We are all driven to achieve things and to bring a sense of self-fulfillment to fruition. There is a greater calling we all seek to answer- a purpose for our lives.
Throughout our life we attempt to balance our responsibilities in a structured world with our passions. It can be difficult, amidst this constant balancing act, to find and hold on to a sense of direction and knowing of our life’s purpose.
How do you recognize your calling? It’s showing up in your life differently than you may think. Below are three things to do on your search for the answer.
- Identify Those Who Became Unintentional Mentors.
We may at times feel that we are completely alone, but the reality is that even during those times, someone is “with” us.
Not everyone who contributes to your growth is doing so intentionally, enthusiastically, and actively. When you are in need, without realizing, you find someone to learn from. It even happens with strangers- we have a conversation with someone who is also waiting for their coffee, and something they share resonates with us.It sometimes inspires us to try something new- whether it be a new way of approaching challenges, trying out a new hobby or something else that breathes new life into our tomorrow.
Sometimes you find yourself working for or with someone who you aspire to be more like- whether to be successful in a career path that began as just a job, or to emulate the “type of person” they are and how they conduct themselves.
Consequently, as often as these unintentional mentors teach us about what serves us, they also teach us about what doesn’t.
The key here is to learn how to recognize the many unintentional mentors when they appear, because even if they play a small part, the moments with these people have a lot of value.
2. Find Patterns in Your Life.
First thing’s first- remember that you are completely in control of your life and how you handle challenges. Understand that you are directing this life and that it isn’t just happening to you. Do unfortunate challenges arise at times without our provoking? Sure- but the fact of the matter is that you are in complete control of what solutions to your problems you chase, how you achieve them, and how you build yourself through it.
Now, with that understanding, if you reflect on your past years (5, 10, 15) you will provided incredible insight to who you are and what your best-designed future should look like.
Having self-awareness about what you’ve accomplished or not accomplished in the past will help you find commonalities between the things that you are most motivated through and least motivated through. There will be activities that played on your weaknesses and frustrations, and activities that played on your strengths and passions. Identify the moments where you really shined or felt joy, and look for a pattern of skills you were using and passions you were indulging in. This knowledge gives you the power to drive your life in the direction that will be most fulfilling to you.
- Stop Looking for Easy Street.
Some people believe that they will know they’ve found their true calling because everything will begin unfolding effortlessly. That isn’t something I suggest counting on, because the truth is that everything is challenging some of the time.
Expect that achieving your life’s purpose will be difficult and even painful at times. You are looking to master a level of excellence in some form, and that journey is always going to be a climb.
The difference is that you will feel fulfilled by each small step forward, and invigorated by what is left for you to learn and accomplish.
Practice will be excruciating at times, but it is necessary to clarify your purpose, and to achieve it.
If you are aware of your passions and strengths, the next step is to figure out how they, together, can fill a need in the world. If you can find a connection between what you love, what you are good at (doing or learning), and what the world needs, you will have a life purpose to pursue.
