Christian Life Calling

At the Christian Life Calling podcast, we help you think and act Christward when it comes to your life calling. Find your place in God’s plan while keeping Jesus first. Brought to you by the Christian Life Calling Institute and hosted by Chris Heinz.

45: How to Be Present in Suffering | Terri Johnson 11/16/2022

45: How to Be Present in Suffering | Terri Johnson Have you ever met someone who knows how to smile in the midst of a storm? Life’s trials and traumas cannot destroy a person who remains present. Being present requires awareness, trust, and faith. You gain freedom from lingering fear, comparison, and suffering the moment you ground yourself in the present. Terri Johnson is an inspiring example of being present. She conquered challenging situations throughout her life, which brought her closer to Christ. Now, at this time in her life, Terri faces an entirely new challenge as she deals with a cancer diagnosis. Most people become discouraged after such news. For Terri, she sees it as another opportunity for Christ to show up in her life. She is a person who can find her smile in the midst of uncertainty. In this episode, we talk about Terri’s life and how to be present in suffering. Terri says that being present is not always easy, but her life proves it’s possible. Over the years, she learned to be more intentional and vulnerable in her humbling journey. She ties her experiences to her relationship with God where she takes life day by day. Terri also talks about the evidence of Christ’s work throughout her life and how being present helps her create support for herself. Listen as we discuss how God works everything out, especially when we can’t seem to predict the outcome. Time stamps: [02:13] - Terri Johnson describes how her life is a tangle of suffering and positivity. [05:02] - “I had to learn to live one day at a time.” [07:17] - Terri tells the story of receiving her cancer diagnosis. [10:15] - What were Terri’s first thoughts after her diagnosis? [12:40] - “I had to learn to ask for help.” [14:46] - Terri says she made a decision that not everyone agreed with. What happened? [17:12] - Trust God to stay aligned with your Calling. [19:30] - Despite uncertainty, you can move forward day by day with confidence. [22:08] - God will take care of everything. Terri shares her perspective on how everything works out no matter the outcome. [24:16] - What does Terri do to adjust to her life now? [26:35] - Terri is exploring what it means to live well and take care of herself. Was there any idea she had to unlearn or shift? [29:49] - At this time, what lesson stands out to Terri the most? Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/24982467

44: How to Do What Matters | Teresa McCloy 11/02/2022

44: How to Do What Matters | Teresa McCloy A lot of people blindly seek external validation and external purpose first, but this rootless pursuit ends up short-lived. In fact, any pursuit of Calling is shallow if you don’t go internally first to figure out your gifts and who you are in Christ. Being curious about how a thing is made shows the intention of its purpose. Likewise, knowing yourself helps you direct your life with stronger discernment. Teresa McCloy is a Coach, Speaker, Podcaster, Trainer and Creator of the REALIFE Process® helping people to get a handle on life. She is also the author of . Teresa walks in faithfulness and obedience as she shares her work with coaches, mentors, and other helpers who want to add the REALIFE Process® to their teachings. In this episode, we talk about Teresa’s life management process and the spiritual practices under the process. Teresa shares how you can organize your life to prioritize what’s meaningful to you, and honor the life you create in partnership with God. We find the foundation of knowing who we are and whose we are allows us to live out our Calling. Listen as we discuss life tools such as the Rule of Life concept, the foundational triangle, and living from rest. Time stamps: [00:22] - Teresa McCloy brings her insight on how to live from rest, not rush. [02:00] - Why did Teresa write this book? [04:43] - Teresa looks back on the spirals of her life, and what made her realize she wanted a different path. [07:43] - Where does the life management framework come from? [09:39] - Teresa talks about living from rest where work and ease coexist. [11:47] - You get to pre-decide what you say “Yes” or “No” to in life. [13:14] - What is a “Rule of Life?” [16:01] - In what ways can the “Rule of Life” concept apply to your routines? [18:02] - Teresa describes how you can categorize your life and prioritize what’s meaningful. [20:51] - Calling comes from both “being” and “doing.” [23:38] - You’re never too old for self discovery. [26:36] - It’s okay to experiment with how you live out your core Calling. [29:28] - Your Calling can be different from season to season. [31:07] - “We have to know what the motivation is.” [33:16] - Managing your life is a lot like caring for a garden. [36:16] - There is nothing new under the sun, but the delivery can differ. [38:30] - This is how you do what matters. Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/24860205

43: Are you struggling in your calling? 10/12/2022

42: 12 Reasons Christ Deserves First Place 09/21/2022

42: 12 Reasons Christ Deserves First Place Christ is first in everything. We know this, but it can be lost in distractions or interpretations. This conversation goes through the 12 reasons Christ deserves first place. Life Calling is based on our unique position in God’s plan. We would be without form, reason, or purpose if not for Christ. Everything we know that’s seen and unseen moves towards Christ, but how often do you reflect on why Christ comes first? In this episode, we reflect on 12 reasons taken straight from Colossians 1:15-20. As you meditate on this section, it can make you rethink how you relate to your struggles, your work, and the ways you show up in the world. We may not understand, but Christ is in the role of knowing and reconciling. Before we begin, here is an overview of the 12 reasons Christ deserves first place: Christ is the image of the invisible God. Christ is the firstborn over all creation. Christ is the creator of everything. Christ is the focus of creation. Christ is before all things. Christ holds all things together. Christ is the head of the church. Christ is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead. Christ will have first place in everything. Christ is the fullness of God. Christ reconciles us to God. Christ makes peace by his shed blood on the cross. Listen as we discuss these 12 reasons, and better understand our relation to Christ. Time stamps: [00:22] - Christ is the point of Christianity. [03:20] - Why do people become uncomfortable when we talk about God and Christ? [05:12] - Have you heard this new breakdown of biblical content? [08:10] - Christ is the unveiled mystery. [10:23] - Not only did Christ have a hand in creation, but Christ is the focus of creation. [12:40] - Christ is the head of the church above any subculture formed by human interpretation. [15:00] - Christ is the fullness of God. [17:38] - Christ makes peace like no one else could. [19:55] - How can you reflect on these 12 reasons? Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/24435948

41: Why We’re Changing Our Focus 09/07/2022

40: Guest Highlights Show #2 08/23/2022

40: Guest Highlights Show #2 Today’s episode is a special compilation of episode highlights and a celebration of a new transition. It’s been a few months since we last released a podcast episode. In that time, life transformed. , I launched a new website, and Life Calling Today went through a brand change. I’m grateful for the former season, but I have dreams for this next season. This is the last episode under our current branding and current name. We are transitioning to focus more on a Christian approach to Life Calling. The new name for our show will be Christian Life Calling podcast to align more closely with our new . We wanted to take this time to let everyone know what to expect as we make this change. Listen as we celebrate Life Calling Today with 12 guest clips that offer tips, insights, and personal stories of Life Calling. Let’s walk together to the next season of our purpose with Christian Life Calling. Time stamps: [00:18] - What has everyone been up to these days? [02:40] - Dr. Dave White gives you tips to start a new period of transformation. [06:50] - Michael Pfau explains why coaching is different from mentoring. [11:09] - Dr. Stephanie Shackelford uncovers research findings on Calling and career. [14:44] - Steve Heinz offers his insights about Calling coming in different seasons. [20:26] - Ron Sweetman talks about powerful assessments, such as the PathwayU Assessment. [25:47] - Janet Mylin provides the connection between motherhood and supporting children as they take on the real world. [30:27] - Deborah Koehn Loyd defines a vocational credo which helps clarify a life purpose. [34:06] - David Bryant calls for an awakening in this world, and explains why one is needed. [39:10] - Dannah Gresh sheds light on why pain can be an indicator or direction for Calling. [43:32] - Matt Eby gets honest about confronting and embracing painful events. [49:22] - Jo Self shares how practical strengths can apply to different sections of life and ripple into other lives. [53:47] - Bryan Ray encourages everyone to follow what is calling them, even if it feels a little uncomfortable. [57:20] - Thank you to all our guests, and thank you for listening! Links: Full Episodes: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/24135627

39: Calling in Your 20's | Bryan Ray 06/08/2022

39: Calling in Your 20's | Bryan Ray A career can oftentimes be a package deal of the calling and gifts you have for the world. Your way of being contributes to the role you play in your company, organization, or community. When you’re first starting out it all seems random, but you realize how it all fits as the bigger picture is revealed. Today, we talk about understanding calling in your 20s. Bryan Ray graduated from Penn State in 2020, and he is now a graduate architect at . In addition to working full-time at the firm, Bryan is also studying for his professional license exams. His story obtains several keys for finding meaningful work and calling. He is bringing a unique perspective around career, calling, path, and purpose. Bryan feels that architecture fits with his strategic and analytical side, while also fulfilling his more artistic side. The blend of these skills made an architecture career a great opportunity for exercising his creativity and his drive to bring ideas to life. Bryan always showed signs that he would go into architecture. He drew floor plans and pictures of houses while growing up. His natural pull to architecture became more and more clear as he engaged his interests. Listen as Bryan talks about his holistic view to career, fulfilling a calling, and building a life. He intentionally fosters other parts of his life to make sure his career ambitions don’t overshadow the other things that sees as important, such as loved ones and enjoying life. During the conversation, Bryan also shares some of the trials and errors of getting a step closer to his calling. He looks back on the choices and mindsets he transitioned through as he learned more about what he wanted. Bryan’s perspective is not only useful for his fellow mid-20s peers, but for anyone shaping or reshaping their life to package their calling and purpose. Time stamps: [01:22] - Bryan Ray explains how he figured out that he wanted to do architecture. How did his interests show up in his life growing up? [03:46] - Bryan talks about how he likes to exercise his creativity around his interests. There are different ways to engage your natural gifts. [06:23] - How does architecture combine Bryan’s main interests? [08:07] - Bryan shares why he felt behind when seeing the skill level of his art peers. [10:03] - What did a professor say to Bryan that encouraged a more open view on creativity? [12:24] - Bryan recalls how his early, real-life experiences in the architecture field became his career advantage. [14:08] - Being competitive by nature, is Bryan ever too hard on himself? How does he persevere? [15:55] - Bryan recalls how he got his first official role in architecture. [18:37] - Great things can come after taking a leap. [20:14] - Bryan describes the feeling of the small details that bring a space together in architecture. [22:38] - What are the lessons that Bryan learned in his 20s so far? [25:05] - How does Bryan foster the other important parts of his life, like loved ones and self care? [28:05] - Bryan talks about not allowing your career to overtake life itself. [29:48] - Bryan shares the figures he observed in his life to learn what path he can take in architecture. [31:58] - Bryan wants to be a welcoming and encouraging mentor for others looking to get involved in architecture. [33:54] - There’s hidden creativity in all of us. [36:13] - How does Bryan define a calling? [38:14] - Bryan says you shouldn’t be afraid to follow your interests, even if you follow it awkwardly at first. [40:30] - There are hundreds of ways to live out your calling. Sometimes it takes trial and error to find which way works for you at this point of life. [42:30] - Bryan explores what values he displays. What does Bryan value? Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/23358221

38: Practical Strengths for Your Calling | Jo Self 05/25/2022

38: Practical Strengths for Your Calling | Jo Self Strengths, which align with your innate talents, allow you to see multiple paths for living your calling. You can follow different paths since your strengths relate to the motives that help you carry out an action, rather than the logic directing you on which action to take. Even in your free time, your strengths are influencing your behavior and choices. Today, we talk about Practical Strengths for your calling. Jo Self is on a mission to ensure talent is not wasted, potential is realized, and happiness is contagious. She has a diverse background in business, which includes developing award-winning employee programs for international brands, starting her own event business, and after moving to Peru from the US, creating a tourism business that was recognized as a top startup in that country. In 2015, Jo had a revelation that changed everything and set her on a new path. In 2021, Jo published her first book in the Practical Strengths series, . She recently published her second book in the series, . At this point, Jo understands that her diverse career has a common thread in its nonlinear path. Reflecting on life experiences, Jo emphasizes that your purpose is in your strengths. If you want to feel more aligned to your life, there is a need to understand your strengths and figure out how to apply them. Jo uses her personal talents to explain to everyone how strengths don’t work alone in isolation, but together throughout separate aspects of life. Listen as Jo talks about her Practical Strengths series and her journey as one of the first Spanish-speaking Gallup® Certified Strengths Coaches. Knowing your strengths will help you understand the way you interact with others. It’s a way to give yourself and others grace, and avoid possible stress or conflict. More than that, your strengths help you recognize the roles that let you thrive. Jo uses personal experiences in this episode, so you may find this conversation particularly helpful if you share similar strengths with Jo: Strategic, Activator, Maximizer, Communication, Ideation. Consider how the strengths affect all aspects of your life for you to fully live your purpose. Being aware of how you operate is personal leverage to propel you forward. Time stamps: [01:57] - Jo Self understands that her diverse career has a common thread in its nonlinear path. [03:56] - The universe will give you feathers and bricks. [06:55] - Jo talks about trusting the process of her life, and not having regrets. [08:25] - What does it mean when work is not just a job, but a calling? [10:18] - Jo shares her experience of working with Spanish-speaking communities around strengths and talents. [13:08] - What are Jo’s top talent themes? [15:23] - Knowing your strengths will help you understand the way you interact with others. [17:43] - People can share the same talent theme, but relate to the talent differently. [20:14] - Be conscious of your strengths, and learn how to present them for others to join you. [23:10] - Design flows from intention. [25:16] - Why did Jo write the Practical Strengths series? [28:06] - Jo believes the 34 strengths can unlock a new way for how people relate to one another. [30:49] - Strengths don’t tell you what to do, but do inform how you choose to complete the action. [33:47] - Jo explores the differences in how a talent can appear in separate aspects of our lives. [35:27] - Jo talks through how the Maximizer shows up in the workplace. [36:59] - You can make the most of your talents. [38:51] - Know what you need in your role and environment to help you keep showing up as your best every day. [40:49] - Strengths allow you to see multiple paths for living your calling. [42:41] - Jo gives an example of reframing your strengths to communicate the value you bring to a workplace. [45:13] - Jo says that self-awareness with self-appreciation is what becomes confidence. [47:21] - What does Jo want to be known for? [49:59] - What kind of mark do you want to leave on the world? Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/23195756

37: Touching Cancer | Matt Eby 05/11/2022

37: Touching Cancer | Matt Eby When you are in hard times, where do you pull your strength from? Being in hard times makes us feel we need something larger than ourselves. People pull help from rage and regret, or sometimes, people pull help from love and compassion. During a tiresome journey, where can our help come from? Today, we talk about touching cancer. Born in the United States, Matt Eby now lives in Australia fulfilling the purpose of helping others. He really gives his life for service to people that need compassion, understanding, or empathy. Matt is currently serving at where he works alongside people who are living with blood cancer. Over the years, Matt also supported families in the foster care system, served as a house parent for Aboriginal teenage boys, and managed a branch for a rental car agency. He has a natural gift for supporting individuals that need a dose of humanity, which fits his college degree in behavioral health. Matt knows how to set a goal and execute. Following his curiosity, Matt goes from role to role where he feels called at that time. He believes in trial runs when transitioning into a new role or new interest. This helps him get rid of other options that don’t align with where he’s heading. One day, Matt found himself working with The Leukaemia Foundation and reflecting more deeply on life and purpose. He shares how the experience teaches him more about himself and humanity. Listen as Matt talks about the humanity he witnessed while working with cancer patients, and how he was able to show up for the patients he interacted with. Matt often used his personal connection to cancer to empathize with patients. He cultivated a healthy relationship with his past trauma but understood that it’s not a sustainable source for supporting others. Matt shares how his faith became a new resource for him to pull from when supporting cancer patients. Matt says that his faith became a new lens for how he views life and his role in life. Whether we are in hard times or helping someone else in their journey, we also need help to show up fully and persevere. Where does our help come from? Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Time stamps: [01:16] - Matt Eby recalls how he met Chris as a server during breakfast. [03:22] - What made Matt move to Australia? What are the biggest differences? [05:19] - Matt says it took three years to get a hang of Australian jargon, but he loves the differences and diversity. [07:12] - Matt explains why he believes in trial runs when transitioning into a new role or new interest. [10:11] - How did Matt get his start at the Leukaemia Foundation? [13:07] - Seeing people in their journey made Matt reflect more deeply on life and purpose. [15:43] - Matt talks about a small act of kindness he shared with a patient that left an impression on him. [18:18] - Has he ever seen that patient again? [20:01] - Matt shares the heartwarming event that happened one year after the patient’s death. [22:44] - What is it like to be a house parent for Aboriginal teenagers? [25:42] - Matt shares how he used his personal connection to cancer to help others in their cancer journeys. [28:27] - Becoming a believer became a resource for Matt to deal with hard times. [31:13] - Matt talks about how to recognize which portion of life is Life Calling. [34:10] - What is Matt’s Life Calling? [36:57] - Matt says his faith became a new lens for how he views life and his role in life. [38:36] - Matt imagines what he would do with time off if he could do anything. Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/23049365

36: Connecting Moms and Daughters | Dannah Gresh 04/27/2022

36: Connecting Moms and Daughters | Dannah Gresh Don’t be afraid of the messy pieces of your story. People often don’t understand each other, not realizing that we all have a messy story that needs grace. Like a mom and daughter trying to understand each other while dealing with their own lives. Today, we talk about connecting moms and daughters through accepting life’s imperfect story. Dannah Gresh is the best-selling author of over 30 books for teens, tweens, and their parents (written in both English and Spanish). Dannah is a highly sought-after speaker for conferences, weekend retreats, and online Bible studies. She’s also heard every day on the . Dannah is the leader of the , which connects the hearts of moms and daughters to each other (and with Jesus). In addition, Dannah is the co-founder of Grace Prep, a stellar Christian high school in central Pennsylvania. The school is uniquely established around the . Dannah teaches people that “Your story is your greatest asset”. Your story is a weapon that can be used to bring good news into this world. Part of the reason she wrote her book “” came from a determination to give young women the power of their story back. Inside your faults, fears, and mishaps are opportunities to turn your insights into service. It’s a chance to share your life lessons or extend grace to someone going through a hard time. Listen as Dannah discusses the need to embrace your own story and the story of others. She easily shares her ideas on the concept by sharing the work she does with young women and the ministries of the church. Dannah leads by example, sharing her personal story of reflecting on her experiences in order to serve others, empower young women, and help people see that Life Calling is connected to their story. Am I free to live the life that God designed for me? This is the question Dannah ultimately brings to attention. Understand that your story serves that path you are walking, and serves the people that come in contact with your path. Join today’s conversation to hear lessons that help you connect with yourself and others. Time stamps: [00:18] - Dannah Gresh talks about her animals that she named after Dr. Seuss characters. [03:18] - Dannah recalls early signs of what called her to the path she is on today. [05:18] - Your calling will not always feel easy, and may require you to overcome what you think are your fears. [07:36] - Dannah shares what she does to re-center herself, and talks about what inspired her to write about young women being sexually active. [09:46] - What did Dannah hope to accomplish with her book on sexual activity? [12:28] - Our story is a weapon for good. [15:08] - Inside your faults, fears, and mishaps are opportunities to turn your insights into service. [17:39] - How does Dannah interpret the rise of depression in society, especially in youth? [19:55] - An altered view of reality is a major factor in the increased depression among youth. [22:07] - Pay attention to the lies, and replace them with truth. [24:52] - Is there a lie that Dannah struggled with in her own life? She talks about facing her limiting beliefs around “belonging”. [27:16] - Truth changes the way we show up in the world, and what we bring to our interactions... [29:16] - Can being single be part of a Calling? [33:04] - Are you free to follow the true plan designed for your life? [35:44] - Your Calling may need you to be flexible. [37:42] - What is Dannah’s definition of the ultimate Life Calling? [39:13] - Dannah talks about the new journey she and her husband are on to enlarge their territory physically and spiritually. [41:24] - Dannah and her husband hope to increase the community connection between different church ministries. [43:14] - This one thing is what Dannah encourages church communities to improve on. [45:06] - How can we extend grace to restore the broken? [47:03] - The power of restoring each other. Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/22878908

35: Calling for an Awakening | David Bryant 04/13/2022

35: Calling for an Awakening | David Bryant Reflection is needed to be aware of what path we are on. We can easily find ourselves unaware of being off track when we lack reflection. Essentially, we’d be sleepwalking and moving on autopilot. In the walk with Christ, Christian believers should be moving with full attention and intention. Today, we witness a calling for an awakening. Over the past 40 years, David Bryant has been defined as a “messenger of hope” and a “Christ proclaimer” to the Church throughout the world. Formerly a pastor, minister-at-large with the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, president of Concerts of Prayer International (COPI), and chairman of America’s National Prayer Committee, today David provides leadership to Proclaim Hope! whose mission is to foster and serve a nationwide Christ-awakening movement. For decades, David played a widely visible role in the emergence of an unprecedented, worldwide prayer movement by building on citywide mass prayer rallies; organizing national and international conferences; creating training videos, seminars, and manuals; developing leadership coalitions; mentoring of younger leaders; and sharing his message by radio, television, and podcasts. Currently, David oversees the website , which provides hundreds of free resources all focused on the person of Christ. Listen as David discusses why Christian believers need to be reintroduced to Jesus again; similar to his book, . David says that we use the right words, but we are not focused on the right person. He talks about taking time to have a moment of silence with Christ. David explores the true purpose of the relationship with Christ and the difference between the “Centrality of Christ” and the “Supremacy of Christ”. Most Christians today don’t think about who Christ is now in the present day. What is the relationship? What is the purpose? Join today’s conversation where Christian believers can be reintroduced to Christ. Time stamps: [00:18] - David Bryant is a “messenger of hope” and a “Christ proclaimer”. [02:36] - David tells the story of how he “came alive among the dead.” [04:15] - When did David know he wanted to go into Christian Ministry? [06:06] - David recalls a revelation he had at 11 years old that gave him a glimpse of his future path. [07:57] - Listen to this chilling story of David receiving a divine message before speaking at an event. [10:56] - What was the message that came upon David? [13:22] - David talks about the ripple effect of trusting the divine message he had. [15:26] - Make much of Christ. [17:57] - Kellogg’s cornflakes inspired David’s concept of Christian believers being reintroduced to Christ. [20:01] - Do you know the meaning of Christ in the present day? [22:22] - What is the purpose of “reawakening” in the life of a Christian? [24:20] - Is the Christian society in a crisis? David explains that the hearts of Christians not being felt by Christ. [27:05] - David talks about his observations of the Christian world. [28:50] - Chris announces a new shift in Life Calling Today. [31:25] - Is today’s church community operating without Christ? What happened? [33:35] - There’s a difference between the “Centrality of Christ” and the “Supremacy of Christ.” [35:38] - Chris and David clarify the intentions of Christ working for THE good. [37:37] - David says his work is translated into the Chinese language for the audience in China to use the resource. [39:59] - Christ NOW is about getting a larger vision of Christ. [42:38] - Let’s foster a reawakening for the people of Christ. [44:36] - David shares that he feels alive through Christ and hope. [47:04] - What does it mean to be wholly alive? Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/22751363

34: What is a Vocational Credo? | Deborah Koehn Loyd 03/30/2022

34: What is a Vocational Credo? | Deborah Koehn Loyd Clarity is what helps you recognize the vocation within your story. Vocation is not about ideas; it’s about your “what” and “how”. If you don’t decide on a path forward, you won’t do it. You must ask yourself: What is the best way to live this out? Today, we learn about identifying a vocational credo. Deborah Koehn Loyd is an educator and innovator who’s passionate about helping others to find the way forward in their lives. She’s the author of , which coaches readers through practical steps of vocational discernment. Deborah is an adjunct university professor, defender of the marginalized, and former church planner. In addition, she’s a life coach, workshop leader, and keynote speaker. Deborah wants to help people find their story, their voice, and their vocation. She says that vocation is discovered, not made. It lies in your story. Deborah mentions that the parts of your story where you experience pain or misunderstanding are sometimes the tool to discern your Calling. When you push back on your pain, you notice it in others and know how to help them. That becomes the driving force for the vocation you can fulfill in service to others. Listen as Deborah discusses why vocation is an active journey, why pain can be redemptive for you and those around you, and understanding your vocational preferences. Vocation is both deeply individual and intertwined with others. Our actions impact each other. If we don’t fulfill our own vocation, the impact of its purpose will not come to fruition. Your vocation is what you are particularly bringing to the world. We’re not all here to bring the same thing or tackle the same issues. Pay attention to your story. Learn to identify your Vocational Credo, so the world is not deprived of what you will bring. Time stamps: [01:42] - Deborah Koehn Loyd says she wasn’t always comfortable with public speaking. When did that change? [04:18] - Is there a difference between Vocation and Calling? [06:21] - Deborah says that vocation is discovered, not made. [09:00] - Listen to Deborah describe her definition of Vocation, and how it relates to individual experience, joy, and service. [11:14] - Vocation is both deeply individual and intertwined with others. [13:53] - The word “Call” is from the Latin word “Vocation”. How much did the meaning change? [16:16] - Deborah explains how to use pain to discern our Calling. [18:22] - Push back on your pain. [20:56] - Deborah shares a story of someone who turned their personal pain into service for others. [22:41] - Deborah expresses her thoughts on pain being a stepping stone to fulfilling our greater purpose. [25:20] - What vocational workshop is Deborah working on? [27:33] - Deborah urges everyone to pay attention to their own story to find vocation. [29:44] - What is a Vocational Preferences Survey? [31:34] - How can identifying your vocational preferences help you? [34:31] - Chris talks about how helps you refine the “what” and “how” of your Calling. [36:01] - What is a Vocational Credo? [39:01] - How does knowing your credo impact your decisions in life and work? [40:33] - How can you write a Vocational Credo? [42:34] - You can’t have resurrection without death. [44:41] - Deborah lists three experiences that shaped her approach to life. [46:36] - Deborah is a deeply thoughtful person. Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/22545257

33: When Motherhood Needs Healing | Janet Mylin 03/16/2022

33: When Motherhood Needs Healing | Janet Mylin No human is without the need for mothering. Our life cycle is a chain of taking care of ourselves and others. What we sometimes fail to remember is that nurturing figures, such as mothers, have brokenness as well. Mothers are human like every other person needing acceptance, accountability, and grace. Today, we are discussing when motherhood needs healing. Janet Mylin is a writer, communications specialist, and teacher who says she’s just a church bell ringing out, calling people into the spirit-filled life. She’s the mother of three children, and wife of Andy. Her latest book is called “”. Janet is also the co-author of two other books, and currently works for , a ministry for daughters and moms under best-selling author Dannah Gresh. Moms want to give the best to their kids, but sometimes they are not able to as they are flawed like every other person. Janet talks about embracing who she is and her unique strengths as a mother. She explains why motherhood is not about doing it all or doing things the same way as everyone else. Every human needs healing when it comes to nurturing others. Listen as Janet celebrates how each mother nurtures their family in their unique way. Women sometimes “disqualify” themselves by comparing themselves to other moms, but Janet talks about how to let go of such comparisons. At the same time, Janet wants people to pay attention to how mothers and mother figures in our life impacted the way we see and understand motherhood. Motherhood is not a box to place a person in. As a person, who you are is a place of freedom, security, and confidence apart from your kids. Listen to Janet share thoughts on embracing your mothering style, how to avoid incorrectly “using” your children, and developing a better relationship with your role as a nurturer day by day. Time stamps: [01:20] - Janet Mylin fondly describes her family. [03:50] - Janet mentions her work at True Girl. What is she doing these days? [06:35] - Janet talks about her fear of bigger impact and her family’s new balance as she works full time. [08:47] - No human is without the need of mothering. [11:32] - What does Janet do when she starts to compare another mother to herself? [14:08] - Janet recalls what inspired the name and meaning of her book. [16:12] - Moms are human too. Janet walks through the grace and accountability of recognizing faults in motherhood. [18:57] - Every human needs healing when it comes to nurturing others. [20:35] - Listen to Janet’s realization after her mother’s passing. [23:27] - Motherhood is not about doing it all, or doing things the same way as everyone else. [25:02] - Don’t use your children as a crown. Be careful not to project personal pain or chaos onto your children. [27:54] - Be mindful of pushing your children away and neglecting them when you feel overwhelmed by your role as a caretaker and nurturer. [29:39] - How can people prepare their kids to be launched into the world? [31:50] - Chris and Janet explore the need to listen to God in the day to day of raising children. [34:03] - Nurture the trust your children have in you to hand you their brokenness. [36:59] - Where do you ground your identity? [38:44] - Janet shares what enables her to empower her kids. [41:45] - Janet describes her calling as “inspiring people to be bold”. [43:50] - Is anything coming up for Janet? [46:46] - “She was a church bell.” Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/22445468

32: Debriefing the Pathway Calling Assessment | Ron Sweetman 03/02/2022

32: Debriefing the Pathway Calling Assessment | Ron Sweetman More than knowing about yourself, the real power is in what you do with what you know about yourself. Many people take assessments to gain insight on their core characteristics. Imagine an assessment that not only brings your core characteristics to your attention but points you in a direction of where you can take action and test your new insights. Today, we are debriefing the PathwayU Calling Assessment. Ron Sweetman is a businessman who found success early in his career and now coaches business leaders. He is a lifetime entrepreneur who is good at noticing opportunities. After serving as a police officer, he entered the telecommunications industry where he was a multimillion-dollar producer for several companies. Then, after a 20-year career in the technology and sales space, he started his own coaching and consulting business to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses. In addition, Ron served in leadership positions at his church and in Man the Mirror Ministries. Ron took the and is here to talk about his findings. He starts by giving his background story, then shares why the insights he discovered add more clarity to how he shows up in his Life Calling. The assessment helped Ron be able to communicate his skills and interests. He even jokes that the assessment describes his strengths and personality more concisely than what he learned about himself working professionally for 20 years. Listen to this discussion on how the PathwayU Assessment can provide insight and direction. No matter how self-aware someone claims to be, they’re stuck in a loop unless their actions forge a new path. This assessment gets people out of a loop by using predictive science to suggest various pathways to live out your calling. Such an assessment is meant to help people experience more meaning, purpose, and joy in life and work. The PathwayU Assessment highlights interests, personality, values, and workplace preferences. All four categories are touched on in this episode, and specifically spoken about through the lens of Ron’s experience for context. Deeper knowledge of your strengths is a discovery process, and that process is a part of today’s conversation. Time stamps: [00:18] - Ron Sweetman helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses. [01:58] - What is the PathwayU Assessment? What guidance does it give? [04:35] - Ron gives his story on what led him to knowing he needed a change. [07:19] - Ron recalls how he discovered what matters most. [09:06] - One of Ron’s strengths is that he notices opportunities. [10:55] - How many fields of work does Ron have experience in? [12:59] - What other assessments did Ron take to understand his strengths? [15:23] - The PathwayU Assessment highlights interests, personality, values, and workplace preferences. [17:13] - Ron finds that the PathwayU Assessment articulates his interests concisely. [19:23] - What are the top personality traits that were brought to Ron’s attention by the assessment? [21:54] - Ron values achievement and impact. [24:38] - Ron values achievement, but there is a specific detail about what’s behind this trait. What does Ron get from achieving goals in his life? [26:36] - Through the PathwayU Assessment, Ron is more clear on why he is a mission-driven worker. [29:26] - Which professional fields did the PathwayU Assessment suggest to Ron? Ron says which roles stood out to him from those options. [31:02] - Deeper knowledge of your strengths is a discovery process. [33:00] - Ron describes what the discovery process of his strengths is like in his journey so far. [35:02] - How does Ron define Life Calling? He talks about asking “Why?” and ending the loop of trauma-based rumination. [37:19] - Ron is inspiring people to be their best self, and helping people to connect to resources. [39:29] - Ron encourages everyone that there’s always a plan in life. Where does this thought come from? [41:10] - When looking at Ron’s traits, there’s a balance in how his traits fill his life’s big picture. [43:31] - Take the PathwayU Assessment, and find time to discuss your own Life Calling. Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/22296176

31: How the Fall of Enron Gave a Second Chance | Steve Heinz 02/15/2022

31: How the Fall of Enron Gave a Second Chance | Steve Heinz Let’s say you’re presented with a chance to change an ending. You can choose any ending. Now, where would you start in order to change the end? Here’s a secret: Sometimes what you see is not an ending, but the start of redirection. Today, we are here to discuss an interesting story about second chances. Steve Heinz founded energy management software company , which he later sold. In fact, he walked the path of successfully building and selling the company twice. Steve is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, where he was the top student in engineering. He earned his master’s degree from Penn State in Architectural Engineering. Today, he’s the chairman of the board for and an advisor for the Life Calling Institute. Steve takes time to talk about second chances and searching for a Life Calling. He reveals the lesson to be learned of human nature and the consequences of human failings in his experience of selling his first company to Enron. Enron was an energy, commodities, and services company that fell under in 2001. Greed led to the company being shattered, and Steve explains why greed showed up in many different forms. He freely shares his thoughts on what fueled the greed, the possible dangers of being a bandwagoner, and his views of internal corruption. Listen as Steve describes the process of starting his business again, alongside his sons, and selling the company for a second time. His story shows why it’s not always important to start from scratch. Tremendous change can be found in moving forward from where you are at the moment; especially when you have a support system on the same page as you. Steve shares his reflections of running a family business, how Life Calling transforms based on the season of life you are in, and what helps him filter his efforts to be in alignment with the purpose and value he contributes to the world. Time stamps: [00:18] - Steve Heinz says entrepreneurship is in his DNA. [03:17] - How did Steve get into energy management? [05:16] - Steve recalls investigating a water leak while in the army. Why was the water costing thousands of extra dollars? [07:36] - Steve recalls another pivotal moment that led him to the energy management space, and shares his experience founding his first company. [10:47] - Why did Steve make a deal with Enron? [13:28] - Enron filed for bankruptcy in 2001. How did Steve respond? [15:36] - Greed can be expressed in various ways. Steve defines the common thread that is the overarching lesson. [17:29] - Steve shares his insights into the background complications of the Enron situation. [19:41] - At one point, energy traders were manipulating electricity supply for financial gain. [21:47] - Steve talks about why he decided to start a new company in energy management. [24:38] - Steve says the family business worked out since everyone was on the same page. [27:03] - When tackling the family business, duties were split with a strength-based approach. [28:41] - Steve shares his lessons of recently selling the second company. [30:51] - What is next for Steve? Did he think about how he wants to move forward? [32:54] - Life Calling can show up in different ways in each season of life. [35:16] - What are Steve’s thoughts about the calling of being a grandparent? [37:20] - Steve says his faith is like a filter to being in alignment with the purpose and value he contributes to the world. He explains why that isn’t a limiting approach. [40:08] - What does Steve want people to say about him as part of his legacy? [42:18] - Chris acknowledges the example Steve lives as in Chris’ life and others. Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/22069934

30: New Research on Life Calling | Stephanie Shackelford 02/01/2022

30: New Research on Life Calling | Stephanie Shackelford Overwhelm from decisions in how to move forward can come through as analysis paralysis and FOMO. Suddenly you’re wondering if you are still grounded in your original purpose. Want to hear data-backed answers to better live in your purpose? Today, we discuss new research in Life Calling. Dr. Stephanie Shackelford is a writer, researcher, and coach who specializes in the topic of Life Calling. She’s the author of a new book called , which reveals new research by the Barna Group. Stephanie is a senior fellow at the Barna Group primarily studying vocation and calling. She is also a contributing author to two other books on similar topics. She received her Doctorate from Northeastern University and is an Adjunct Instructor at Vanderbilt University while running her own career coaching company, . We’re all created on purpose, and for a purpose. Stephanie always wanted to help people. She started out in nonprofits, yet found herself later forging a career for Life Calling. She works to help people recognize that every life is its own story, and is part of a grander journey. She describes it as people being designed and created for specific activities that really speak to who they are individually, and how they can use that in service or benefit to others. When people aren’t engaging in work with a purpose-driven orientation, the ripple effect can be draining for individuals and teams. During our conversation, we explore why the context of your life can influence your calling, ways to integrate small-scale trial and error in testing your Life Calling, and what is the overall aim of pursuing a Life Calling. Take time to get to know yourself, your context, and your times, so you can determine your next move in this intentional process. Time stamps: [00:18] - Stephanie Shackelford says that she wrote the book she needed to read. [02:48] - An elective course during grad school led Stephanie into a career studying Calling. [04:29] - Life Calling is about using your gifts for the benefit of others, and that can show up in multiple ways. [06:52] - Listen as Stephanie gives the background of the new research. [08:49] - Who is engaging work in a purposeful way? [10:35] - The idea and reason attached to work make the difference in how people show up. [12:41] - Stephanie shares why the context of your life informs your Calling. [15:25] - What are ways to test different paths of Life Calling? [17:38] - Explore projects and take small bets towards your Life Calling on your own time. [19:26] - Why do people sometimes not take steps towards their Life Calling? [21:25] - Living your passion will still have ebbs and flows. It’s Life Calling that makes embracing challenges worth it. [24:10] - Stephanie gives her thoughts on “Happiness” being the overall goal of living purposefully. [26:25] - How does Stephanie’s faith impact her view of Life Calling? [29:07] - Get to know yourself, your context, and your times, so you can determine your next move. [31:26] - Think about the desires you are drawn to, and understand any pain you experienced. [33:54] - Stephanie discusses the power of our motivations under the work we complete. [35:42] - How can you find the overlap of self, your context, and your times? [37:31] - Stephanie shares which three questions can give you more clarity around Life Calling. [39:29] - Stephanie explains a time she felt she was being called by something bigger than herself. Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/21936080

29: How Coaching Helps with Calling | Michael Pfau 01/18/2022

29: How Coaching Helps with Calling | Michael Pfau Coaching is different from other forms of helping. It serves a specific purpose, the same way mentoring or consulting fulfills a separate purpose. A mentor helps you learn what they already know how to do. A consultant helps you solve a problem from a third-person point of view. A coach helps you find fulfillment. Today, we discuss how coaching helps you align with your Life Calling. Michael Pfau, M.Ed, PCC, BCC, is President of , LLC. As a coach, Michael works primarily with mid-life professionals who are looking for more in work, life, and career. He is a faculty member of the Professional Christian Coaching Institute. Michael earned a Master’s degree in education, and he’s a professional certified coach in the International Coach Federation (ICF). In his career, Michael spent time in paid ministry work and the business space until he decided to contribute his skills to coaching others on their transformational journeys. Michael felt a need, found a solution, and now shares his insights while coaching. Sometimes, people don’t know where to start. Michael talks in this episode about his coaching journey, the benefits of coaching, and why coaching is an individual experience. He shares his thoughts on how coaches can help people connect to their Life Calling. Listen as he explains that vision and passion are what help guide people forward. Coaches are partners who help you pursue that vision and passion, which ultimately aligns with your Life Calling. Multiple types of help are useful in the world, and each has its own purpose, but coaching is flexible to your story and your journey. Michael is the first coach I went to when I was on my path of getting certified as a coach myself. He also holds an important role in prepping for the that will be launching soon. His work is highly recommended, and I can’t wait for you to hear this episode. Information alone does not lead to transformation. A coach helps you find what’s next in your life, so you can be at peace looking back on your legacy. Listen to this conversation on how to move forward in your journey alongside a coach. Time stamps: [00:18] - Michael Pfau is the coach of coaches. [01:33] - Michael gives a brief look into his background, including his start in ministry. [04:19] - With his first client in 2002, Michael says that life coaching was a less known profession. [06:24] - How did Michael go from paid ministry work and business work into coaching? [09:06] - Mentors and consultants help people, but what is the range of where they can help? [11:28] - Coaches differ from the idea of mentoring or consulting. This is how. [14:00] - Coaches guide people through transformations in their life. [15:39] - Michael recalls when he hired his first coach to figure out the new season of his life years ago. [18:38] - Is there a nagging gap in your life? [20:13] - Michael explains why having a coach can guide people through starting a journey. [22:57] -What kind of experience is cohort (small group) coaching? What kind of experience is one-on-one coaching? [25:03] - Michael shares his Life Calling, and expresses what he believes it means to live authentically. [27:47] - Can spirituality be added to coaching? Michael makes coaching flexible for each individual. [30:15] - Stop thinking, and take the very first step. [32:15] - What can Michael do better than most people? [33:51] - Michael gives his thoughts of neuroscience in the personal development space. [35:67] - Get ready for the Life Calling Bootcamp. Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/21800390

28: Advice for the New Year | Dave White 01/04/2022

28: Advice for the New Year | Dave White Position yourself to make the impact you want to make, and realize you can deliver that impact through a variety of ways. As this year starts, gain a new perspective on how you can bring more purpose and meaning to your journey. You now have a new set of opportunities to grasp. Today, we talk about advice for the New Year to intentionally pursue your Life Calling. Dr. Dave White holds a consistent voice of doing what’s important. He is a Success Life Coach, and he is the pastor of Bridge Church in Valencia, CA. On top of this, Dave’s experience includes work as a speaker and a Lead NCAA Men’s Basketball Referee. He worked with Olympic gold medalists, business leaders, and influencers of society during his career. In the past, he served as a substance abuse counselor, a university instructor, and a business CEO. As you can see, he’s done a whole lot in his career. Dave contributes his skills to the board of advisors for the Life Calling Institute. He serves as if he’s a physician of the soul; he’s always full of wisdom, insight, and grace. He loves hope and having things to look forward to. In life, he prioritizes his time and efforts based on the aspects of his life that give substance to the bigger picture. He talks about this while giving real stories from his experiences, and insights he gathered over the years. You can really learn from Dave about how to maneuver all other tasks around your nonnegotiable values. When it comes to the big things in life, it’s not about independence, it’s about interdependence. Listen to Dave discuss what it means to have a lifespan perspective that combats the pressure of accomplishing everything “now”, how to fill life with significance outside of status titles and metrics, and how to adapt your purpose to the context of your life. Start the New Year off right with this conversation filled with advice on sparking the momentum towards your Life Calling. Time stamps: [00:18] - Dave White is like a physician of the soul. [02:12] - When you have good people in life, you make the most out of opportunities to connect. [04:25] - How does Dave like to start the New Year? [06:47] - Get the major priorities in place first, and the little things will fit around it. [08:33] - Dave explains why connecting and sharing with other people can lead to success. Can the concept of individualism hinder how you show up in your Life Calling? [11:06] - Where is the balance between external goals and family life? Dave shares why it’s important to have a “lifespan perspective”. [14:05] - The real question is “What are you achieving?”, and what is the significance of those results. [16:51] - Dave shares stories from his time as a referee, and connects what life lessons transferred from the experience. [19:47] - What helps people find meaning and purpose in life? [21:14] - Orient yourself with the big picture to understand your Life Calling. [22:58] - How can you adapt your purpose to the context of your life or a new direction of life? [24:56] - Dave expresses his thought on fulfilling a Life Calling that brings impact and service to the world. [26:34] - Position yourself to make the impact you want to make. [29:13] - What is Dave White’s Life Calling? [31:26] - You can deliver your Life Calling in different ways. How does this show up in Dave’s life? [33:45] - Dave talks about using his voice to speak up. [36:38] - Dave explains the balance of using anger in productive ways, and not always repressing the emotion. [38:14] - Thank you for listening. Happy New Year! Links: | | /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/21667787

27: Highlights from Guest Interviews 12/28/2021

27: Highlights from Guest Interviews We started this podcast six months ago, hoping to inspire you toward fulfilling your Life Calling. Lessons in each episode became part of our reason to take that brave next step in our purpose. Today, we wrap up the year with an awesome round-up of highlights from guest interviews. In the course of the past six months, we shared conversations with great guests who brought their understanding and experience of Life Calling. Every guest gave us something to hold onto. They made us think, laugh, and cry. With every conversation, we always left inspired. The guests shared important and diverse work related to their individual callings, whether working in nonprofit or managing parenthood. Listen to this collection of important epiphanies and insights as told by people that contribute to the world from their Life Calling. Today’s episode is filled with roughly 2-minute clips from guests throughout this year’s episodes. I’ll introduce each clip for you, so you can sit back and relax. You may find yourself wanting to go back to listen to entire episodes over. That may be a good idea. You can always learn something new. Friend, thanks for joining and engaging with Life Calling Today. Let’s continue to take our next brave step into the new year! Time stamps: [00:18] - Can you believe we’ve been having conversations for this long already? [02:50] - Bob Goff on the importance of dreaming big. [05:13] - Olympic Gold medalist Josh Davis shares his lesson about not giving up on his Life Calling. [07:31] - Bryan Dik explains the impact an awareness of Life Calling can have on a person in their work. [10:40] - Carol Ben-Davies shares insights on the need for adolescents to explore purpose individually. [14:09] - Allan Scott describes why his broken past life experiences qualify him to carry out his Life Calling. [17:40] - Jennifer Vancil provides advice on how to align your career with your overarching purpose. [20:55] - Laura Booz reveals the power of motherhood as a calling. [24:22] - Teresa McCloy dispels the illusion of productivity, and says to focus on what’s “best”. [27:11] - Ben Hager shares his thoughts about developing purpose and paying attention to life. [30:00] - Spencer Smith reveals the power of fatherhood as a calling. [34:01] - Kim Fisher helps people bring their Life Calling to reality, even if leveraging failure. [36:52] - Peggy Pepper brings energy with her perspective of following purpose no matter what age. [40:07] - We had a phenomenal year! Let’s have another one next year. Links: Episodes Referenced: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/21584780

26: Propelling Positivity | Peggy Pepper 12/21/2021

26: Propelling Positivity | Peggy Pepper How can positivity be useful in the pursuit of Life Calling? Positivity deals with the mindset used to approach a situation, which can help people to expand on life purpose. Everyone has a Life Calling, and deserves the glory of living out a Life Calling. A positive outlook can help you explore ways to flourish, and discover ways to help other people flourish. Today, we discuss the skill of propelling positivity. Peggy Pepper, propels positivity into the world with the creation of her social media platform, . Her goal is to create a global community and conversation about creating positivity as more than a nice idea, but a belief system that can become a way of life. Peggy is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, an ordained Minister, an award-winning writer, a Global TED Circle Leader, and a Life Calling Institute advisor. Peggy is no stranger to starting something new. After an award-winning career in advertising, Peggy became a serial entrepreneur with one of her ventures booking more than $1 billion dollars. Peggy also launched another company, similar to Shark Tank, to guide budding entrepreneurs into success with their own dreams. The program went so well that the White House enlisted her expertise to develop entrepreneurship programs for inner city women to be implemented nationally. Listen as Peggy gives life lessons and suggestions based on her own growth of embracing a broader and deeper life over the years. Peggy talks about meshing and evolving with the world while giving herself grace. Her words encourage people to reflect on the wealth of wisdom they accumulate as they journey through life. In this conversation, learn about reframing negative situations, how to “right-size” your life, and three acts to start off your day positively. You’ll feel refreshed, renewed and inspired not only by what Peggy says, but by who Peggy is. Time stamps: [00:18] - Peggy Pepper is a serial entrepreneur who helps bring positivity and action to the world. [02:46] - What effect does age have on the concept of calling? [05:39] - Peggy describes how Calling can be described and felt through life. [07:10] - This mindset drives Peggy to change the perspective on any trial that shows up in her life. [10:04] - Peggy talks about meshing and evolving with the world while giving herself grace. [12:47] - Peggy encourages people to reflect on the wealth of wisdom they accumulate as they journey through life. [14:41] - What does it mean to “right-size” your life? Peggy describes the meaning of this phrase through the story of her encore marriage. [17:21] - Peggy continues the story of her encore marriage. This exercise gave the marriage more clarity around purpose and helping others. [20:18] - Peggy says she embraced a broader and deeper life after reevaluating her life. [21:40] - Why is Peggy on a mission to propel positivity? How does Peggy turn around negative situations? [24:28] - Peggy gives a recent example of how she turned around a negative situation. [26:08] - How can positivity be useful in the pursuit of Life Calling? [28:21] - Find out how you’re individually wired to connect with your Life Calling. [30:05] - Peggy touches on how the things that seem so simple, can be the things that are hardest to commit to. [31:59] - Peggy shares the three things she does to start off her day. STEP 1: Before opening your eyes. [33:42] - Peggy shares the three things she does to start off her day. STEP 2: Before going out the door. [35:41] - Peggy shares the three things she does to start off her day. STEP 3: Once out in the world. [38:27] - When has Peggy thought “I can keep doing this forever”? [40:42] - Thank you for listening! Catch you next time! Links: - Subscribe and download the inspirational card deck /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/21524900

25: The Christmas Episode 12/14/2021

25: The Christmas Episode Holidays like Christmas are usually filled with cheer, joy, feasts, decorations, and movie marathons. What if Christmas doesn’t seem like Christmas anymore? Do you ever feel like Christmas and the holiday spirit skipped by? Today, we’ll talk about spending the Christmas season with celebration and intention. Let’s talk about keeping joy at the heart of Christmas. People come together during this magical time, and it’s this kind of moment where we can make an impact. During this episode, I’ll share the three acts of Christmas that allow us to feel more present during the holiday season as the year wraps up. It’s true that we can celebrate with intention. Listen as I discuss the story of Christmas, and read scripture to help everyone see the story in a different light. We’ll walk together through the three acts of Christmas: darkness, light, and being light-bearers. Each portion carries an important lesson to ground us during this Christmas season. We start off by recognizing the darkness. Then, we appreciate the light that comes to disperse the darkness. Later, we become the ones to share the light. In the episode, I provide more context on how each portion is connected. You can’t really celebrate the light until you recognize the darkness. Then once you receive the light, you can be a light bearer. Use this Christmas season to live with intention around the three acts, and spread the holiday cheer with the people you come across. Even celebrating Christmas can be a calling where we celebrate intentionally. Friend, I’m not sure how Christmas felt for you lately, but it’s never too late to hop into holiday cheer. Listen to this episode for context on the Christmas acts, how you can incorporate the acts into this holiday season, and why Christmas can be purposeful in life. Hopefully, after today’s podcast, we’ll avoid any feeling of wasting Christmas or Christmas seeming empty by remembering these three acts of Christmas. Time stamps: [00:18] - Do you ever feel like Christmas and the holiday spirit skipped by? [01:48] - Let’s discuss the three acts of Christmas, starting with ACT 1: Darkness. [04:01] - When completely in the dark, there’s anticipation for finding the light. [06:55] - There is preparation for the light. [08:38] - After the darkness, let’s receive something brighter in ACT 2: Light. [10:57] - Light comes to disperse darkness. [12:52] - How do you feel when the light finally comes into your life? [15:39] - Retell the Christmas story in ACT 3: Being light-bearers. [17:09] - As light-bearers, we report the message, and retell the story. [18:42] - Everyone, I hope you have a wonderful and merry Christmas with the three acts. Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/21467075

24: How a Nonprofit Strategist Thinks of Calling 12/07/2021

24: How a Nonprofit Strategist Thinks of Calling Life Calling can be fulfilled through work. This isn’t always the case, but there are roles that allow us to share our Life Calling and support our lifestyle. One example that comes to mind is a job at a nonprofit. Today, we’ll look at the nonprofit field as a place where people can openly pursue various callings. Nonprofits typically tackle issues that require attention, solutions, and people willing to use their gifts in service of the initiative. Today’s guest has 30+ years of experience as a nonprofit executive, and currently guides people through the process of forming a nonprofit. Kim Fisher is the founder of Vision Catalyst, a business that helps build nonprofit organizations. She works with people to fulfill their vision around a cause they would like to address, or make better. Kim held numerous leadership roles in nonprofits, has coaching experience, and worked with both domestic and international organizations. All of her experiences led her to this point of helping others in their own journey. Can a nonprofit’s purpose be a direct reflection of a person’s Life Calling? Listen as Kim shares real examples of people building nonprofits from a place of purpose, and how people decide on the purpose of the nonprofit. Actually turning a Life Calling into an organization can be more work than people realize. Gladly, Kim adds advice on when to start a nonprofit, and talks through the common challenges people face in trying to start a nonprofit. Kim uses her expertise to help her clients’ ideas mesh with reality, rather than the two clashing. She helps clients dream big, while keeping practicality in mind. Every person’s origin story contains critical pieces that influence their journey. Kim discusses picking up lessons along the journey, the need to take risks, learning to embrace failures, and working through the shame of failure. Nonprofits are an option for living out Life Calling in a way that is specific to a theme, concern, or topic close to a person’s idea of their purpose. Listen to this conversation with Kim if you would ever consider incorporating nonprofit work into your Life Calling. Time stamps: [00:18] - Kim Fisher enjoys adventure, culture and people. [03:12] - Kim specializes in forming nonprofits, from handling their business structure to the paperwork. [04:56] - Most clients Kim works with come to her in very early stages of development. [07:01] - Can a nonprofit mission be seen as a calling? Kim gives examples from her clients. [09:36] - Kim shares inspiring missions that she helped as clients. One example empowers survivors of human trafficking. [11:40] - Kim shares inspiring missions that she helped with. The clients sometimes have very unique solutions. [13:44] - What are the most common challenges and mistakes of starting a nonprofit? [16:08] - When should someone start a nonprofit? How can someone tell if they shouldn’t start a nonprofit? [18:58] - Kim’s life journey prepared her for the role she is currently in. How did she go from banking to nonprofits? [21:40] - What moment started Kim’s business? [23:28] - Every person’s origin story contains critical pieces that influence their journey. [25:25] - Kim shares her thoughts on using failure to grow, and become better. [27:47] - How does Kim’s faith impact her perspective of her calling? [30:13] - Kim aims to help people find who they are in their own journey. [31:49] - Here are Kim’s tips for people seeking their calling. [33:54] - Friends, thank you for listening and engaging! Catch you next time! Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/21353567

23: How Shall We Live? 11/30/2021

23: How Shall We Live? When we sense the end is near, we suddenly have a larger sense of urgency. Take the end of the year for example. With so much to get done, everyone is trying their best to prepare for year-end festivities. Today’s episode is a reflection on the motivation behind this sense of urgency, and why this can inspire how we live our lives year-round. Life is getting busier with the end-of-the-year holiday season in full swing. From planning gifts to attending events, people’s to-do lists are filled. There are others that feel a sense of grief, ending, or rebirth as the year comes to a close. No matter which perspective we take, we can agree we’re in a unique and temporary season. Wouldn’t it be great to feel that sense of agency and direction all year? People typically ask the question “How shall we live?”, and maybe the answer is to live like the end is near. That perspective helps you make decisions, since it creates intention and clarifies priorities. Listen to this episode where I share three foundational thinking-points of why living as if the end is near can help you walk in your Life Calling. It’s fascinating. There’s a sense of choice. There’s a sense of agency. We can decide how to make the most of our days. I’ll talk about how keeping the end in mind helps shape today’s decisions, why you need to keep a clear mind, loving others, and where to use the gifts of our Life Calling. To use your gifts, you have to know who you are and what you bring, and aim those gifts towards service. While embracing the year-end celebrations, we can turn the lessons of this holiday season into wisdom for moving forward. Walking in your calling requires you to have a clear mind, and love people through your calling in service to one another. Let us welcome empathy, humility, and patience as we walk in our Life Calling. Time stamps: [00:18] - Things are getting busier as the end-of-the-year holiday season is picking up! [03:14] - How shall we live? Like the end is near. [05:27] - Living as if the end is near helps to create intention and clarity. [07:39] - Having the end in mind can provide guidance in life decisions. [08:45] - Be mindful of distractions coming your way. [10:15] - Make time to clear your mind. [11:01] - Be serious about loving one another. [11:55] - What’s the difference in the way people handle disagreement as we learn to love one another? [14:21] - Here is how we shall live. Does this way of life relate to Life Calling? [15:58] - Friends, thank you for listening and engaging! Catch you next time! Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/21315329

22: Fatherhood as a Calling | Spencer Smith 11/23/2021

22: Fatherhood as a Calling | Spencer Smith Your Life Calling is not restricted to a job title or personal brand; it can be a life role. Parental figures are the first example of the world to any child. What does it mean to fulfill Life Calling through being a parent? Today’s episode is a conversation with the adventurous and caring Spencer Smith on finding Life Calling through fatherhood. Spencer Smith is someone I highly respect. He is the husband of Annie, and father of three boys. When the boys were much younger, Spencer and Annie came to a decision on their dynamic to maintain a healthy environment for the family. Spencer took on the role of the primary caregiver, while Annie took on a full-time career as a physical therapist. Agreeing to this dynamic allowed Spencer to be a stay-at-home parent for 14 years with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. We talked about motherhood as a calling in episode 16 with Laura Booz, and now we’re highlighting fatherhood. Spencer shares what it was like to make that first crucial decision to stay home with his young boys. He shares why focusing on the skill set of each person in the relationship can help parents come to an agreement on a parental dynamic. After communicating with each other, Spencer and Annie’s parenting became about staying committed. There was pushback, and the couple lost a few friends, but together they took things one day at a time. Spencer is not only a father, but he still recognizes himself as an individual. Professionally, Spencer is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) working part-time in accounting and finance. He also holds a passion for mission work and adventure. In this conversation, Spencer honestly shares his thoughts on taking time to regroup when feeling overwhelmed, the joy of long-term gains from early efforts, and being a role model as best as any imperfect human can try to be while raising other imperfect humans. We often feel that we have to choose between work and family. We often think we must split duty from fulfillment. That’s not true. We can do both. Spencer is an example of that. Time stamps: [00:18] - Spencer Smith acts as the primary caregiver for his three boys. How else does he identify himself? [02:31] - Spencer says he originally went to school for Psychology. After exploring multiple degrees, he found his way to Accounting. [04:32] - When Spencer and Annie agreed on him being the primary caregiver, Spencer says he didn’t have any other examples to follow. [07:01] - Did Spencer experience any pushback for choosing to be a stay-at-home father? [09:12] - What is the best part of being the primary caregiver? What is the most challenging part of being the primary caregiver? [11:03] - Spencer recalls how much his boys changed. Listen to him reminisce about going on trips with his sons. [13:19] - Spencer describes how the idea of Life Calling relates to fatherhood. [15:48] - How does Spencer’s faith impact how he approaches his role as a dad? [18:11] - Spencer’s commitment to fatherhood gave him priceless long-term benefits. [20:38] - Listen to Spencer share what he’d like his parenting to be summed up as if his sons describe him. [23:33] - Here is Spencer’s advice for first-time dads. [26:13] - Friends, thank you for listening and engaging! Catch you next time! Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/21220757

21: Questions from the Audience 11/17/2021

21: Questions from the Audience Do you have questions on what to pursue in life? Well, you’re not the only one. People tend to explore their purpose in life often. In fact, a few of us gathered at the Life Calling Virtual Summit with Bob Goff to discuss our pursuit of what we are called to contribute to this world. During the Life Calling Virtual Summit we held a Q&A, but didn’t get a chance to answer all the questions. Today’s episode is filled with discussion regarding questions from the event. Before that, I want to personally thank the attendees for participating in the summit. We had a great discussion! As we continue to learn about our Life Calling, we’re able to support each other. I look forward to the next time we interact. For today’s discussion we’re answering three specific questions from the virtual summit. Each question is tied to a different aspect of fulfilling your Life Calling. To give you a preview, the questions all touch on how to confirm a Life Calling: vetting with trusted others, matching Life Calling to the current season of life, and aligning purpose with faith. Learn how these confirmations require a shift in focus depending on what is being compared or vetted, and be ready to take action on the methods to get closer to realizing your Life Calling. How exactly can we touch on actionable tips for Life Calling with three questions? Easy. I’ll be providing the context for the answers, alongside options for approaching the confirmations. I know none of us are the same, so giving options allows you room to tailor the approach for your life and your purpose. Learn techniques to refine your idea of Life Calling without getting information overload. In this digestible episode, learn how to beat bias by forming effective questions about your purpose, make the most out of feedback you gather, discern “passion” from “calling”, and match your purpose with your faith. Here is where you learn to feed your pursuits in a healthy way while prioritizing effectively. Ultimately, this episode talks about how you can fundamentally live your Life Calling in the current context of your life. Time stamps: [00:18] - Here are three excellent questions from people who attended the Life Calling Virtual Summit. [02:44] - How do you test the “trusted others” group? First, let’s talk about how to form this group. [04:31] - Do this if you are asking a trusted individual for feedback on a certain Life Calling you want to pursue. [07:00] - Listen to my own story of using the “trusted others” method when I considered a change in my employment status. [08:35] - How to deal with a low energy level when lacking drive to pursue a Life Calling? [10:59] - The way we live out our calling in daily life can change over time with us. [13:22] - What’s the connection and difference between the words “passion” and “calling”? [16:09] - How do you know if an idea or dream is in line with God’s purpose for you? [18:31] - Here are the three suggestions of where to go to guide your decision on if a Life Calling is the one to pursue alongside your faith. [20:50] - Friends, thank you for listening and engaging! Catch you next time! Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/21193586

20: Snapshots of Real Life | Ben Hager 11/09/2021

20: Snapshots of Real Life | Ben Hager Your Life Calling is an opportunity to bring joy to your life and the life of others. Fulfilling the interests that fuel you helps bring purpose to the interactions you have. In those moments, it’s easy to forget how quickly time passes. Today’s guest follows a Life Calling that captures those fleeting moments through photography. Ben Hager is a professional photographer who works for the Review Journal in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the years, his photography brought him into entertainment, politics, crimes, professional sports, and other breaking news as he supplied his skills to capture important moments. Ben also served as the photo director for the Harlem Globetrotters, and received multiple awards, like Nevada Press Foundation’s Outstanding Visual Journalist. Before photography, Ben says he worked as a hospice volunteer and youth mentor. He even talks about majoring in economics at Penn State. We discuss how the new generations took on different understandings of pursuing Life Calling. To our understanding, many people don’t want to commit to something immediately and be locked in forever. Ben shares his own quest of seeking to do something meaningful for him, later leading him to photography. Ben felt drawn to people’s stories, lives, and things he didn’t know about. Listen to Ben explain the trial and error of finding Life Calling, and balancing decisions to cultivate a cohesive life. You don’t always arrive at your Life Calling on your first try. Similar to Ben’s journey, most people experience a change in passions and perspective as they evolve through life. Ben’s advice is to know what moves you, and know what doesn’t move you. Keep your eyes open, and never stop moving in a direction that pushes you closer to your Life Calling. Through self-assessment and self-awareness, you can build a life filled with projects and moments that reflect what grabs your attention. Not only can you build that life, you can share it with others. Like Ben, you can move towards a place that feels true for you. Time stamps: [00:18] - Ben Hager uses his professional photographer skills across many different sectors. [03:05] - How did Ben make life work between pursuing Life Calling and dealing with the pandemic? [05:01] - Ben says he didn’t plan on being a photographer. [06:45] - Another classmate influenced Ben to get into photography, and telling people’s stories. [08:54] - As you learn your life’s work, you explore different paths along the way. [11:38] - You may describe your calling separately from the platform you use to carry your calling out. [14:10] - Ben talks about staying grounded when his photography skills bring him to tense environments, like crime or courts. [17:00] - What is one of Ben’s favorite photo projects? [19:37] - Ben talks about creating art that is meaningful in his subjects' lives. [22:34] - Life Calling is connected to a shift in priority, and rethinking how to identify yourself towards life. [24:05] - Ben talks about difficult decisions that need to take place to balance the shifts in life, like decisions as a parent. [26:17] - As you move through life, build a cohesive life that keeps what’s important to you. [28:27] - What advice does Ben have for people who want to land in their sweet spot? [31:14] - Ben mentions a time he let go of embarrassment during a photography job. [33:31] - Ben’s embarrassing moment gave everyone a good laugh, which he didn’t mind. [35:10] - The best part is ending up in a place that feels true for you and what you feel you’re meant to do. Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/21085505

18: Forget Productivity Do What Matters | Teresa McCloy 10/26/2021

18: Forget Productivity Do What Matters | Teresa McCloy “Being productive” vs. “Being busy”. You may be familiar with this popular distinction, but there’s more to it. Imagine being a top performer in a practical role you thought would be good for you. As a top performer, you are by all “standard” definitions a “productive” person. If you go home after being “productive” only to immerse yourself in something to make you forget the day, is that cycle truly beneficial? Don’t worry friend. This is a story of joy. This is a story of realizing we are free to choose differently. In today’s conversation, Teresa McCloy talks about finding the courage to embrace your authentic self, and start building a life that better reflects your Life Calling. Teresa McCloy is an entrepreneur, teacher, and coach. She is the founder of the Realife Process(R), the CEO of the Professional Christian Coaching Institute, and the host of the REALIFE Process(R) podcast. Teresa speaks around the idea that being productive towards our goals and aims is stronger when placed towards what really matters. All life experiences add together to be a skill, lesson, or perspective to use later in life. Teresa spends time discussing what to take from life experiences to carry forward. When taking inventory of life, noticing what holds most of our time and energy is important. Listen as Teresa explains how to create the rhythms, routines, and behaviors to a sustainable life. During the conversation, we explore the ways values and needs discern Life Calling, experiment with the idea of multiple callings through different seasons, and discuss why the Enneagram is a tool to acknowledge internal authenticity. Taking a step back, this conversation is a combination of realizing mindset and action. Life Calling describes the moment to moment of being aligned with your values and needs. The REALIFE Process(R) is a framework to uphold the commitment to being aligned. Bring all parts of yourself to embrace an authentic life, a REALIFE, a life true to your Life Calling. Another thing friend, there’s an exciting event coming up! You can gain more actionable insights about Life Calling on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at the Life Calling Virtual Summit with Bob Goff. Join the FREE summit where we will dream, discover, and dare to live out our Life Calling. Go to . Time stamps: [02:00] - Teresa McCloy is an entrepreneur and coach fueling the growth of businesses and people. [03:50] - What’s Teresa like in her daily life? She gives fun personal trivia such as her car interests, foodie life, and more. [05:19] - How did the numerous jobs Teresa fulfilled lead her to where she is now? From a piano teacher to retail, what seasons did Teresa go through? [08:08] - People don’t learn as much from success as what they learn from failure. There is freedom in reflecting on failure. [09:49] - Teresa explains the tagline: “Forget Productivity and Do what Matters”. [12:09] - Listen to Teresa share the inspiration behind the REALIFE Process, and why this connects to living a sustainable life. [14:22] - What are the four components of the REALIFE Process? Does each component look different for each individual? [17:20] - Know that the pre-decisions of life influence how your life reflects your values. [19:26] - How important are values and needs to Life Calling? [21:05] - Teresa gives insight on figuring out how to address personal needs and values. [23:48] - In which ways can someone use their Enneagram to find new paths in the walk through life. [26:43] - Teresa speaks about tapping into and waking up the other personal centers of intelligence. [29:12] - Acknowledge every part of yourself to open up and discover more. How does this create a domino effect? [31:59] - Teresa expresses her thoughts on exploring different seasons of “being” and fulfilling a calling. [34:31] - When going on this journey, there’s a moment of diving deeper internally before exploring the external aspect. [36:11] - Teresa admires that the Life Calling Today podcast is a platform for discovering Life Calling as a community. [38:09] - Once you accept your authentic self, you become real. Teresa explains how this life lesson from the Velveteen Rabbit influenced the REALIFE Process. [40:20] - Life Calling is the deeply personal meeting place of authenticity and perspective. [42:13] - What does Teresa want to be known for? [44:15] - Thank you for joining us today, friend! Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/20904221

17: How Values Empower Life Calling 10/19/2021

17: How Values Empower Life Calling Do you ever wonder how some people seem so sure and clear about their decisions? Do you admire people who seem to “stay true” to themselves? People that are in tune with their decisions and identity are usually people who intentionally choose what to care about. You can do the same thing. What you choose to care about becomes your values. Your values allow you to align with the way you would like to show up in the world, including your Life Calling. Today, we’ll discuss how values empower your life. Your values are your nonnegotiables. Since values reflect your priority belief, these values influence your presence in the world. To choose one value means you measure them against other values, and choose your preference. In this case, you select the values that best fit your life. Now, this doesn’t make other values incorrect, the need to choose is to have a reason or a gut feeling behind your own decisions. Friend, I will tell you that once you realize your values, you’ll start to notice your set of priority beliefs differ when the setting changes. Different values govern different parts of our life. In a separate setting, you may find your priorities shifting include work, family, or personal time. Context determines how your values are on display. Despite your values responding to the context you find yourself in, your Life Calling remains the same. Each setting, role, or participation is you living your Life Calling in different contexts. You empower your calling by having clarity of your priority beliefs, or values. In today’s episode, learn how you can identify a value, how to build awareness about what is important to you, and why your overarching life calling inspires your values. Another thing friend, there’s an exciting event coming up! You can gain more actionable insights about Life Calling on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at the Life Calling Virtual Summit with Bob Goff. Join the FREE summit where we will dream, discover, and dare to live out our Life Calling. Go to . Time stamps: [00:26] - There’s an exciting event coming up! [01:56] - Here’s a lesson on sticking to your values from a story of Catholic Nuns in 1940s London. [04:52] - What is a “value”? [06:20] - How do we choose and measure our values? [08:32] - Certain values can be different depending on the part of our life the value addresses. [10:32] - Let’s see how values can shift depending on the setting. I’ll talk you through it. [12:24] - Your overarching calling displays differently according to the context you find yourself in. [14:48] - Do a values assessment so you can build awareness about what is important to you. [17:13] - How aware are you of your personal values? Here is an action step to help you improve. [19:02] - Thank you for joining us today, friend! Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/20861405

15: Unpacking Your Strengths 10/05/2021

15: Unpacking Your Strengths When you take a step in a journey and find yourself wanting to know more, that is a sign that something sparked inside you. After receiving curious questions about last week’s topic, today’s solo episode will go further and deeper. Friend, here is another chance to take one brave step. Listen to today’s discussion on understanding strengths and implementing your personal strengths. Honoring your strengths is similar to honoring your potential. Without the use of your strengths, there’s a level of service and performance you are not tapping into. Part of growing in your journey is self-awareness; it’s a cliché filled with a lot of truth. Honor your strengths and potential by getting to know yourself better. Let’s go through methods that allow you to get a better idea of your strengths, and how you can use your strengths. In the episode, I talk about three ways you can identify your strengths. To make it easy, I use three As: Assessment, Attention, and Affirmation. Then, I describe four categories connected to how you may be inclined to carry out your personal strengths. Knowledge of your strengths and how you tend to approach your strengths are your personal form of leverage. Strengths allow you to contribute in society positively, and almost effortlessly. Following your strengths contains a flow as these are the talents that are usually innate. Not every strength you identify will be in full bloom. Perhaps there is a sign of a strength or talent that needs more development. Listen to learn the definition of strengths, how to cultivate strengths, and what strengths have to do with calling. Understand the unique ways you’re wired to live out your strengths. You're leaving a big part of yourself out if you don’t take time to become aware of your strengths. At the very least, start off by identifying what strengths you can lean towards more in your life. Hey friend, you’re gifted. Pay attention to how your strengths inform your calling. Time stamps: [00:18] - I heard that you have questions after last week’s episode about strengths, so today’s episode is about unpacking your strengths. [02:03] - Let’s discuss how to define, identify, and give clarity to strengths. [03:54] - Here are three ways to identify your strengths to start recognizing your talents. First is “Assessment”. [05:26] - Second is “Attention”. When you use your strengths, there is a difference in your attention and energy. [07:24] - Third is “Affirmation”. Pay attention to affirmations around you. [09:07] - Here is how I define strengths. Strengths can appear in a number of ways, like William Wilberforce. [11:16] - Mother Teresa is a person that used their strengths to amplify their Life Calling. [12:37] - I tell you about Wilbert Awdry, and explain how his work connects to his calling. [14:14] - Great impact is created by positive results from using talents and strengths in the right direction. [15:41] - I describe executing, thinking, relating to others, and influencing in terms of talents. [18:38] - What do strengths have to do with calling? Everything. [20:55] - Develop strengths over time to continue fueling your calling. Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/20677028

14: Aligning Your Career with Your Calling | Jennifer Vancil 09/28/2021

14: Aligning Your Career with Your Calling | Jennifer Vancil Does your work fit into your life the way you hope it does? If you truly follow your calling, you’ll see that you’re probably going to get hired for what you got in trouble for as a kid. Today’s guest stands by this philosophy and urges everyone to understand the personal strengths that are taken for granted. In other words, realize that your strengths can be the origin of your work. Jennifer Vancil provides value as a Strengths-Based Career Coach, and mainly assists people who are looking to feel more connected to their work. She achieved her Bachelor of Arts in Theater and a Masters in Education in Adult Education. Currently, Jennifer teaches the MBA Career Management class at Colorado State University and does career coaching at both Colorado State University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Through her business, Communicating Strengths, Jennifer helps clients handle career changes, resume writing, interview preparation, and positioning for internal promotion. As Communicating Strengths focuses on strongest skills, Jennifer’s approach to career management includes knowing the nuances of your strengths to build deeper awareness. Usually, people find a more reliable balance in life once they connect with something intrinsic. Jennifer says that the people she primarily works with are in a scenario where they are not getting to use their top strengths. How does life calling relate to work? Jennifer speaks on the need to have some consistency and some compatibility in your career and work that mirrors your talents. Being honest with yourself, having a discussion about if there is a real match between your view of life and work exposes any disconnect. Jennifer explains how consistency and compatibility across different parts of our life create an integration of calling and work. Listen to Jennifer give the key points of examining our current career, talk through the steps of assessing career options, and explain how to use curiosity to spark change. Time stamps: [00:18] - Jennifer Vancil is a career coach helping people navigate their calling. [02:34] - How does theater merge into how Jennifer delivers her skills today? She talks about the moment her theater skills and coaching skills first overlapped. [05:25] - Jennifer explains power behind the nuances of the Clifton Strengths assessments. [07:18] - Jennifer says you’re probably going to get hired for what you got in trouble for as a kid. [09:49] - What does career management include? What sorts of issues are people dealing with in career management? [12:07] - How does life calling relate to work? Jennifer speaks on the need to have some consistency and some compatibility in your work that mirrors your talents. [14:39] - Here’s a way to think of calling as an overarching theme that is applicable in more than one field of study or part of life. [17:32] - Jennifer recalls the conversations that happen when deciding a new direction in career and calling. First, acknowledge the need for change. [20:11] - Listen to Jennifer give the key points of examining career and using curiosity to spark change. [23:09] - Jennifer discusses her blog post “Creating a strength-based career” that goes deeper into the strategies she spoke about in this episode. [24:50] - Think about the different roles in your life, and how you can merge your calling into each one. Links: /episode/index/show/lifecallingtoday/id/20612051

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