Calling

Six Questions to Help You Make the Most of 2026

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A Moment to Pause and Reflect As 2026 approaches, it’s easy to think in terms of goals, resolutions, and external markers of success. But making the most of the year ahead isn’t just about doing more, it’s about becoming more intentional with where you place your energy, attention, and effort. The questions below are designed … Read more

Entrepreneurial analysis paralysis and the fallacy of the big idea

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I’m not sure who needs to hear this today, but this is for you if you’ve been brewing an idea for a while. You’ve got something in your head: a venture, a practice, a course, a one-person business. And instead of building it, you’re twisting yourself in knots about it. Waiting for the perfect idea, … Read more

Well paid and still unhappy? This might be why

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Understanding intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in mid career So there are two drivers behind your motivation at work, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. And I’m talking especially to those of you in mid-career. If you’ve worked hard and you’ve achieved a lot and yet something still feels off, this is for you. A Simple Example: A … Read more

How the Kolbe A Index Reveals the Type of Work You Thrive In

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Which Type of Work Feels Right for You?

Imagine there are four objects on a table, each representing a different type of work. There’s actually a psychological test that can predict what sort of work you would prefer.

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Stuck in Your Career? Here’s What That Feeling Really Means

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There Has to Be More to Life Than This

I was on a walk in the mountains with some guys the other day and somebody said, referring to their existing career, “There has to be more to life than this.”

He was referring to having a mortgage to pay, family commitments, and how he’s providing for his family, but shoveling away doing something he doesn’t really like. It pays well, so he just needs to keep his head down.

Like many people who head for this mirage on the horizon, it’s like, “I just need to get to X. I just need to get the mortgage paid or reach retirement or whatever magical solution will be in the future. Then there’ll be an escape route.”

And I recognize this — there must be more to life than this — because I’ve felt it myself. This quiet despair. This dread.

It’s not ever-present. It’s something that pops up on a Sunday afternoon.

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Personal Energy as Your Career Signal

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A Simple Energy-Based Technique for Better Career Decisions

I’d like to share with you a decision-making technique. In this context, I’m focusing on careers and how to find more fulfilling work or align with your purpose. But this method can be used for many areas of life.

If your career feels off or you’re feeling restless, this technique can be surprisingly powerful in helping you find clarity.

It’s simple: ask yourself, where’s my energy at?

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Why Following Your Passion Alone Can Backfire in Your Career

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Follow your passion.

This is common advice given to people from friends or colleagues because they want somebody to find something they love or their passion, right?

But I suggest that that’s actually a really bad idea and can actually be counterproductive to your career.

In this article, I’ll describe what to do instead.

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Your Career Calling Won’t Arrive in a Brown Envelope

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A traditional mailbox at the end of a driveway in bright daylight, with its door slightly open and a single brown envelope inside.

The official-looking letter from the taxman looks formal, black-and-white, and decisive. That’s how many people think their career decision is going to arrive: like ding! — here it is, in writing.

You’re going to be an astronaut. You start Monday. You’ll earn twice the salary, and you only have to work a four-day week.

People expect that level of perfect clarity just to turn up. And in the absence of it, they do nothing.

But the reality? It doesn’t show up like that.

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The Silent Fear that Keeps Talented People Playing Small

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Every big decision in your life is set on this pair of weighing scales, and the scales tipping determine whether you proceed or not. In order to change, to grow, to take the next step, whatever that might be, the scales need to tip. And on these scales, you’ve got the fear of failure on one side, and on the other side you’ve got the fear of regret.

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The psychology of career calling

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Psychology of career calling

Video: Mid-Life Restlessness: Job, Career or Calling – The psychology of career calling

Video Transcript

“So if you’re feeling a little bit restless in mid-career, not sure what to do next, this will explain the psychology behind all of this. Why you’re feeling restless, why you’re maybe yearning for something else. It’ll also describe why you should take that seriously, what to do about it, and the barriers you’re likely to face along the way.

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Exploring Calling – the identification, pursuit, and effects amongst mid-career professionals

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Abstract – Exploring Calling

This study explores the concept of calling at work. It begins by looking at the definition of a calling, reflecting on motivation at work, the religious background of the concept of calling and the constituent parts of a calling: inner drive in a particular direction, the prosocial contribution and alignment with one’s strengths or issues one feels are important.

Career change and behavioural models are explored to understand a sense of calling. Measurement scales are also reviewed to identify those who might benefit from following their calling, how they are motivated and the need for intrinsic meaning. The study reviews the benefits of following a calling, the challenges individuals face, and the techniques scholars recommend in its pursuit.

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