Passion Shift: Career to Calling - Part 12

Today we will be wrapping up the teachings I gathered from the book "Leadershift" that I was sharing over the past few weeks and I hope it has raised your curiosity to do a deep dive study on these 11 chapters.

Block 15 minutes on my?calendar ?and let's discuss how you could benefit from the "Leadershift" course and become a better leader!

Our final shift is called the "Passion Shift" where you start thinking about your purpose. You might wonder "Why your WHY is Important". My mentor John C. Maxwell elaborates on this point in his book titled "Intentional Living", let me share with you what has caught my attention from Chapter 4.

John says "If you want to make a difference and live a life of significance, you must tap into your why. You need to start thinking about your purpose."

In my teen years, I have enjoyed reading the book by Rick Warren "The Purpose Driven Life" and I have been looking for my purpose while pursuing my career as an IT Professional.

In my early college days, I thought my purpose in life was to get married and have a family of my own with children to nurture by being a stay-at-home mom.

In my early 20's, I completed my Master's Degree from one of the most prestigious universities in India (IIT-Bombay) and landed a good IT job through campus interview.

I thought my purpose in life was to be a working woman and taking care of my parents since they did not have a son to rely on, as they grew older. Typically in our culture, a boy took care of the parents in their old age and girls were married off to take care of in-laws.

In my early 30's, I was blessed with 3 children and I was working for a Fortune 100 company (IBM) as a Senior Project Manager. I thought my purpose in life was all set and I would retire as an IBMer. My dad had retired from his work and was enjoying spending time with his 8 grandkids and my mom was thrilled to be loved by all of us.

In my early 40's, I was ready to Search Until I Found My Why. I started believing in myself and I knew that I was meant to make a bigger contribution that can positively impact the world.

I quit IBM to take on a Consulting job with another Fortune 100 Company (MetLife) in New York City.

It was a big change from working in a Healthcare Industry for 15 years to switching to a Financial Industry. My confidence increased as I excelled at my work with the support from one of the best team members I could ask for (Shirley Payne - lady beside me). Shirley was like a mother figure to me :-)

I had the privilege of working alongside a friend (Nauman Piyarji - tall guy with long hairs) with whom I had worked earlier in my career at Horizon BCBSNJ. Nauman was pursuing his dreams to become a Fashion Designer while working in IT, he knew his WHY and it was just obvious watching him pursue his calling while having a career.

A special tribute to my friend who lost his life at a very young age during the pandemic last year - I am grateful for his friendship!

You might ask, what is the difference between a Career and Calling - how do we know!

When I read the final chapter of Leadershift and saw this comparison, I knew what it looked like since I had seen my friend Nauman doing both at the same time.

In my early 50's, I am in the process of making the shift from Career to Calling. Last month, I crossed 7500+ followers on LinkedIn and I know what my purpose is:

My vision is to "Be Challenged & Lead On". I help Project Managers, Agile Coaches, HR Professionals connect better with their team!

What changed for me these past 4 years since I joined the Maxwell Leadership Team (MLT)?

1. It is no longer about me, it is mainly about others: I am constantly looking for ways to add value to others. I am finding opportunities to develop leaders around me.
2. Developing Leaders has been chosen for me, my intention was to become a better leader: I have been invited by various organizations to speak on leadership topics that has raised the leadership lid of many leaders.
3. Everyday is a Masterpiece: I am no longer looking for the weekend to enjoy my life, everyday is exciting as I am making a positive impact in the lives of others daily.
4. Who I am, not what I do that matters: I am on a personal growth journey and it is great to help others get started on their own personal growth journey to reach their potential.
5. Tap into my strength, not work on my weakness: Every morning I wake up excited and I take small steps focusing on what I am good at, I am a great connector and love introducing folks who have a common vision. I live with a purpose and intentionality.
6. Earning credibility, living intentionally: I am acting according to my purpose and doing significant acts day and day, year by year, decade after decade, and I know my impact will keep on increasing.

I hope this has triggered some ideas in your mind on how to make this Passion shift from career to calling, you will definitely find great value if you mastermind with other like minded individuals. It would be my privilege to introduce you to these lessons and help accelerate your leadership journey!

Let me leave you with 3 things you can do to Maximize Your Calling:

1. Integrate A Daily Focus With A Long-Term Perspective?
2. Set A Clear Path In A Worthwhile Direction?
3. Ask Others To Join With You And Your Calling

Next time we will start a new series based on "Developing The Leader Within You 2.0" or "21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership". What would you like me to start on?

Don't forget to SAVE THE DATE for the upcoming Leadership Conference - contact your licensed host Anupama for details.