How to Find and Live Your Calling | Bryan Dik | TEDxCSU

Introduction

• Many individuals aspire for their work to serve a purpose beyond just a paycheck.

• This approach to work, where individuals strive for a meaningful contribution, is termed as a "calling” - a deeper sense of fulfillment and alignment with personal values rather than merely a means to an end

The Search for a Calling

• In a national sample of American adults:

  • 21% are searching for their calling in their career.

  • 31% believe they are currently living their calling in their jobs.

• Scholars are studying the implications and benefits of viewing work as a calling:

  • People who view their work as a calling are more confident in their career decisions

  • They report higher job satisfaction and engagement

  • Individuals find more meaning in their work and invest greater effort

  • Most importantly, such individuals perceive their overall life as more meaningful

The Challenge of Finding a Calling

• Finding one’s calling is often not straightforward:

  • Some people may struggle with having multiple interests - “multi-potentiality" concept (or multiple callings) – which can create confusion about where to focus their energy and efforts

  • There may be societal pressures, such as needing to declare a major in college despite indecision

  • An "aha moment" is often sought—a clear sign of direction for one's calling

Case Study: Roger Visker's Experience

• Roger Visker transitioned from being a police officer to a pastor:

  • Had a profound experience where he felt directed by a voice to make the transition

  • His wife supported him in exploring this new path

• He sought guidance from five people, referred to as his "messengers"

• Received valuable advice, including:

  • Reading "What Color Is Your Parachute"

  • Taking assessments and meeting with a career counselor

  • Engaging with current pastors

  • Receiving emotional support from caring individuals (encouragement and affirmation)

  • Modeling : All five had gone through a career change

Research on Career Decision-Making

• A meta-analysis by Steve Brown and colleagues established:

  • Career interventions (like counseling) help individuals with career-development concerns by providing guidance, resources, and support to navigate the complexities of career transitions.

  • Support can significantly enhance self-efficacy and decision-making skills, leading to more satisfying career outcomes.

  • Effective interventions share FIVE critical ingredients:

    1. Written Goal-Setting Exercises (e.g., from "What Color Is Your Parachute")

    2. Individualized Feedback (from career assessments)

    3. Up-to-Date Accurate Occupational Information (through informational interviews)

    4. Attention to Building Support from Others (to avoid isolation in decision-making; it is best made in a vacuum)

    5. Role-Modeling (inspired by people who have made similar career changes)

Living a Calling

• Simply discerning a calling is not enough; actively living it out is essential:

  • Research shows that people who are actively living their calling report better satisfaction and engagement

  • In contrast, those who discern a calling but don't live it out may experience lower commitment and higher anxiety

Case Study: Maggie Garza's Approach

• Maggie Garza, an environmental services technician, approaches her role with a sense of calling:

  • Dedicates herself to her job duties while expressing empathy and building relationships with patients

  • Plays a critical role in assisting healthcare professionals by comforting patients, often in creative ways

  • Understands the broader mission of the hospital, recognizing the impact of her work

Conclusion

• Reflect on the metaphor of three workers breaking rocks:

  • The responses varied from making small pieces to earning a living, to building a cathedral

• Determine what cathedral you are building through your daily work activities:

  • Articulate your purpose and how it aligns with making a positive impact in the world

Closing Thought

• Engaging in your work meaningfully leads to experiencing the benefits of living a calling