What if your career isn’t your calling? Here’s how to find what truly lights you up! 🔥 #calling

5 Essential Steps from Scott MadererLearn how to identify your calling with 5 actionable steps. Discover insights on aligning your life with your true purpose, whether you're a Christian or not.Scott Maderer, co-founder of Inspired Stewardship, a ministry dedicated to helping Christian men and couples live out their God-given calling. With nearly 30 years in education and as a certified human behavior consultant, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. He and his wife, Carrie, are passionate about helping individuals align their time, talent, and treasures to live authentically and build a meaningful life.## Understanding Your CallingMany people confuse their career with their calling, but they are fundamentally different. A career can be seen as a road that gets you from point A to point B, while your calling is about your deeper purpose and how you show up in the world. Understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone looking to align their life with their true calling.### The Difference Between Career and Vocation- **Career**: Comes from a root word meaning 'cart' or a path you take.- **Vocation**: Derived from 'vocalis,' it signifies your voice or calling in life.Your calling should reflect in every aspect of your life, including your career, family, volunteer work, and spiritual journey. It’s essential to recognize that your calling is not limited to what you do for a living; it is about how you engage with the world around you.## Transitioning from a Job to Your CallingTransitioning from a job you dislike to a calling you love requires a strategic approach. Here are two essential exercises to guide you through this process:### Exercise 1: Look Backwards1. **Create a Three-Column Chart**: - **Column 1**: List everything you've done in your life, not just paid jobs. - **Column 2**: Note what you loved about each activity. What energized you? - **Column 3**: Write down what you didn't love. What drained your energy?2. **Identify Patterns**: Review your lists and look for recurring themes in what you loved and didn’t love. This will help you identify activities that align with your true calling.### Exercise 2: Look Forwards1. **Visualize Your Future**: Imagine it’s five years from today. Picture yourself in an airport, waiting for a delayed flight. A friend you haven’t seen in years approaches you, asking how you’ve been.2. **Describe Your Life**: Write down what you would tell them about your life. Focus on aspects like your finances, relationships, career, and spiritual walk. What would make you say, "These have been the best years of my life?"## The Importance of PurposeUnderstanding your calling is about knowing where you want to go, not just where you are trying to escape from. By pairing the insights from your past with a clear vision of your future, you can identify gaps in your life and work towards filling them. Consider what small, actionable steps you can take to start moving toward your calling today.### Small Steps to Take Today- Reflect on your insights and identify one small action you can take.- Whether it’s volunteering, taking a class, or starting a new project, small steps lead to significant changes.## Key Takeaways- Your calling is more than just your career; it encompasses your entire life.- Distinguishing between what you love and don’t love is crucial for identifying your calling.- Visualizing your future can provide clarity and motivation for taking action today.By understanding and embracing your calling, you can live a life that is authentic and fulfilling.## Frequently Asked Questions### What is my calling?Your calling is your deeper purpose, reflecting how you are designed to engage with the world beyond just your job.### How can I identify my calling?Identify your calling by reflecting on what energizes you versus what drains you, and visualize your future to clarify your goals.