What keeps you going when the going gets tough ... when you want to quit and walk off the field? I recently had an experience that made me dig deep and reconnect with my calling. I share it in this episode.

But I’m not alone. Tough times are inevitable for each of us. If you aren’t clear about your calling, you will cave in and quit. This is why it is so important to understand what it is.

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The word “calling” comes from the Latin word, vocatio. It means a call, a summons, or an invitation. It is the same word from which we get the word vocation.

It has four attributes:

It is external. It originates outside of you.

It is personal. It comes specifically to you.

It is appealing. It is something that resonates in you.

It is optional. You have the choice whether to respond or not.

So how do you find your calling? People get confused on this point. They think they need to hear an audible voice from God or there is something mystical about it. I don’t think so.

My premise is that you will find it at the intersection of three components:

Component #1: Passion: What do you love?

Here are some clues:

What do you daydream about?

What do you love learning about?

What would you do if money was not an issue?

A warning: Just because you love something does not mean it is your calling.

Component #2: Proficiency: What are you good at?

Here are some clues:

Where do you feel God’s pleasure?

Where are you proud of your work?

What do you friends say you are good at?

Where have you been acknowledged or rewarded?

A warning: Just because you are good at something does not mean it is your calling.

Component #3: Profitability: Can you make money doing this work?

Here are some clues:

Is the market willing to pay for what you offer?

Are you comfortable charging for what you do?

Do you have a clear monetization strategy?

Warning: Just because you can make money doing something, does not mean it is your calling.

All three of these components are important. Each of them is necessary, but none of them is sufficient in itself.

If you have passion and competence without a market, you don’t have a calling. You have a hobby.

If you have passion and a market without competence, you don’t have a calling. You have a failure.

If you have competence and a market without passion, you don’t have a calling. You have boredom.

It really does take all three circles.

Listener Questions

Amanda asked, “Do you have any information about your new book on life planning?”

Chris asked, “How can musicians begin monetizing their platform?”

Matt asked, “What is the best podcasting software to use for someone who is just getting started?”

Sarah asked, “What are your best tips for those who are new to podcasting?”

Robbie asked, “How can I change my communications strategy to reach my unique audience?”

Special Announcements

My business partner Ken Davis and I will be hosting the SCORRE Conference, May 5–8, 2014 at the beautiful Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Whether you are a professional speaker—or just want to be—this conference will teach you how to prepare with focus, deliver with confidence,