflection – Look Inward to Discover Your Purpose
Start by journaling to uncover clues about finding your calling. Ask yourself: What activities make time fly? What problems in the world fire you up? Tools like the VIA Character Strengths survey can help map your passions, skills, and what the world needs, making it easier to discover your purpose.
For resources on our site, check out our Self-Discovery Workbook to build this habit. It’s a free downloadable workbook that guided my early reflections on finding my calling.
Step 2: Exploration – Test the Waters in Finding Your Calling
Don’t just think—do. I volunteered at local nonprofits and took online courses to discover your purpose. Platforms like edX offer affordable ways to experiment with fields like writing or tech, helping you explore potential paths for finding your calling.
On our blog, dive into related stories with our personal stories on life transitions. One standout is the tale of a former accountant who became a chef—pure inspiration for discovering your purpose!
Step 3: Action and Iteration – Commit and Adjust to Solidify Your Calling
Once you have clues about finding your calling, take small risks. I started a side blog (which evolved into this site) and networked at events. Books like “Designing Your Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans provide actionable exercises to discover your purpose—grab it via Bookshop.org.
Overcoming Obstacles in the Journey to Finding Your Calling
Fear of failure is real—I almost quit coaching after my first client session flopped. Remember, finding your calling isn’t a straight line; it’s a spiral of growth. Seek mentors through MentorCruise or our guidance program to navigate challenges in discovering your purpose.
Final Thoughts on Discovering Your Purpose
Finding my calling wasn’t magic; it was messy, intentional work. Yours might lead to entrepreneurship, art, or activism—who knows? Start today with one step toward finding your calling, and let curiosity lead you to discover your purpose.
What about you? Share your story in the comments below. For more tips on finding your calling.