We were born as the most authentic version of ourselves, and we are simply expressing with total spontaneity what we want and what we do not want, without judging or comparing ourselves to anyone.
But, little by little, society conveys to us what it expects of us, dictating which paths to follow, and those who follow the paths considered successful receive admiration and approval, become role models, and sometimes even idols, whom you want to imitate. But to what extent do these models belong to us or are borrowed models, oblivious to our unique and particular mission and vocation?
- The word vocation means “called”.
- Which comes from the Latin vocare.
- Which means to call.
- Our vocation is.
- Therefore.
- A call.
- That inner voice that tells us what our true path is.
- Not only professionally.
- But in all areas of life.
- That will become our mission.
The problem arises when these false calls, which are alien to us, prevent us from hearing the voice of our vocation, perhaps because they terrify us by telling us that if we do not achieve certain goals we will be failures, or discourage us by telling us not to point to great things, because we cannot?or maybe they seduce us and dazzle us with material things, making us confuse means for purposes.
Although it is easier and safer to follow these conventional paths and do what most people do, it costs us dearly: no more or less than our personal realization and happiness, why not develop our potential and not do it. brings inevitable frustration. And even if we try to distract you with anything from the Internet or TV, to alcohol or drugs, we’ll inevitably always feel like we’re missing something.
So what makes some people dare to challenge what seems impossible to achieve and not be discouraged by criticism?It is the certainty that comes when they hear their vocation clearly and know that is what they should do, period.
These people develop their inner lives, spend time alone with themselves and invest time and effort in their personal growth and cultivate their spirit, this causes them to leave the flock and not let themselves be influenced by the majority, even if it means going against the current. These people know that the call to vocation is different from all others, because it is exciting, irresistible and produces a satisfaction that goes beyond the material reward or approval they can receive.
Once we have taken the big step towards recognizing our unique and true vocation, we have won a key battle, but we must prepare for obstacles that will arise along the way, such as critics or well-meaning people trying to deter it because our idea seems risky and doomed to failure. We can even fail in the attempt once, twice or more times, but if we are fully convinced that this is the path that our vocation tells us, the only valid option is to persevere.
And even if they are uncomfortable, the obstacles are not there to prevent us from developing our vocation, but to help us discover internal resources that we did not know we had, strengthening us and contributing to our personal growth. Also, when we know we have we’re on the right track, we’re opening up safely to the world and we’re getting the help we need to move forward.
There are many paths, but there is a path that is unique to each of us, and there is nothing in this world that compares to the inexhaustible satisfaction one feels in accepting and following the call of our vocation.
Image courtesy of Hartwig HKD