Life, with its twists and turns, often nudges us towards a particular path—a path that resonates with the primal core of our being. This beckoning may manifest as a childhood memory, a moment when an inexplicable urge or fascination captured our imagination with an almost divine certainty. Whatever it is, it’s already within you.
As the quote suggests, “This is what I must do, this is what I’ve got to have. This is who I am.” However, as we navigate the complexities of adulthood, these primal signals tend to fade into the background, drowned out by the noise of societal expectations and personal responsibilities. Yet, hidden within the depths of our consciousness lies the key to unlocking our true potential and fulfilling our Life’s Task.
Sooner or later something seems to call us onto a particular path. You may remember this something as a signal calling in childhood when an urge out of nowhere, a fascination, a peculiar turn of events struck like an annunciation: This is what I must do, this is what I’ve got to have. This is who I am.
—James Hillman
The Primal Call
The primal call is that deep, instinctual nudge we all feel at some point in our lives, a calling that is often difficult to ignore. It’s the inner whisper that points you toward something you know, deep in your bones, you are meant to do. For many, this calling occurs in childhood, when the world is new and unfiltered, and our emotions and desires are raw and undistorted by societal pressures or external expectations. As children, we are naturally attuned to what excites us, fascinates us, and gives us joy. These impulses often feel like a sudden burst of energy—an intense desire to pursue something, be it a hobby, a subject, or an activity.
Take a moment to remember a time in your childhood when you felt completely immersed in an activity. Perhaps you found joy in drawing or writing stories or became obsessed with a subject like space, history, or animals. This wasn’t just a passing interest—it was something that captured your essence and made you feel more alive, more yourself. These early interests are not random; they are the first signs of what could later evolve into a life’s purpose. You may have ignored or dismissed them then, but they were the primal call of your future self trying to guide you.
As children, we are still unencumbered by the “shoulds” and “musts” that shape the adult world. Our curiosities are genuine, not shaped by the pressure to conform or succeed. This is why the primal call is often so powerful—it doesn’t come from external influence but from within. It’s a call to return to a state of purity, where our passions are not filtered through a lens of fear or uncertainty. Instead, they are the untainted expression of who we truly are. The key is recognizing this primal call for what it is: a signal pointing us toward something essential about ourselves.
The Power of Reconnection
Reconnection with our primal self is where the real transformation begins. Over time, as we grow older and take on more responsibilities, we tend to push aside the things that once excited us. We get caught up in the demands of daily life, and the passions of our youth fade into the background. Society encourages us to become more “serious” and focus on what makes sense or seems practical. We move away from the things that once sparked joy, replacing them with tasks that seem more aligned with adult responsibilities. The power of reconnecting with our primal core lies in realizing that these early inclinations and interests were never trivial—signals of something much greater.
Reconnecting doesn’t require you to return to your childhood in a literal sense. It’s not about becoming that child again or forcing yourself into a box that no longer fits. Instead, it’s about revisiting the feelings, experiences, and interests that made you feel most like yourself in your youth. It’s about recognizing the authenticity of what you were once drawn to and seeing how those elements can still be relevant in your adult life. These passions didn’t disappear; they were buried under layers of adult expectations, experiences, and learned behaviors. To reconnect, you must first be willing to peel back those layers and see what is beneath.
To truly reconnect with your primal self, take the time to reflect on what energized you as a child. What was it that consumed your attention? What would you do for hours on end without feeling tired or bored? Was it reading? Playing sports? Engaging in creative activities like drawing or acting? These activities were not mere pastimes but the first manifestations of your deeper interests. You can rediscover a core part of who you are by revisiting them now. Reconnection also means remembering the joy, the freedom, and the excitement that came with those pursuits without the burden of judgment or societal expectations.
This reconnection is powerful because it brings you back to yourself in a way that nothing else can. The passions you had as a child are still a part of you—they are the unrefined gems that only need to be polished to shine. As you reconnect with these primal urges, you also reconnect with your natural motivation, creativity, and energy source. This is the power of returning to your roots; it is the key to reigniting the passions that once made you feel unstoppable.
Unearthing Your Life’s Task
Your Life’s Task is not something you need to create—it is already embedded within you. This task is the culmination of your deepest desires, your greatest talents, and your most authentic passions. You may not have recognized it yet, but it’s always buried beneath the surface. Unearthing your Life’s Task is a journey of rediscovery, of reconnecting with the activities, interests, and experiences that once felt deeply meaningful to you.
At first, unearthing your Life’s Task may seem daunting. You may feel overwhelmed by the idea that your true purpose has to be something grand or extraordinary. But in reality, your Life’s Task may be much simpler, more grounded, and more connected to the things you loved as a child than you think. You don’t have to invent a purpose for yourself—it is already there, waiting to be brought to the forefront. The key is recognizing that your passions and interests, no matter how small or insignificant they may have seemed at the time, were never random. They were the first steps to finding your Life’s Task.
The path to discovering your Life’s Task may require you to step back and reflect on your life experiences. You might find that certain patterns emerge—activities, subjects, or pursuits that you were always drawn to. These are the breadcrumbs that will lead you back to your true calling. You may also notice that some things that once fascinated you still hold power over you today. In these moments of recognition, your Life’s Task begins to take shape.
Unearthing your Life’s Task also means recognizing that it may take time. It’s not about rushing the process or forcing something to happen. Sometimes, discovering your true purpose happens gradually, in small, quiet moments of insight. As you reconnect with your passions, you’ll see that your Life’s Task is not something distant or unattainable—it is part of you, always has been, and always will be. All it needs is for you to allow it to emerge.
Get Reacquainted with Your Early Passions
One of the most effective ways to rediscover your Life’s Task is by revisiting your early passions. Take some time today to reflect on what you enjoyed as a child. What activities did you gravitate toward, and what made you feel completely alive? These early passions are not just fleeting whims but the clues that lead to your true calling. They are the raw materials from which your Life’s Task can be shaped.
To reconnect with these early passions, consider asking others who knew you well during your childhood—parents, family members, or close friends—what they remember about you. Sometimes, those who were closest to us as children can offer unique insights into our interests and inclinations. They may recall things about you that you’ve forgotten or never noticed, offering valuable clues that can help you reconnect with your past.
Once you’ve identified these early passions, it’s important to take action. You don’t need to return to them full-time or completely change your life, but finding ways to incorporate them into your routine is essential. If you loved to write as a child, try setting aside time each day to write, even if it’s just for yourself. If you enjoyed drawing or painting, dust off your art supplies and give it a try again. These activities may initially feel awkward or unfamiliar, but they will eventually guide you back to your core passions.
Getting reacquainted with your early interests is not just about reliving the past—it’s about rediscovering the core of who you are. As you engage in these activities, you’ll start to feel a sense of excitement, joy, and clarity. These feelings are the signals that you are on the right path. By listening to them and embracing the passions that once defined you, you’ll be better able to uncover your Life’s Task and begin living it with purpose and fulfillment.
Rediscovering Your Inner Compass
Rediscovering your inner compass is critical to unearthing your Life’s Task. This compass, often obscured by years of external influence and societal pressures, reflects your true self. When you reconnect with your primal call, you also reconnect with your internal guidance system—the part of you that knows instinctively what is right for you.
This inner compass is not just a vague feeling or fleeting intuition but a deeply rooted sense of purpose. It will guide your choices, helping you make decisions that align with your core values and desires. As you reconnect with the passions and interests that shaped you, your internal compass will become clearer, helping you navigate the path toward your Life’s Task.
Trusting this inner compass requires letting go of external validation and societal expectations. It means listening to your heart and intuition, even when it goes against the grain. As you allow this inner guidance to lead the way, you will feel more confident in your decisions and more aligned with your purpose. Rediscovering your Life’s Task is not just about remembering your childhood interests—it’s about trusting that these passions, when nurtured and developed, will guide you toward a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Personal Reflection: It is Already Within You
Ask someone who recalls your childhood what they remember about your interests. Get reacquainted with those early passions.
From Mastery, I: Discover Your Calling—The Life’s Task
I recently sat down with a mentor to discuss some personal issues. I asked him about not feeling like I fit in with people and feeling low and disempowered. He suggested I talk to people who know me well and ask them for feedback.
The daily law suggests we do something similar today. Such an activity requires you to leave aside any notions of what you might think the answer should be. People will tell you their answers; you must listen without reacting or arguing.
My mother told me that I could be an excellent teacher. My father encourages me to write stories or novels. He thinks that writing daily is key to my happiness. They told me I liked stories and reading since childhood. I am creatively inclined but also have a strong analytical mind. They showed me my report cards and assessments we conducted in school.
Conclusion
The journey to discovering your Life’s Task is a continuous process of unearthing, reflecting, and embracing your passions. It calls for mastery over your skills and interests and the self-doubt and external pressures that can cloud your vision. Recognize that this task is uniquely yours and may evolve as you grow and change.
As you engage with your passions, remain vigilant for opportunities that align with your core interests. This may manifest as professional pursuits, creative projects, or volunteer efforts that resonate deeply with your values. Integrating your passions into daily life will create a sense of fulfillment and purpose that transcends mere productivity.
Ultimately, the essence of discovering your Life’s Task lies in honoring the signals that arise from your primal core. Trust that you possess the innate wisdom to guide you toward your authentic path. Reconnect with your interests, reflect meaningfully, and embrace the journey with open arms. Doing so will illuminate a path toward a life of passion, purpose, and profound satisfaction.
This article is a part of the Reflections on The Daily Laws Series based on Robert Greene’s book.