Your profession is not what brings home your paycheck. Your profession is what you were put on earth to do with such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling.–Vincent Van Gogh
Do you agree or disagree?
When I came across this quote, it reminded me in some ways of my own experience.
I’ve always had an interest in how people initiate and move through successful transitions in their work – how transformations occur. I later realized that my interest was much stronger than usual. It almost felt like a “calling” of sorts.
It wasn’t just an interest. I needed to be a catalyst and confidant to help people through a transformational process.
When I ask people, “How’s your work going?” it’s not a casual question. I really want to know. If all is well, that’s good. If not, what’s not working?
I believe that if someone is going through a specific challenge, there’s something I can do (and in some cases, must do) to help the person improve their situation – if they really want to.
Enough about me.
My guess is that if you’re reading this, you have similar desires to want to make a positive and meaningful difference. Maybe it’s helping people improve their situation in a specific way. Or perhaps you want to get a message out that will impact people’s lives.
What are some indicators that you’re being called – in some way — to do something bigger or different?
Perhaps you’re seeing some of these clues:
● You’re interested in a specific topic, issue or problem so much so that, even if you leave it for a while, you always seem to return to it.
● People pick up on the fact that you’re passionate about a particular cause or topic.
● Others may notice a strength that you have related to your potential “new work” that you haven’t even seen in yourself.
● You tend to talk about your interest more than usual.
● You feel energized when you’re around people who share the same interest, or those you believe you can help through your work.
● You may be losing sleep over it, because you have so many ideas flooding your mind.
My advice: Don’t fight it. Notice what you seem to naturally gravitate toward – the issues, topics, people, problems, challenges, etc.
Create the time and space to explore what new possibilities might look like for you. Jot down some thoughts. It’s safe. You don’t have to share them with anyone.
Decide to make a change – even if you don’t know exactly what “the change” looks like. Making a change of any kind is one of the first steps toward making the kind of life or work you want.
Trust that the clues you’re experiencing – whatever they may be – are beginning to move you in an exciting new direction.
What do you think the clues you’re experiencing are trying to tell you?