“Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation.” These were the words of Aristotle and let’s look at what he is saying.
First, consider what is meant by the word “vocation.” It comes from the Latin word for “voice”. It refers to a calling that you hear or a pull from within that you feel. A calling comes from within you and inspires you to move in a certain career direction.
Your true calling is the work you feel called to do. This is the work you were born to do and will find most fulfilling. According to Aristotle, when you discover and use your best and favorite talents to fulfill a need which you are passionate about, you have found your true work. This will be a vocation that resonates with who you are and aligns with your ability to make an excellent contribution to others.
Let’s look at an example of someone who used a favorite talent to serve a need or to solve a problem that others were experiencing. The other night my wife and I watched a PBS special about the life and career of Joan Baez. She was known as the “Queen of folk music” in the 1960s and beyond. When Joan Baez was a young girl she discovered a love and talent for singing and playing the guitar. Eventually she became a well known folk singer. Even though she was using her enormous talent, she still felt that something was missing. Eventually she became a force in the peace and civil rights movements. She began using her music to protest injustice, persecution and discrimination, and the Viet Nam war.
When Joan Baez started using her talent to serve a need in the world (which she was deeply passionate about) she became fulfilled. Her talents were channeled into a higher calling or purpose. You can also find your true vocation when your special abilities and a need in the world of great interest to you come together.
Make a list of your special knowledge’s (subjects you know a lot about) and of your favorite and best skills and talents. Also make a list of needs or problems in the world that interest you. How well does your knowledge, skills and talents match up with these needs? Choose the need that calls out to you most strongly and brainstorm ways that you could fulfill this need by using your greatest ability. It is also possible that you may need more education and training to acquire the knowledge and skills to positively impact the problem in the world that you have chosen. Do what you need to do to discover and work at the vocation that is right for you. Do this and you will not only find personal fulfillment, but you will make a positive difference in the world.
Copyright 2009. Raymond Gerson
Best regards,
Raymond Gerson
