How Do You Find Your Calling? Hint: It’s Not Your Career

As a lifetime radio guy, I always thought my “calling” in the business was to be a programming person – add and schedule music, execute promotions, lead an air staff, work with talent, etc. It wasn’t until leaving my final programming job a few years back that I realized I had a career all those years, but not a true “calling.”

So, what’s the difference? To answer that, I can quote leadership guru John C. Maxwell – “When it’s your calling, you won’t have to chase it! You will be captivated by it!”

Is that how you feel about what you’re doing right now? This is the time to be honest with yourself, no matter where you are in your life and career. When I discovered my “calling,” I did what Maxwell so eloquently stated: I went after it at breakneck speed.

Now the big question: How do you determine your “calling?” To start the process, you should answer three questions as honestly as possible.

1) What am I really good at?
2) What do my mentors, family and friends tell me I’m good at?
3) What am I most passionate about?

I can tell you that you will, most likely, get the idea as to what that “calling” is after you answer those three questions. Most of your peers will provide the information you need from the outside. Trust me on that. It’s not really complicated, but you must take a hard look at where you are and where you want to be.

First, know that it’s not your job or career. Consider it your way of life. This is what defines you! You are so immersed that you would do it, literally, for nothing! Know this now: Your JOB or your CAREER do NOT define you, and don’t let it! Your CALLING does!

What’s the next step? Do everything you can to get to that place where you are 100% aligned with your calling. Read about it, stay on top of trends and, most of all, find a mentor or two who can help accelerate the process. For me, my calling has been in leadership and mentoring. (Yes, there are mentors for mentors!) For you, it may be something in music, artist relationships, marketing or the digital area.

No matter what, don’t wait. As soon as you have that feeling that you know where you’re headed, make the move. Understand that I’m not telling you to pack up and leave your current place of employment at that moment. With what happened to us the past several years with the pandemic, I know we have all been more introspective about our jobs and careers and what level of passion we have for them and, of course, that work/life balance. Do all you can to prepare yourself, and THEN make the move!

CAUTION! Fear of failure will rear its ugly head for sure. You’ll want to continue to keep on your present course for fear of falling flat if you head toward that “calling.” Ask yourself what’s the worst that could happen if you do fail? How much of a setback would it be? Reach out to one or several of your mentors for positive guidance and reinforcement when this happens. Cultivate a desire that is greater than the fear of failing. If you’re focused and passionate, the desire will win.

In fact, I hear you being called right now! And if you need help in that area, I’m here for you at jshomby@countrysradiocoach.com.

“Taking Your Radio Presence To The Next Level. Be it an artist, radio programmer or on-air talent. Coaching and mentoring down to your foundational level”

Contact me:
John Shomby
Owner/CEO Country’s Radio Coach
jshomby@countrysradiocoach.com
757-323-1460
https://countrysradiocoach.com