Discovering one’s calling isn’t always a straightforward journey.
It’s a personal quest that requires introspection, resilience, and embracing the unknown.
And often, contrary to popular belief, it’s not about chasing a grand vision.
It’s about recognizing subtle signs that guide you toward your true purpose.
The signs are usually not loud or flashy; they whisper, gently nudging you toward the path meant for you. What signs?
Well, in my experience, these seven are a great place to start.
1) Joy in the journey
Finding your calling isn’t about reaching a specific destination or achieving a particular goal.
It’s about the journey itself and the joy and fulfillment you derive from it.
This joy isn’t fleeting or transient.
It’s a deep-seated enthusiasm that persists through the highs and lows, the victories and setbacks.
It’s also not dependent on external circumstances or validation, but stems from the intrinsic satisfaction of doing something that aligns with your core values and passions.
This doesn’t mean that every moment will be filled with bliss.
There will be hard work, there will be obstacles.
But beneath it all, there’s a sense of rightness, of being exactly where you’re meant to be.
2) The challenge feels worthwhile
When you’ve found your calling, even the challenges feel worthwhile.
They’re not just obstacles to overcome, but opportunities for growth and learning.
They push you out of your comfort zone, force you to adapt, and, in the process, reveal new dimensions of your potential.
This is something I’ve personally experienced in my journey as a writer.
The path wasn’t always easy, but every challenge came with a sense of purpose, a sense that I was contributing to something bigger than myself.
3) Embracing authenticity
In my early twenties, I worked a standard office job. I got up every morning, I put on a tie and I went to work.
However, it never felt right. When I put on that tie, I was pretending.
I’d say the ‘right’ things, agree with the ‘right’ views, and talk about things that I didn’t care only to please others.
I thought this was just what work was like. I thought it was just what I had to do to succeed.
But I was wrong.
When you’ve found your calling, you’re able to resist this pressure of being someone you’re not. You’re comfortable standing in your truth, even if it means going against the grain.
It’s not about rebelling for the sake of rebellion but about honoring your unique perspective and gifts.
This path isn’t always easy. It requires courage and resilience.
It involves confronting fears, challenging limiting beliefs, and embracing vulnerability.
But it’s through this process of self-discovery and authenticity that we can create a life that truly resonates with who we are at our core.
4) Natural flow
One of the most personal signs that you’ve found your calling is when you notice a natural flow in what you’re doing.
It feels effortless like you’re cruising down a river, being carried by the current rather than fighting against it.
For me, this was a subtle yet powerful sign that I had stumbled upon my purpose.
When I first became a writer, it wasn’t smooth sailing.
But despite the challenges, everything felt right. I would just find myself getting lost in my work for hours on end.
Does time seem to fly by? Do you find yourself so engrossed in your work that hours feel like minutes?
If so, it’s likely that you’re tapping into your life’s calling.
5) The desire to foster positive change
Another powerful sign that you’ve found your calling is when it fuels your desire to make a positive impact in the world.
It’s not just about personal fulfillment or financial success but about aligning your actions with your deepest values and using your skills and resources to foster positive change on a larger scale.
If you feel like you’re work is contributing to something ‘bigger than yourself’, it’s a strong indication that you’re aligning with your life’s calling.
6) Comfort in uncertainty
In a world that often values predictability and control, this one might seem counterproductive.
Finding your calling doesn’t mean you have all the answers or that your path is clearly laid out in front of you. In fact, it often means the opposite.
It means being comfortable with not knowing, being open to exploration, and being willing to adapt and evolve.
As we forge our own paths, we must learn to navigate the uncertainties that come our way.
Instead of viewing them as obstacles, we can see them as opportunities for growth and learning.
Each challenge is an invitation to tap into our creative potential and to develop innovative solutions.
Do you find yourself comfortable amidst uncertainty, willing to take risks, and eager to explore uncharted territories?
Good for you.
This willingness to embrace the unknown is an integral part of personal freedom and resilience, key components in pursuing a life of purpose and authenticity.
7) Alignment with your deepest values
Last but not least, when what you do mirrors who you are at your core, there’s a sense of harmony and coherence that permeates your life.
Basically, your work doesn’t feel like something separate from you but an extension of your identity.
This alignment with your values isn’t always obvious or straightforward.
It requires self-awareness and introspection, a willingness to dive deep into who you are and what matters most to you.
It involves questioning societal expectations and norms, and daring to define success on your own terms.
This is what finding your calling is all about – not just fulfilling societal expectations or chasing after external markers of success, but aligning your actions with your deepest values.
Embracing the journey toward your life’s calling
The journey towards finding your life’s calling isn’t a one-size-fits-all process.
It’s a deeply personal and unique journey that requires introspection, courage, and embracing the unknown.
From finding joy in the journey, to embracing authenticity and aligning with your deepest values, these signs are markers of a life lived with purpose and authenticity.
Finding a calling isn’t about reaching a specific destination or achieving a particular goal.
It’s about the journey itself – about aligning your actions with your core values, contributing to the world in a way that is meaningful to you, and creating a life that resonates with who you are at your core.