The Key to Knowing Your Calling

One of my favorite parts of my job as CEO of Leadercast are the pre-event Zoom calls I get to do with the speakers. This month, I’ve been meeting with our slate of presenters for our GHOAT (Greatest Habits Of All Time) event, premiering May 8, 2024.?

Last week, I was able to chat with Lisa Bilyeu. Along with her husband, Tom, Lisa has built what can rightly be called an empire of self-improvement resources. In 2019, they sold Quest Nutrition, their billion-dollar boot-strapped start-up, to launch Impact Theory.?

Lisa is exactly what you’d expect on a Zoom call – engaging, energetic and a great listener. I was intrigued about the habit she will be talking about at our upcoming event. It’s something I don’t really think of as a habit per se: Confidence.

Lisa has daily practices she uses to build her confidence to lead others courageously. I won’t spill the beans here, but let’s just say they may not be what you expect. You’ll get to hear them at our next event in May.?

But what struck me is that Lisa had a time when she wasn’t confident. She wasn’t healthy or being her best self. It reminded me that so many of us lead from our pain. We lead from those obstacles we found a way to overcome…or at least from the obstacles we are determined to continue to overcome every day.?

People often ask me how to discern their calling in the world. Or they will ask how to find out what they should do next.?

Lisa’s calling is clear to her now. And it came from her weakness, from overcoming. My hunch is that this is true for all of us.?

Think of that big obstacle you had to overcome. That mountain that demanded climbing. That dark season that you survived. That heartache that had to heal. That’s probably where you will find your calling.?

Actually, I should take a lesson from Lisa and say that more confidently:

The big pain you overcame (or are overcoming) is the key to your true calling.?

And your purpose lies on the other side of realizing it.