To Find Your True Calling Look Outside

A few weeks ago, I was helping a client figure out how to find more meaning and fulfillment in his work life as a Data Engineer.  Although he is paid well for the work that he does and is at a company that has a great work culture, he still felt a lack of deeper meaning, purpose and fulfillment.

He wanted to explore other companies or career options where he could use his technical skills to make a positive impact for the betterment of society. But he had no clue where to start.

At this point most career coaches will recommend that the client “look inside” and do an internal assessment to find inspiration and gain more clarity.

But they stop this “self-discovery” phase there. Look inside and you’ll have all the answers.

This is a mistake.

Of course, I agree with this “Look Inside” approach and think that doing so is absolutely necessary.

But I also know that this is only HALF of the solution. 

Looking inside is not enough.

Looking “OUTSIDE” for clues to meaning and happiness in one’s career is as important as looking “INSIDE”

So, to get a COMPLETE picture of what type of work brings you the most joy, meaning and satisfaction you MUST DO BOTH.

Because, true meaning, satisfaction and positive impact comes when you not only do something that is aligned with your-SELF, but also when you contribute to something that is much bigger than you and its impact goes BEYOND-yourself.

How can do this effectively?

Whether you are looking to find more meaning & fulfillment in your current job, thinking of changing companies or are exploring a major shift to a totally new job or career, this is what I recommend:

First, LOOK INSIDE and clarify/define the following:

• What are your strengths?
• What are your core values?
• What are your core skills?
• What are your weaknesses?
• What are your natural interests?
• What are your personality traits?
• What are your big life goals?
• What is your work purpose?

Then, LOOK OUTSIDE and answer these questions:

• What kinds of problems that people are struggling with, would I love to get involved with and try to solve (Societal, people, technical, etc.)?
• The world has many crises right now, which one would you like to dedicate your work to if you had the opportunity?
• Which new ideas, concepts or projects that impacts people’s lives in a positive way would you love to help implement?
• How would you like to serve your community & humanity if you were paid well for it?
• If you were paid to make a difference in the world for the remainder of your career, what would it be?
• If you were paid to take a year off to write a book for people to read and learn from, what would it be about?
• To the growth of which field would you love to contribute to (technology, humanity, art, etc.)?
• If you had to become a trainer or teach a group of people for the next 3 years, what would you teach them?
• Which activities that you’d love to do, give other people more joy, happiness and peace?

The best way to find your true calling is not only to discover who you are, what you like and what you are great at but also what people truly need, what makes a difference and what is desperately need in the world right now. 

By Rafael Tomik, Career Fulfillment Coach, BeGreat.com