4 Steps to Embrace Your Purpose: How to Find and Follow Your True Calling

Understanding the Importance of Purpose

In today's fast-paced world, there's a lot of talk about purpose—finding your purpose, living with purpose, working on purpose. And for good reason. Purpose matters deeply. Yet, many people go through life feeling a dullness, a lack of color, as if they're merely ghosts navigating through the motions.

Some have abandoned their purpose, discarding it like yesterday's trash. Others have never truly found it. The common questions are: How do you find your purpose? What does it look and feel like when you do?

Have you ever found yourself desperately searching for your purpose—or avoiding what you know is your true calling? Here are some steps to help you find and follow your true calling:

Step 1: Run Toward the Resistance

Ask yourself, "What am I running away from?" There's a misconception that if we are called to do something, we will eagerly embrace it, and it will be effortless, filled with rainbows and butterflies.

Reality often differs. We hear the call but resist it because it's inconvenient, demanding, or requires significant changes. It forces us out of our comfort zones.

This was my story. For years, I skirted around the edges of what I knew I was meant to do. I hesitated to leave my prestigious job with its hefty paycheck. I was uncertain about my identity without my title and doubted my ability to succeed on my own terms. The calling was clear, but I was unsure if I could answer it.

It's not always convenient or easy, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pursue it. If you feel strong resistance, run toward it, not away from it.

Step 2: Take One Step at a Time

You might think you need everything figured out before you take the first step. You don't. You just need to start.

• Want to be a thought leader?
  • Choose your area of expertise. Read, learn something new, then share it with someone.
• Want to be a writer?
  • Do you feel called to share your stories? People often ask how to become a writer, thinking it's complicated. It's not. Sit down and write. Keep writing every day to improve.
• Want to change careers and need new skills?
  • Identify one action you can take today to move closer to that goal. Then do it.

When we move toward our calling instead of away from it, the energy shifts. Synchronicity flows, the right people appear, opportunities arise, and time becomes available.

That job you dread? The boss might tell you you're no longer needed. Initially devastating, it could also be a chance to explore new options and create the life of your dreams.

Step 3: Honor Your Vision

Our calling often begins with a vision of how things could be different, how we could make a difference. This vision might stem from frustration with the status quo and a desire to improve it.

You have this vision, and you feel the urge to create change. This is the voice you need to heed. But there's another voice—one filled with doubt and fear, saying:

"Seriously? Who do you think you are? Don't quit your day job. You're not cut out for this. The world doesn't need your contribution. Get over yourself."

Sound familiar? This self-talk can be brutal. We've all heard it when we've shared our deepest dreams, either with others or quietly with ourselves.

The closer we get to our calling, the louder this negative voice becomes. Don't listen to it. It's your ego, your smaller self, resisting change and fearing the unknown. Instead, focus on the voice of truth and longing. Trust and honor your vision.

Step 4: Trust the Journey

Our callings shape us, helping us grow into the people we were meant to be. Trust that everything you need will appear at the right time. Skills, relationships, resources, and opportunities will show up when you do. Believe that you will receive what you need when you need it.

You’ve been called. It's time to listen and take action.

Trust in the journey, honor your vision, and take steps toward your dreams.

Walking with you,

Nina Devouge