Or is it? You have probably heard stories of people who are literally called to do something by “a voice from above.” While every now and then something like that might happen, what are the odds that it’s going to happen to you? Or me? Not very likely! Most of us have to do a little more work to figure out our calling. We might not have any idea where to start. We might be interested in so many things it’s hard to figure out which path to take (that was me!). Or, we might feel stuck doing something that we know isn’t our calling, but at least we’re making a living.
What does it mean to have a calling, anyway? I love Frederick Buechner’s definition of a calling as “the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” It’s that sweet spot where we figure out what our gifts are, and how to use them to make the world a better place. And I think it’s well worth trying to figure it out. There’s a growing body of research1 that shows that when you view your job as a calling, your satisfaction with not only your job but also your life as a whole are higher, and you’re less likely to suffer from stress and depression. Individuals who believed that their lives had meaning and felt useful had a lower risk of heart disease and premature death. And even when you’re in a less-than-ideal job, you can make your work feel more like a calling and reap many of those same benefits.
Recently I was a guest on a radio show where we talked about finding a calling, how to love your job, and how coaching can help. You can listen to the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
“I was impressed; you do a very good job of answering all Gwilda’s questions in a way that is clear and understandable plus creates interest in the possibilities of working with a life coach. I thought her questions were good, and your answers were right on target, simple yet tantalizing! Wonderful job, Kim!”
If you get a chance to listen to part or all of the show, I’d love to hear what you think. And, if you are trying to figure out what your calling might be, or are struggling with an unsatisfying or stressful job (or know someone who is), by all means get in touch. I can help!