The reflection | Career Calling Your Calling

Stage 1 of 5: Strengths

What you do well

Start with evidence, not modesty. Think about work, study, volunteering, caring or anything else you put effort into.

Think of a recent day that went well. What were you doing?Describe the task, not the result. What did you actually do?What do people ask you for help with?Colleagues, friends and family often notice strengths before we do.What do you find easy that other people seem to find hard?

Stage 2 of 5: Values

What matters to you

Values are what you care about when nobody is checking. There are no right answers, and they can change over a life.

Which of the values you picked would be hardest to give up? Why?Think of a time work clashed with one of your values. What happened, and how did it feel?You do not need to name anyone.Where does your work already honour these values, even a little?

Stage 3 of 5: Energy

What energises you, and what drains you

Look back over the last two weeks. Energy is a useful signal: it often shows what suits you before you can explain why.

Moments that left you with more energy than you started withOne per line. Small things count: a good conversation, finishing something, helping someone.Moments that left you flat or tiredOne per line. Notice the task, the people, the time of day or the setting.Is there one drain you could reduce, share, swap or ask for help with?

Stage 4 of 5: Purpose

Why your work matters

Purpose does not have to be grand. It can come from the work itself, the people you work with, what your work makes possible for you and the people you care about, or something outside work altogether. All of these count.

Who benefits when you do your work well?Customers, students, patients, colleagues, your family, your community.Finish the sentence: "My work feels worthwhile when..."If you had more of that, what would be different in a normal week?

Stage 5 of 5: Next step

One small next step

Choose something small enough to start within two weeks. A conversation, an experiment or a question is plenty.

What is one small step you could take in the next two weeks?For example: ask to shadow a colleague, block an hour for the work you enjoy, or have a conversation you have been putting off.When will you do it?A day or date makes it more likely to happen.What might get in the way, and what will you do if it does?

Want a sounding board? Career Calling Mentors connects you with an experienced professional, and Career Calling Coach offers career coaching.

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