Tags
calling, career, challenges, Christian, creativity, inspiration, job, John Ortberg, mission, Peter D. Mallett, roadblocks, writing
I haven’t been looking for them, but I’ve been finding what I call inspirational “roadblocks” popping up lately.
Generally, it’s handy when our inspiration arrives in neatly wrapped packages. We gleefully open them, and they propel us into the sky of creativity where our work will burst open like a blaze of fireworks, noticed by everyone on the ground.
But inspirational “roadblocks” thwart our efforts, and for good reason. They’re meant to stop us, to get us to consider just why we’re writing, why we’re painting, why we’re delivering mail to hundreds of customers every day.
Are you doing it for the right reasons?
I was given a great inspirational roadblock by Peter D. Mallet, in his recent post “What is Successful Writing.” When I started writing, did I set out to become the next Ernest Hemingway? The next Agatha Christie? Nah. Although it would be nice, I just wanted my writing to make a difference, and Peter’s post discusses this very well.
A few days later, I picked up a great book, John Ortberg’s “When the Game is Over It All Goes Back in the Box.” Ortberg compellingly points out that there’s a distinction between our job and our calling.
And get this: you are not your job.
I borrow from his book, starting on page 160, to share just how to find your calling. It might be the same as your job, but for those who aren’t sure, I hope this helps.
1) Your Mission Starts Where You Are, Not Where You Think You Should Be. Ortberg says “Sometimes we’re tempted to think that our current position/job/situation is a barrier to our mission, but, in fact, it is where it starts. Being significant is not the same as looking significant…”
2) Your Mission Is Not About You. Ortberg uses Jesus’ lesson “You are the salt of the earth” to demonstrate that salt’s job is to “lose itself in something much bigger and more glorious; then it fulfills its destiny…If I do (something) by myself, for myself, it’s death. If I do it with God, for others, it’s life.” He doesn’t mean we should all rush out and sign up to be missionaries in Estonia; it’s whatever situation you’re in now where you can become “salt.”
3) Your Mission Will Use Your Strengths. “We all have the capacity for (strengths like wisdom, courage, humanity and justice),” Ortberg writes. “But a few of them resonate more deeply in you; they are your ‘signature strengths.'” Use them.
4) Your Mission Will Use Your Weaknesses. Your greatest burdens can become your greatest gifts – if you let them.
5) Your Mission Will Be Connected to Your Deepest Dissatisfactions. “What troubles you most?” Ortberg asks. “Usually we try to avoid unpleasantness, but if you have a sense that your mission involves helping the poor, spend some time around those in poverty. Allow your emotions to become deeply engaged, and carry with you that fire that things must change.”
I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was a kid – I created a family newspaper that I sold to my parents for ten cents a copy. It was colorful and shared the exciting tidbits of daily life in our small home. Unfortunately, it folded after one or two editions, due to lack of interest on the part of the head writer. Still, that fire burned.
Fast forward – now, it would be rewarding to share the joy of reading with a child who’s struggling in school. With an adult who’s never admitted they can’t read, but wants to learn.
Ortberg’s points and Mallett’s ideas got me thinking.
I still need to write, and don’t plan on switching jobs, but it’s good to have an inspirational roadblock to shake up your thought process.
Don’t get hung up on letting your job become your identity. Like Peter D. Mallett and John Ortberg point out, consider why you’re doing your work. It’s great food for thought!
Peter D. Mallett said:
Thanks for the comment on my post and mentioning mine here. It’s funny I started that post mentioning someone elses blog post that got me thinking. I’m tickled to know mine sparked some ideas for you as well. I also like John Ortberg’s writing. I’ve tried hard to “step out of the boat.”
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dmswriter said:
Your welcome, Peter! I really did enjoy that post of yours – got me grounded as to why we’re really writing. It’s important to keep that focus, because it’s too easy to write something, hoping it’ll “get noticed” instead of simply writing for the joy of sharing our ideas. Funny you should mention Ortberg’s “…Get Out of the Boat” book – I read that one before I read “When the Game is Over,” and enjoyed both tremendously. Keep up the great ideas!!
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Emily @ Adventures of a Dog Mom said:
You’re not your job… I agree and think more people need to read this post. Thanks for sharing this on Susie’s blog!
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dmswriter said:
Thanks, Emily! Life is about more than work, and I hope you’re enjoying yours. 🙂
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Jess Witkins said:
Hello! Popped over from Susie’s blog and I’m so glad I did! I really needed this post today. I recently quit my FT salaried management job in sales to pursue my writing. Suuuuuper Scaaaaary! I’ve been having a little adjustment crisis as I try to define a new image for myself and the guidelines you shared are really helpful. Especially the first one – start where I am, not where I want to be. I always want to be moving faster than I am, and I have to remember I’m still moving forward, it’s ok. Thanks for giving me lots to think about today, I’ll definitely be journaling about this. 🙂
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dmswriter said:
Hi Jess – Glad you stopped by! I do understand about new images. I recently took a part-time job, simply for the extra income (writing isn’t always a “constant” stream of money!) and have also been doing my own adjusting. Moving from one environment to another certainly isn’t easy, is it? Both scenarios are fraught with uncertainty. I’m the same – I want things to move along quickly and tidily toward my ultimate goal, and that doesn’t always happen. You are moving forward, toward a goal that is a true reflection of who you are, and the uncertainty is part of it. My job change has even forced a re-examination of my blog: who am I writing for? How can it be more authentic? I look forward to reading your journal entries as you move forward. 🙂
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kindredspirit23 said:
Excellent thoughts. I will keep them in mind as my writing continues to progress.
By the way, Susie L sent me.
My contribution is a short story from about a week ago.
Scott
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susielindau said:
I feel very fortunate to be able to concentrate on my passion. Love the roadblock idea. It is good to take everything one step further.
Thanks for bringing this to the party!
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dmswriter said:
Thanks for having the party, Susie! It was great to meet the people who follow your blog and to see what they’re up to. A fun day!
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Kitt Crescendo said:
Susie’s blog sent me your way. I really like the message you’re sending. I made the mistake of letting my job take over my identity last time. This time I’m doing what I love and doing it for me. Can’t tell you what a difference it’s made.
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dmswriter said:
Glad you stopped by – thanks for the comments. I see it too often, people letting their job “become” who they are and losing themselves in the process. I always like hearing that someone is doing what they love – life is too short to do anything else.
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Kitt Crescendo said:
Could not agree more. Just glad I figured that out before it was too late.
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John W. Howell said:
Susie sent me. Good observations on the importance of life.
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dmswriter said:
Thanks, John. Sometimes we can become so involved in equating our career to ourselves that it overtakes us. Glad you stopped by!
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Catherine Johnson said:
Coming via Susie. I love all those points especially 2) It helps ease the pressure knowing we have a higher purpose and it’s nothing to do with ourselves. I like how all these points are linked in some way.
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dmswriter said:
Glad you stopped by, Catherine! Isn’t it interesting to take a step outside ourselves once in a while? It’s so easy to get consumed in day-to-day living, and I thought Ortberg’s advice about focusing outside ourselves really resonated.
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Catherine Johnson said:
Yes, a very healthy way to live.
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Maggie C said:
I saw you at Susie’s party, so am stopping by. I learned that I am not my job the hard way, by losing my job. But in the end, it’s one of the best things to happen to me. Now I have no more excuses for why I have to stay in the same old rut. Onward and upward (I hope).
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dmswriter said:
Hi Maggie! Thanks for stopping by. I’m sorry you lost your job, but like your attitude. I agree – some of the best things to happen often come out of our most difficult challenges. I send best wishes for many “onward and upward” moments for you!
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barbtaub said:
Susie sent me, so I got to read this great post. I finally quit my job to follow my calling. Now every day on my job is Saturday, while at my calling I’ve just released my first book, the second one comes out next month, and the third one is already sold. Except for Mojito Mondays, I don’t miss anything at my former job. (Damn shame about the mojitos, but I just planted a mint bush. So there’s hope. )
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dmswriter said:
Woo hoo! Sounds like you’re on the right track. Must be such a wonderful feeling! Keep enjoying it… 🙂
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