“I’m so lost. I don’t know which direction to take!”

“I enjoy certain things, but I have no clue if they could lead to a fulfilling career.”

“I want my work to feel meaningful, but where do I even start?”

If these thoughts resonate, you’re not alone. Many people feel stuck when it comes to figuring out their next steps. And this struggle often comes from not knowing how to connect who you are with what you do.

But here’s the truth: finding clarity doesn’t have to be complicated.

With the right steps, you can uncover a path that feels authentic and meaningful. This guide will help you take the first steps in the process and discover a career aligned with your unique strengths and purpose.

Step 1: Intake

Clarity begins with understanding yourself. Instead of jumping straight into job boards or career advice, take a moment to reflect. 

• Ask for outside input: Sometimes, others see strengths in us that we don’t recognize ourselves. Ask friends, family, or coworkers questions like, “What tasks do you think I excel at?” or “What do you notice I do well without much effort?”
• Identify tasks that energize or deplete you: Reflect on activities that bring you joy versus those that drain your energy. This insight is invaluable in narrowing down career options.
• Uncover spiritual gifts: Are you naturally good at encouraging others, leading, or analyzing? Your spiritual gifts often hint at the kind of work that will bring you fulfillment.
• Define your core values: What principles guide your decisions? Tools like Robert Glaser’s core values exercise can help you go beyond generic words and uncover what truly drives you.

Step 2: Assignment

Once you know yourself better, connect those insights to a greater purpose:

• Ask deep questions: What breaks your heart? What fascinates you? What legacy do you want to leave?
• Reframe “passion”: Instead of searching for a single driving force, think of purpose as a way to serve others through your skills and talents.
• Look at career heroes: Identify people you admire and what you value about their work. This exercise can reveal how you might want to contribute.

Step 3: Ideation

This phase is all about brainstorming and exploring possibilities:

• Map out your career history: List your past dream jobs and what attracted you to each. Look for patterns and themes that emerge.
• Use tools like AI for inspiration: Ask tools like ChatGPT to generate job ideas based on your skills, interests, and salary goals.
• Play “Wouldn’t it be cool if…”: Give yourself permission to dream without judgment. Write down every idea, even the ones that feel unrealistic.

Step 4: Refinement

Take your ideas and refine them into actionable next steps:

• Validate your assumptions: Speak with professionals in your chosen fields to understand what the job is really like.
• Address concerns: For roles that don’t feel quite right, ask yourself what’s missing or explore alternative roles that might better align with your needs.
• Get feedback: Share your ideas with mentors or trusted peers to gain new perspectives.

Finding Faith in the Process

Throughout this journey, it’s essential to recognize that calling often involves faith and trust in God. Your calling isn’t about personal ambition but about discerning how to steward your God-given gifts in service to others.

Remember, clarity doesn’t always arrive as a loud declaration. Sometimes, it’s about taking small, faithful steps with the knowledge you have today.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into this process, watch our free training on how to confidently land a career aligned with your calling. It’s packed with practical tips to help you take the next steps toward a career you love.

You’ve got this.