Here’s some random trivia about me (and this is not an April Fool’s joke, honest!): I’ve written a book, called “Clues to your Calling”!
Some people wake up one day with a fire in their belly, and they instantly know what they want to do with their life (half their luck!).
It wasn’t like that for me; it was a much more gradual process. But in hindsight, the clues to my calling were always there – and yours will be too!
So put on your detective’s hat, and get ready to track down your own missing destiny, with these five clues to your calling.
1 – Childhood clues
Think back to when you were a child. What did you want to be when you grew up? My dreams included becoming a fashion designer, librarian or writer … and here I am today, making my living as a Virtual Assistant specialising in writing and editing services!
Children believe anything is possible! They haven’t yet had somebody squash their dreams with comments like, “Don’t be a writer. You’ll never make any money, it’s too hard to hit the big time.”
I found my first penpal (of dozens!) at 10. I submitted my first story to a magazine at 12. The clues were there from an early age!
Closely related to your childhood clues is (excuse the pun!):
2 – Your family
Reflecting on various members of your family or family history may also reveal some important clues. Are there any abilities or talents that run clearly throughout the family line?
My mother enjoyed writing. My Dad loves yachting and boats. My grandmother enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting and making things. Needless to say, I took after my mother ;-).
3 – Your personality profile
The third clue to your calling is to discover your personality type. Of course we are all made unique, so nobody will ever slot exactly into a particular “box” or “category”. But these tools are still useful in helping us to understand our thoughts, feelings, motivations, reactions and relationships with others.
There are several psychological or personality tests that can help you in analysing your strengths and weaknesses. A quick scout of the internet will turn up various tests or quizzes, such as the one by Myers-Briggs, or Hershey Blanchard.
If you are an introvert, for example, you will probably prefer working behind the scenes: think artists, musicians, carpenters; while extroverts enjoy working with people and are often in people oriented positions – like a nurse, teacher, or salesperson.
4 – Your passions are pointers
What would you do for love alone? For me, it’s writing. I’ve been writing without pay for years. It’s only now that I’ve been able to turn it into a fulltime job!
Often, your passions are borne out of your life experiences – and may even grow out of your deepest hurt. Turn your misery into your ministry – your pain into your passion – your mess into your message!
5 – Be guided by your gifts and talents
Your gifts and talents will help you to express your passion. Let’s say you really want to help out homeless people or the needy. That’s your passion. You just happen to be great at knitting, so you then use that gift to make and donate blankets or toys to a charity for the homeless.
So what gifts and skills do you have? Everybody is good at something!
It took me 30 years to realise I had a gift for writing. It came so easily to me – that I didn’t realise it was a GIFT! What comes easily to you?!
The great thing is, once you’ve found your purpose in life, it can continually develop and grow into something new and surprising! I certainly never dreamed that I would be running the blog (and the business!) that I am today …
Do you have any idea what your calling might be?
Linking up with Essentially Jess because I Blog On Tuesdays (all the best bloggers do!)
I love that you have found your calling. For me being an accountant is a way to earn a living but being a reflexologist/massage therapist is what I really enjoy – I am just realistic that I don’t want to do it full time but am happy to have it as a part time business that, while it does make some money, it more about how I feel helping people and how I feel after giving a treatment.
Have the best day !
Me
Although I’ve loved writing for years, I never thought I could make a career out of it. For years I worked in a “low level” admin job, deliberately, so that I could produce a quarterly magazine in my spare time, and fulfilled my calling that way.
I’ve been coming to the conclusion over recent months that writing is really what I’ve been doing my whole life. It’s a consistent thing. Stories as a kid. Some form of writing online for over ten years now. Blogging for about two years… when you take a moment to look back and find the patterns, it starts to become clearer.
Couldn’t agree more! Very true those clues …
I have found my calling and I too help people find theirs (which is another calling all on its own). It’s very fulfilling to find your purpose …
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit
It sure is Leanne – when life gets tough, knowing your purpose really does help me to get up in the morning.
I’ve always known that I want to create, and have done this in many different ways over the years. At the moment, it’s through writing 🙂
Janet this post is so time worthy for me to read especially after the post I wrote for today. Thank you for this awesome post. For me, I would write poetry and songs throughout high school and my best subject was English. I’ve always enjoyed writing and would help colleagues write their resumes. I have a knack for marketing too and yet I became a plumber… I know that writing and administration is what I’m good at… So now to work out where to go from here… If I could I would hug you but I’m sending you a virtual hug right now! Ox
Ooo I love hugs even if they are virtual! Hey I spent years working in accounts, SO not my thing … it can take a while to find and follow our heart’s desire, but so rewarding when we do!
Still working on the master plan, but am getting closer! xxx N
Love this post Janet. I always wanted to be a writer as a child but life got in the way. It’s just now that I’m rediscovering my passion. But, I’m still scared and full of doubts…
If you love it, go for it. Just keep practising your craft and taking the next step, and you’ll be amazed at where the journey can lead!
I am like you and took the safe option and became a nurse, but really have been writing for most of my life too without realising it. I am nodding at every point you made in your post…I just have to finally the courage to act on this!
I have no idea what my calling is, is there a chance I might not actually have one? I think I may NEED to ‘case’ your book in great detail.
Wow Janet, didn’t know you’d written a book but what a great concept! I’ve found as I get older #1 is so true for me. I haven’t really changed my interests, it’s just that especially with creative pursuits we feel their is doubt, or a vanity in it that may be unbecoming! Especially if you are the only one in the family with these interests, they can appear somewhat induldgent. Thanks for this, I loved it. #teamIBOT
Right now my calling is to be a mum who sidelines her calling because she has to focus on her kids. BUT keeping my finger in the pie means that once they are older and have left home I can return to my calling. I will be able to CHOOSE what and who I write for and I’m excited about that..even though it’s a wee while away yet! x
I can identify with not knowing what my calling was until late in life. I wanted to be a school teacher, but ended up as an office clerk. Then I worked in school admin for years because I thought my calling was working with children. I studied Accountancy at TAFE and became a Bookkeeper and thought that was my forte in life and now in my fifties I realize that I really want to write! I must admit I was very good at English at school and have always been an avid reader which helps.
Congratulations on your book!
Judging by what you’ve written, I should be a writing, singing linguist. Hmm…
Janet – glad you wrote your book and glad you are really happy in your calling. The strange thing for me is that I wanted to be a writer, became a journalist (ie a writer) and then left it – I just wanted to be a Mum at that stage and everything else blurred. Really back in touch with writing now, and focused on my writing (and my insights) making a difference – I want to write with meaning and purpose, not just report!
I’ve always wanted to write. It’s just who I am 🙂
I didn’t even realise you wrote this post Janet as I have just wrote one about finding mine! I too didn’t realise until recently that blogging and writing was mine, as I mention in my post, it was something that happened over time and that I never realised until the direction of my life took a change. I think it was because I never thought of writing nor that it would make me any money. Not saying that I’m making loads of money at the moment, but I can see the potential, especially if I’m enjoying myself while I do it!
That’s the mark of a calling which is so much more than just a career – what would you do for love alone?!