Have you ever been involved with an activity and found that
the time just flew by — that you "lost time" because
you became so engrossed in the task at hand? How about an
activity that made your energy level soar? Do you have a
hobby or some other activity that you do that you find
deeply fulfilling because you feel like the work you are
doing really "matters" and makes a positive difference in
some way?
If you have experienced any or all of the above, you know
what it would be like to find work aligned with your life
purpose — work that you might define as your
"calling" or the profession for which you are uniquely and
ideally suited. While some people just "know" their ideal
profession and calling, most people struggle to define it,
often under the pressure to just make a living. Certainly
your career goals need to be filtered through the business
and economic realities of your life, but with some
introspection and analysis, it is very possible to not only
make a comfortable living, but to do so in work that is
aligned with your true professional calling and life
purpose.
The career coaching process to assist people in career
design is usually a multi-stage process that involves
looking at your values, motivators, interests, knowledge,
skills, abilities, experience, and more. While there are
validated assessments to help you understand many of these
factors, the vast majority of the career design process
involves deep thought and introspection. The following
questions will get you started:
1. What activities, subjects, causes, and/or hobbies am I
passionate about?
2. What activities, subjects, and hobbies did I enjoy doing
as a child?
3. When I was a child, what did I imagine I might want to
do as a job someday?
4. What activities am I doing when time just seems to fly
by for me?
5. What subjects do I enjoy reading about in my spare time?
6. What types of things do I love doing in my spare time?
7. Is there some activity or subject at which I am a
"natural"?
8. If I knew there was no way I would fail at it, what
activity would I try (or do more of)?
9. What activities, subjects, causes, and/or hobbies do I
daydream about?
10. What types of people do I want to be around?
11. In what type of environment do I feel most comfortable?
12. Is there a vision or a cause that you would devote your
life to?
Did any themes emerge in your answers to these questions?
Even if you haven't precisely defined your ideal career
from this exercise, many people find important clues that
help lead them on a path that eventually leads to an ideal
profession. Don't give up in your pursuit. The feeling of
fulfillment and contentment that comes from working in and
making a living from a job that is your "calling" is well
worth the time and effort.
If you need further support, consider working with a career
coach through the interactive process of career design. The
best career coaches can help you to connect to your passion
and purpose and empower you to manage your own career in a
job you love, while still making a comfortable income and
living a balanced life.
----------------------------------------------------
Nationally certified resume writer and career coach,
Michelle Dumas is the director of Distinctive Career
Services LLC. Through Distinctive Documents
http://www.distinctiveweb.com and her Executive VIP
Services http://www.100kcareermarketing.com
Michelle has
empowered thousands of professionals all across the U.S.
and worldwide. Michelle is also the author of Secrets of a
Successful Job Search http://www.job-search-secrets.com
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