Finding Your Calling: Embracing the Present Moment

“The purpose of life is not to be in the know, but to be in the now.” — Eckhart Tolle

It’s easy to get caught up in the constant push and pull between reflecting on the past and worrying about the future. Yet, the present moment is where we lay the foundation for discovering our true calling. It’s in the here and now that we take the steps that align with our purpose, preparing us for opportunities ahead. But how do we stay grounded and fully present?

Eckhart Tolle (1997) in The Power of Now emphasizes, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.” This powerful reminder encourages us to stop looking backward or forward and to recognize the value of serving where we are right now. Below are three key principles that can help us stay centered and present, allowing us to find our calling along the way.

1. Stay Grateful

Reflect on the key moments that have led you to where you are today. Gratitude grounds us in the present by highlighting the lessons and opportunities we’ve experienced along our journey. Reflecting on these key moments helps us appreciate how far we’ve come and prepares us for what’s ahead. In The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor (2010) discusses how practicing gratitude enhances our well-being and resilience, making it easier to stay present and focused. When we take time to express gratitude, we bring attention to the positive aspects of our lives, which can help us uncover our strengths and find direction.

One practical way to stay grateful is through daily journaling. Consider writing down three things you’re grateful for every morning. Over time, this habit creates a mindset shift, making it easier to see the value in your current circumstances and strengthening your ability to stay rooted in the present.

2. Embrace Your Role

Your calling isn’t something you chase—it will come to you. It’s common to feel like we need to chase our purpose or calling, but often, it’s revealed to us through serving where we are now. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (2006) highlights that meaning is discovered through our experiences and the roles we play, not something we find by pursuing it directly. When we focus on being fully engaged in our current role—whether in our professional life, family, or community—we create the conditions for our calling to emerge naturally.

Instead of looking for the next big opportunity, embrace your current responsibilities and give them your full effort. Trust that by excelling in your present role, the right path will present itself in due time.

3. Trust the Journey

You don’t need all the answers to move forward; take the next step. Sometimes, the need for certainty can keep us from making progress. We might feel paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong choice or by not knowing exactly where we’re headed. In Daring Greatly, Brené Brown (2012) talks about the courage to step into uncertainty and vulnerability, embracing the unknown as part of the journey. Trusting the journey means having faith that even when the path isn’t clear, every step forward brings us closer to our true calling.

Embrace the mindset that you don’t need to see the whole staircase to take the first step. Move forward, even when it’s uncomfortable, and trust that clarity will come as you continue to show up each day.

I’ve always been intrigued by how the past, present, and future are connected. While each stands on its own, they influence one another in ways that shape our experiences and decisions. Our past helps define where we are today, while our vision of the future guides our current actions. The challenge comes when we become too focused on the past or the future, losing sight of the present.

Through my studies and professional experience, I’ve come to understand that being present is a discipline that must be practiced. It’s about focusing on where you are now, serving with excellence, and trusting that your calling will be revealed in due time. By staying engaged in the present moment, we create the foundation for a future that aligns with our values and goals.

As Tolle (1997) reminds us, “Make the Now the primary focus of your life.” Let go of the need to have all the answers and commit to where you are today. Your calling will come when you’re ready for it, and by being present, you’re preparing yourself for when that moment arrives.

This week, take some time to reflect on your past, present, and future. Are you spending too much time in the past or worrying about what’s to come? How can you bring your attention back to the present? Focus on what you can control today and let the rest unfold as it should. Your true calling is closer than you think—sometimes, all it takes is being fully present to recognize it.

References

Achor, S. (2010). The happiness advantage: How a positive brain fuels success in work and life. Crown Business.

Brown, B. (2012). Daring greatly: How the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. Gotham Books.

Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's search for meaning. Beacon Press.

Tolle, E. (1997). The power of now: A guide to spiritual enlightenment. New World Library.

Book links:

The Happiness Advantage

Daring Greatly

Man's Search for Meaning

The Power of Now