Finding a sense of calling in your work can not only deepen your alignment with what brings you meaning, fulfillment, and impact, but also has the potential to transform your overall well-being—emotionally, mentally, and even physically. People with a sense of calling in their work tend to be more successful in their career, less stressed, and more resilient than those who merely show up for a job. This journaling practice is designed to help you explore your values, strengths, and aspirations while reflecting on what truly matters in your professional life.
How to Use This Practice:
- Set aside 10–20 minutes daily in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
- Before writing, take 3–5 minutes to center yourself (instructions below).
- Write freely and honestly. Let your thoughts flow without judgment.
- Revisit your responses at the end of the week to see patterns and insights emerge.
Daily Centering Practice (Before Writing)
Each day before journaling, take a few moments to ground yourself:
- Find a comfortable seat. Close your eyes or soften your gaze.
- Take three deep breaths. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold briefly, and exhale fully through your mouth.
- Bring awareness to your body. Notice any tension and allow it to release.
- Set an intention. Silently say to yourself: I open myself to clarity, truth, and purpose.
- After a moment of stillness, begin writing.
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Day 1: Remembering Moments of Meaning
Reflect on the most meaningful moments in your work life. When have you felt deeply engaged, fulfilled, or like you were making a real impact? Describe these moments in detail. What were you doing? Who was involved? What emotions arose? What about these experiences made them feel significant?
Day 2: Uncovering Your Core Values
Identify your core values—the principles that guide and inspire you. What truly matters to you in your work and life? List 5-10 values and choose the top three that feel most essential. How do these values show up in your work? Where do you feel aligned, and where do you feel disconnected?
Day 3: Exploring Your Natural Gifts
Consider your innate strengths and talents. What activities come naturally to you? What do people often seek your help with? When have you felt a sense of flow, where time disappeared, and you were fully immersed in what you were doing? How do these gifts contribute to your work and the world?
Day 4: Acknowledging Your Pain Points
Think about the frustrations, struggles, or areas of dissatisfaction in your work. What aspects feel draining, uninspiring, or misaligned with who you are? Are there patterns or themes in these challenges? What do these discomforts reveal about what you truly desire in your work?
Day 5: Envisioning Your Ideal Contribution
If there were no limitations—no financial worries, no external expectations—what kind of work would you devote yourself to? How would you spend your time? What kind of impact would you want to have? Write freely about what your ideal work life looks and feels like.
Day 6: Connecting the Dots
Review your journal from the past five days. Look for themes, patterns, and insights. How do your moments of meaning, values, gifts, pain points, and ideal vision come together? What is the common thread? Summarize what you’ve discovered about your deeper calling or sense of purpose in your work.
Day 7: Defining a Next Step
Purpose is not just something to be discovered—it’s something to be lived. Based on your reflections, what is one small but meaningful step you can take this week to align your work more closely with your calling? It could be a conversation, a mindset shift, a new project, or even setting boundaries. Commit to taking this step and describe how it moves you forward.
Closing Reflection
At the end of the week, reread your entries and sit with your insights. Take a moment to acknowledge the clarity you’ve gained. If you feel called, continue journaling beyond these seven days, allowing your sense of purpose to evolve with time.
