Why You Haven’t Found Your True Calling Yet—and How to Start

Many of us spend our lives searching for that one thing that gives us purpose and meaning—our true calling. But why is it so elusive? The truth is, the problem isn’t that you don’t have a calling.

It’s that you haven’t explored enough outside the boundaries of what others have assigned to you. Parents, teachers, bosses—all have played a role in shaping what you focus on, often leaving little room for self-discovery.

Your true calling isn’t handed to you; it’s uncovered through experimentation, exploration, and taking risks. It’s not something you stumble upon—it’s something you create by engaging with life deeply and intentionally.

1?? Recognize the Comfort Zone of Assigned Work

One of the first steps is understanding why you feel stuck. Assigned tasks—whether from parents, teachers, or employers—create a structured environment. They tell you what to do, when to do it, and often how to do it. While this may feel safe and productive, it also prevents you from exploring your own potential.

Leaders who excel aren’t just great at completing assignments; they find their true calling by going beyond what’s expected. To do that, you need to let go of the mindset that productivity equals doing only what’s asked of you.

2?? Start Experimenting with Life

Finding your true work requires experimentation. It’s about trying things you’ve never done before, taking risks, and exploring paths outside your usual routine. Think of it as a process of discovery, not unlike a scientist testing hypotheses to find what works.

• Explore New Interests: Try hobbies, projects, or industries you’ve always been curious about. Even if they seem unrelated to your current work, these experiments can open doors to unexpected passions.
• Volunteer for New Challenges: Look for opportunities in your organization or community to take on projects outside your comfort zone. This can help you develop skills and uncover interests you didn’t know you had.
• Embrace Failure: Not every experiment will lead to success, but every failure teaches you something valuable. The more you try, the closer you’ll get to uncovering what drives you.

3?? Shift Your Focus from “What” to “Why”

Instead of fixating on what tasks or goals you should pursue, focus on why you’re drawn to certain activities. What energizes you? What problems do you find yourself thinking about even when no one’s asking you to? These are clues to your deeper purpose.

• Reflect on moments when you’ve felt most engaged or fulfilled. What were you doing? Why did it matter to you?
• Pay attention to what excites you when you’re learning something new. Do you lose track of time when solving a particular type of problem or creating something?

Your “why” will help guide you toward the work that aligns with your natural strengths and values.

4?? Develop a Bias for Action

It’s easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis, endlessly thinking about what you might want to do but never taking action. To find your true work, you need to develop a bias for action. Start small, but start today.

• Commit to One Experiment: Pick one thing you’ve been curious about and dive into it. Whether it’s a new skill, project, or side hustle, give it your full attention for a set period.
• Set a Timeline: Give yourself three months to immerse yourself in this experiment. At the end of that period, assess what you’ve learned and decide whether to continue, pivot, or try something new.
• Measure Progress, Not Perfection: Your goal isn’t to master something instantly but to learn and grow. Track your progress and celebrate small wins along the way.

5?? Surround Yourself with People Who Push You

The company you keep has a significant influence on your growth. If you spend time with people who encourage experimentation and self-discovery, you’re more likely to take the risks necessary to find your true work.

• Seek mentors who inspire you. They don’t need to have all the answers but should challenge you to think bigger and explore new paths.
• Join communities of like-minded individuals who are also experimenting with life. Sharing experiences and insights with others can spark new ideas and keep you motivated.

6?? Stay Open to Change

One of the reasons people struggle to find their purpose is that they resist change. They hold onto old habits, expectations, or identities because it feels safe. But growth requires letting go of what no longer serves you.

• Be willing to leave behind tasks, roles, or environments that don’t align with your values and goals.
• Revisit your experiments periodically to ensure you’re on the right track. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot.

7?? Create Your Own Assignments

Once you start discovering what drives you, take ownership of your work. Stop waiting for others to assign tasks or define your path. Instead, create your own projects, set your own goals, and pursue them with purpose.

• Identify problems you’re passionate about solving and take the initiative to tackle them.
• Design your own learning plan to acquire the skills you need to achieve your goals.
• Share your progress and insights with others, building momentum and accountability along the way.

The Transformation

When you experiment with life and take ownership of your work, you’ll find that one thing you can’t help but do. It’s no longer about fulfilling someone else’s expectations but about pursuing something that feels meaningful and fulfilling to you. This transformation will not only make you a more effective leader but also inspire those around you to do the same.

Are you ready to break free from the work others have assigned to you and start finding your true calling? Take the first step today—experiment, explore, and embrace failure. Share this newsletter with others who are ready to step outside their comfort zones and discover the work they’re meant to do.

Moe Nawaz author of "The Five Strategic Pillars Methodology"

now available on Amazon https://a.co/d/a2BEy9j

#Leadership #PersonalGrowth #FindingYourPassion #FiveStartegicPillarsMethodology #ExperimentWithLife #MoeNawaz