The journey to self discovery is a process. Calling or “Life’s Task” is what makes you feel that life is meaningful. Calling gives you a sense of purpose. For some, calling can be found in their career. For others – especially women – calling can be found in raising children. What ever your calling is, it uses your skills and talents while aligning with your values.
The truest way to figure out your calling is to start with your childhood and adolescence. You will begin to connect to who you were as a child. Returning to those strong powerful emotions you experienced during adolescence will be key to revealing your calling.
Action Tip: Take a journal and write down all your dreams and aspirations. Once you start writing, memories will surface. Ask yourself, “What made me so different? What was I attracted to?” The key to self discovery is to become an archeologist of your own past. A detective searching for clues.
Robert Greene, known for his books on strategy, power, and human nature, talks about finding your calling in Mastery. His key ideas include:
1. Discover Your Life’s Task
Robert believes everyone has a unique calling, which he calls a “Life’s Task.” It’s something deeply personal, often tied to childhood interests or natural inclinations. To find it:
- Reflect on what fascinated you as a child.
- Identify activities that put you in a state of flow.
- Recognize what naturally holds your attention over time.
Ask your self questions:
- What is the work you can’t not do?
- What impact do you want to have and leave?
- What matters the most to you?
- What inspires you to do inspiring work daily?
- Why are you doing the work you are doing?
- What are your strengths?
- What are you good at and passionate about?
2. Follow Your Own Path (Not Society’s Expectations)
He warns against conforming to societal pressures or chasing money/status at the cost of your true interests. Many people ignore their calling because they fear stepping outside the norm.
3. The Apprenticeship Phase
Mastery requires an intense learning period where you humble yourself and develop skills. During this phase:
- Work under mentors and absorb their knowledge.
- Learn through observation, practice, and failure.
- Build resilience by pushing through challenges.
4. Experiment & Find the Right Fit
Sometimes, your calling isn’t obvious. Greene suggests experimenting with different paths while paying attention to what excites and motivates you. Many masters, like Darwin or Leonardo da Vinci, explored multiple interests before finding their niche.
5. Combine Your Skills in a Unique Way
True mastery comes when you blend various skills and experiences into something uniquely yours. Greene calls this the “Creative-Active” phase, where you stop following and start innovating.
6. Trust the Process, Not the Shortcut
Greene emphasizes that mastery takes time—often 10+ years of dedication. Those who embrace the long game and persist through difficulties are the ones who succeed.
Would you say you’ve found your calling, or are you still exploring?