7 Ways to Recognize Your Calling

“If you ask me what I came to do in this world,” declared author, Émile Zola, “I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud.”

To live out loud means to recognize your life purpose and to act on the work you know is yours to do. Sometimes the noise of life screeching around you makes it difficult to hear the voice within that’s challenging you to do something different – something with purpose and meaning.

I had to relearn how to listen to that intense brilliant voice within that knows – that’s always known – what I enjoy, where my talents lie, and what I believe. Vocare, in Latin, means “to call.”  The root of the word, vocation. When you find the courage and wisdom to respond to the Voice, you stand on holy ground.

When you were young, your choices were driven by what felt fun and exciting. Children often grow into adults who swap dreams for responsible decisions and, over time, forget what made them feel alive with passionate purpose and joy.

In her book, Playing Big, Tara Sophia Mohr explains how to find your voice, your mission, and your message. It is sometimes difficult to tune out negative self-talk and criticism to listen to the deeper calling within you that reveals your life’s purpose. Tara believes there are common patterns that cross your awareness and point to your personal life calling, including:

• You feel pain or frustration about the status quo of a particular issue or topic.
• You have a powerful vision – vague or clear – about what could be.
• You feel inspired or compelled to act. You know “This work is mine to do.”
• You find that doing the work is a strengthening process.
• You feel huge resistance. What ifs and I can’t are part of the process that move you from where you’re at to where you want to go.
• You don’t have to have all the tools, skills, money, resources, or connections you need to complete it.
• You aren’t — yet — the person you need to be to complete the calling.

You don’t have to have all of the answers. You only need to recognize the call within you —  and be willing to do something about it.

How might your passions be related to your calling?

Your dream is important. Discover 7 Reasons Why You Need a Dream.

Do you want to get clear about your direction? Find helpful tips to Write a Personal Purpose Statement.

Do you hope to find the job that’s right for you? Download my free Ideal Job Description and more free downloads to help you clarify your direction.