On the radio this morning there was an interview with this chap who worked as a welder. He used the skills of welding to create sculpture and waxed lyrical about the skills involved and the various techniques. Who knew huh? At one point the interviewer said “it sounds like this was your personal calling in life” to which the welder emphatically agreed.
Now welding might not be your thing, but there are times when we feel that what we are doing is linked to a personal calling. Well what’s yours?
In your current profession does it truly resonate with you and consume what you do in a way that creates a fire and passion deep in your soul? Does it say to you “yes, this is what I was put here to do?” if it does then perhaps it could be said that it is your ‘calling’.
Being lucky enough to be in this situation is wonderful, when we look back at our childhoods and teachers asking us “what do you want to be when you grow up?” leads some of us to say an astronaut, a fireman, a ballet dancer or even a welder! yet how many of us actually get what we wanted? When I myself was asked that question I said “a teacher”. As a result I made sure I was involved in training in nearly every job I held and I genuinely believe that being a trainer, coach and mentor is my personal calling. So I got what I wanted.
How can we make this happen for ourselves? Well first we have to identify what it is we want to be called to do. So if you think about this phone box on a beach, the phone rings and a voice calls you do something, what would it be? What really drives and inspires you? what would make you get out bed early every day, with a smile on your face filled with happiness and passion? If you can think of it, then how can you make it happen?
It is important to understand that we spend a massive amount of our time on earth working to earn money to live. Many people are deeply unhappy in their work and would love the opportunity to start looking at something more meaningful, even if it meant taking a cut in pay. When training people, I often say to them “truly, if what you do makes you unhappy then get out of it and find something that brings you joy. Even if you have to stack shelves in a supermarket for a while, nothing is worth being that unhappy.” It takes a strong will to make that jump, but those that have done, would never look back.
It is often said that people want an effective work life balance. What they actually mean is they want more time to do what they want outside of work. I have yet to find anyone who has too much time doing what they want and not enough of the work! “oh no, take away some of this free time and give me more work to even out my work life balance” can you imagine!
We surround ourselves with technology, resources and labour saving devices to help free up more time for us to do what we want, but we still feel trapped somehow. This is why we need to work out what our calling actually is and strive to get as close to it as possible. If you want to work with technology then network with people who are and find an inroad. If you want to work closely with the public or with animals there are ways of getting into this via social networks and specific industries.
We are all so blessed with the opportunities available to us that we often cannot see the wood for the trees. So as a start, good news, you probably don’t need to be told how to get into these things, you already know it, you just need to make the move and that is the tough bit.
Ask what the worst thing that could happen if you did make the move. Is it really that bad.? Could you leave a door open behind you so that you could go back if needed? You probably could. As wise man once said “if you are in a position to be fortunate enough to do what you want, it is better to build a longer table than a taller fence.” so surround yourself with networks, support and contingencies that can act as a safety net. Things will start to find their way and fall into place. Fate can play a hand too and you might get a feeling that things are going the right way, alternatively you might now believe in fate, you will just know that what you are doing is right. Right for you that is.
So ponder for a moment what your calling is, and start to work on answering it. That phone box is ringing somewhere for you right now…
Thanks for reading. This blog forms part of personal development and career coaching offered by me Simon Hares at SerialTrainer7 Ltd. If you would like some help get in touch with me Simon@serialtrainer7.com or call on 07979 537824.
