Three Questions To Ask Yourself Before Dating Your Vocation
You know when you can’t wait to go on a date?
You spend time visualizing what it will be like, where you will go, and what you will do. You plan everything perfectly to the last detail. You spend extra time getting ready. You want to impress your date and make them feel special.
You finally meet ...
You are both engaged in a conversation ...
You talk for hours. The more you talk the more you have in common. The more you have in common, the more you want to know him. The more you know him, the more you want to be with him.
You love his laughter ...
He is so handsome, smart, and funny! You're mesmerized by him; by the person you are getting to know. You are excited and thrilled at the prospect of your perfect date.
You are having a great time ...
It's that feeling when everything is going perfectly and you don’t want the evening to end!
That is how I imagine my vocation. In that place where I am so engaged, so enthralled, experiencing so much joy and satisfaction in what I am doing. Your vocation should make you excited to get out of bed.
You need to choose a vocation that you are so passionate about you'd do it for free . . . if money was not an issue.
Frederick Beuchner, defines vocation as "the place where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need."
One day, I was attending the American Association of Christian Counselors Marriage Conference when I heard about Life Coaching. I wasn’t looking for a career change, but there it was in front of me. I started looking into it casually, thinking this would be great to do someday. The more I coached people, though, I knew I had found my calling. My passion to come along side people as they realize their dreams enticed me on a new journey! It’s always exciting when I get to witness my clients “Aha” moments. As I began transitioning into the life coaching world, I could not have imagined how rewarding it would be. The greatest part of my journey is seeing the life changes that happen in my client’s lives as they reach their goals, their dreams, their calling. I find pleasure when I empower people to challenge themselves to be their best!
Your work should be something you enjoy doing. Some people actually have fun and get paid for having fun while they work. What a concept! You love what you do and you are passionate about it and you are making a difference. This is how I express my calling. I can’t wait to get up everyday and do it all over again.
If your job is draining, it might even be affecting your mood, your attitude, and your zest for life. Perhaps it is time to find another job. You shouldn't be sitting at your desk counting down the hours and minutes until you get to go home. You shouldn't be at work daydreaming about what you'd rather be doing or where you'd rather be. What a waste!
It's important to know your passions, your strengths, and what makes you come alive!
It's also important to reflect on your wants and create a list of your non-negotiables to help you stay focused on where you want to be.
I have my clients create a vision for themselves of where they see themselves in one year, five years, and ten years. This idea can also be done using a vision board, strengths board, or mind-mapping. The idea of envisioning our future, the possibilities, and what could be is a great motivational tool. Sometimes people don't realize there is another way or another path. Whatever you decide to use, it can be a powerful tool to map out the goals to get you to where you want to be.
Are you clinging to your job, but feel unfulfilled? Listen to your heart! Your heart knows what you enjoy, what gets you up in the morning, what you are good at, what your strengths are, what brings you satisfaction; a sense of accomplishment, that your life matters and what you are doing is making a difference.
When we are on the wrong path, we feel uncomfortable, but when we find our true calling we acknowledge who we are. We feel a sense of belonging and what we do brings value to others; we are making a difference in the lives of others.
Before you date your vocation, ask yourself these questions:
What is important to me?
What are my strengths?
What is my dream?
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
John 15:16
