In the words of the esteemed German philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, “Everyone holds his fortune in his own hands, like a sculptor the raw material he will fashion into a figure.” This profound statement encapsulates the essence of personal agency and the power we wield to shape our destinies.
As sculptors mold clay into a masterpiece, we can craft our lives into something extraordinary. However, this process is not solely about innate talent; it requires deliberate action, introspection, and a profound understanding of our innermost desires and aspirations. The first step is to discover your calling.
Consider this analogy: When a sculptor begins his work, he starts with a clear vision of the masterpiece he seeks to create. Similarly, each individual possesses an innate sense of purpose—a Life’s Task—that beckons them forward.
This task is not predetermined or fixed; it culminates in our unique experiences, talents, and passions. By tapping into this inner reservoir of potential, we can unlock a life of profound meaning, fulfillment, and authenticity.
Everyone holds his fortune in his own hands, like a sculptor the raw material he will fashion into a figure. But it’s the same with that type of artistic activity as with all others: We are merely born with the capability to do it. The skill to mold the material into what we want must be learned and attentively cultivated.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The Inner Force: A Guiding Light
At the core of every person lies an intrinsic force—a quiet but powerful inner drive—that seeks to guide us toward our true calling. This force is not an external pressure or a fleeting desire but something deep within, embedded in our very being. The spark ignites curiosity and motivation, pushing us toward a life of purpose and fulfillment. But unlike fleeting ambitions or external validation, this inner force is more profound and enduring. It is the quiet voice within that whispers to us, urging us toward what we are meant to achieve in this world.
This guiding force is most prominent during childhood when our natural inclinations are most visible. Children are unencumbered by societal expectations, and their hearts and minds are open to the world around them. As a child, your passions were pure and undiluted. Whether building with blocks, drawing, writing stories, solving puzzles, or any other activity, you were naturally drawn to things that felt right, that sparked joy and fascination. These early interests are not just fleeting whims; they are indications of something more fundamental, something deeply connected to your true self. This inner drive guided you toward activities aligned with your natural abilities and curiosities.
As we grow older, however, the pressures of life tend to obscure this force. We are conditioned by family, society, and peers to fit into certain molds and to conform to established roles and expectations. The world around us becomes louder, demanding our attention, and gradually, the voice of our inner force fades into the background. Yet, just because we can no longer hear it doesn’t mean it has disappeared. It is still there, quietly waiting for us to turn inward and listen again. The journey toward discovering your calling begins with reconnecting to this inner voice, this fundamental part of yourself that knows exactly what you need to do in life.
The Disconnect: The Source of Unhappiness
The disconnect between who we truly are and who we are expected to be is often the root cause of our deepest unhappiness. As we navigate through life, we are constantly influenced by external factors—family pressures, societal norms, the expectations of friends, and the fear of failure or rejection. While often well-intentioned, these influences can lead us away from our true purpose. We start to prioritize the validation of others over our internal guidance, and in doing so, we begin to lose touch with who we are.
This disconnect is not always immediately apparent. Many go through life without fully recognizing that we are not living authentically. We may find success in the eyes of the world—landing a high-paying job, accumulating wealth, or meeting society’s standards for accomplishment—but deep inside, something feels off. There is a nagging sense that we are not on the right path and are not doing what we are meant to do. This feeling of emptiness grows over time, often leading to frustration, anxiety, and even a crisis of identity. It is as if we are living someone else’s life, trapped in a cycle of obligation and conformity, with no clear sense of direction.
This disconnect from our true calling is one of the most painful forms of unhappiness because it is rooted in self-betrayal. We are living out of alignment with our true desires, and in doing so, we create a life that lacks meaning and fulfillment. It’s easy to blame external circumstances for this unhappiness—our jobs, our relationships, or the expectations placed on us—but the truth is that the real source of our discontent lies within. It results from not listening to that inner voice that has always been there, waiting for us to acknowledge it. We lose the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life when we stop connecting with our true selves.
However, this disconnect is not permanent. Acknowledging this disconnection is the first step toward happiness and fulfillment. Recognizing that we have drifted off course is the first step in finding our way back. It is not too late to listen to our inner force again and begin reconnecting with what truly excites and motivates us. Through this process, we can rediscover the path that is uniquely our own—a path that will lead us toward purpose, meaning, and happiness.
The First Move: Mastery Begins Within
Mastery is not an event; it is a process, and like any meaningful process, it begins within. The first move toward mastery is an inward one—a conscious decision to listen to yourself, understand who you are, what drives you, and what you truly want to achieve. This may sound simple, but it is often the most difficult part of the journey. It requires self-reflection, honesty, and a willingness to confront the parts of yourself that you may have ignored or suppressed.
To embark on mastery, you must first engage in deep self-awareness. You must reflect on your life’s journey thus far—your triumphs, failures, desires, and regrets. It is essential to ask yourself some uncomfortable questions: What do I truly care about? What have I always been drawn to? What passions did I have as a child that have since faded into the background? What makes me feel alive? These questions can open up a floodgate of insights into your true self. It’s important to answer them honestly, without judgment, allowing your true desires and feelings to surface.
This process of self-awareness requires time, patience, and vulnerability. It is not something that can be rushed. You may need to step away from the distractions of daily life—social media, work, and other external pressures—to give yourself the space to think deeply and reflect. This might mean taking long walks, journaling, meditating, or sitting silently to listen to your thoughts. Doing this allows you to reconnect with the force that has always been within you. Through this self-awareness, you begin to understand your true purpose and take the necessary steps toward mastery.
Once you begin this inward journey, aligning your actions with your inner desires becomes easier. Your life choices become clearer, more intentional, and more fulfilling. The next step is to trust the process. Mastery is not a quick fix—it is a long, sometimes challenging road. But each step you take toward understanding yourself, each choice you make that aligns with your true calling, brings you closer to mastery. This inward journey is the foundation upon which everything else is built.
The Journey Forward: Finding Your Path
Once you’ve reconnected with your inner force and gained greater clarity about your true calling, the next phase of the journey is finding your path. This is where the magic begins to happen. Opportunities begin to present themselves as you align your life with your authentic self. People, resources, and experiences that resonate with your newfound clarity will begin to appear in unexpected places. You will notice how your world shifts in response to your new direction.
Finding your path is not necessarily about making bold, dramatic changes overnight. It’s about making small, intentional decisions aligned with your inner desires. It may mean changing your career, starting a new project, or adjusting your daily habits to reflect your values. The path forward may not be a straight line—it is often filled with twists, turns, and challenges—but it is a path that feels right, one that aligns with who you are at your core.
As you move forward, you may encounter setbacks and doubts. This is natural, as the road to mastery is rarely smooth. But the key is to stay connected to your inner force, even in adversity. Every obstacle presents an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-refinement. Through these challenges, you gain the experience and wisdom that will ultimately lead to mastery.
The path to discovering your calling is not about external validation, recognition, or following a prescribed formula for success. It is about finding the path that feels true to you, regardless of what others think or say. As you walk this path, you will experience a sense of peace, purpose, and fulfillment that comes from living authentically. This is the power of reconnecting with your true self and following the inner force that has always guided you.
Mastery is a continual process. As you align with your true calling, you will encounter new growth opportunities, challenges to overcome, and new ways to refine your skills. The journey is not about reaching an end point but about embracing the journey itself—the process of becoming the person you are meant to be.
Personal Reflection: Discover Your Calling
Daily Law: Mastery is a process, and discovering your calling is the starting point.
From Mastery, I: Discover Your Calling—The Life’s Task
When I read the words “Discover Your Calling,” I think about things I am passionate about. I don’t subscribe to the notion that one should follow one’s passion (The Passion Hypothesis) to discover one’s calling because it implies a pre-existing passion waiting to be discovered. Cal Newport dispelled this idea in his seminal work So Good They Can’t Ignore You.
We grow passionate about things when we spend time doing them and getting better at them. When it comes to choosing meaningful work, I adopt the craftsman mindset. It’s not about doing what you love but loving what you do. This would support the notion that mastery is a process and takes time. You have to trust the process, and as GaryVee says, “You have to love the journey and the climb.”
There is also Malcolm Gladwell’s 10000-hour rules for mastery. Discovering your calling is about choosing the things you are prepared to struggle with. This daily law calls for introspection and self-awareness. One should be aware of their tendencies and beliefs about the world.
Over the years, I have struggled a lot with finding my calling. I have switched careers, taken tests, completed questionnaires, interacted with experts, etc. When you try something unconventional, you sometimes face pressure from your family and judgment from society in general. It’s hard to keep your blinders on and do your thing because you believe it will eventually bring results.
Conclusion
The journey to discovering your calling is not simple, but it is undoubtedly the most rewarding path you can take. By reconnecting with your inner force—the innate drive that has always guided you—you unlock the power to create a life that aligns with who you are. This process of self-awareness and mastery is a continual evolution that requires patience, introspection, and dedication. It is not about finding a perfect destination but about embracing the process of becoming the person you were always meant to be.
By looking inward, trusting your instincts, and taking intentional steps toward your purpose, you begin to find the clarity and direction that lead to fulfillment. The world may present challenges, but they are simply opportunities to refine your understanding of yourself and deepen your mastery. The more you align your life with your true calling, the more you will experience the peace and joy of living authentically.
Remember, it is never too late to start this journey. Whether you are just beginning to listen to your inner force or rediscovering it after years of distraction, each moment offers a fresh opportunity to move closer to the path that is uniquely yours. Discovering your calling is an ongoing, evolving experience that will shape your life in ways you cannot yet imagine—but it is a journey worth taking.
This article is a part of the Reflections on The Daily Laws Series based on Robert Greene’s book.