10 Ways to Find Your Calling

Not sure what to be when you grow up (whenever that is)? Fret no more. We can figure this out together. Let’s get started.

1. Ignore the future, deal with the present.

The question, “What should I be when I grow up?” is wrong. Ask instead, “What is next today?” People become fat one bite at a time, and we become adults one hour at a time, so what we do today matters.

2. Shop around.

Unless you try on the outfit, you’ll never know if it fits. Do the same with vocations, avocations, hobbies and skills. You’ll need to sample every flavour to know your true favourite taste.

3. Say yes to odd opportunities.

Say yes to the things that intrigue you, instead of the ones that bore you.

4. Find a problem to solve.

Being the solution makes your work feel meaningful. Having an issue to work against also gives you a villain to play against—and makes you a hero.

5. Burn your plans.

Your life will not go according to plan. Nobody ever has. So don’t worry if you fall off track. The track was imaginary anyway.

6. Do not follow someone else’s dream.

Your parents want you to be A. Your boss wants you to be B. Your friends want you to be C. And society is clamouring for you to be D. You can’t please everyone, but if you do what YOU think you should do, at least you’ll be able to sleep at night.

7. Blend your talents.

Instead of doing something that only takes advantage of one skill, creates a mash-up of several things you do well. You’ll set yourself apart and feel more satisfied with what you’re doing.

8. Seek out people you actually like.

It’s more satisfying to dig a ditch with friends than to design a skyscraper with a team of sociopaths.

9. Give yourself permission to change your mind.

Most of us choose our paths around 18. As time passes, you might find new things to do and places to be and people to know, and a few calls you made at 18 will probably need to be overturned.

10. Ask the elderly for advice.

They’ve been there, done that, got the Seniors Card! You’ll find that happiness and satisfaction have more to do with love and purpose than dollars and cents.