Should I Do What I Love or Love What I Do?

A Blueprint to Finding Your Calling

How do I know what I truly want?
How can I be sure that what I’m currently pursuing is worth my time?
Is there a hack to know if I’m on the right track?

These are questions many of us grapple with, and this article offers a gentle blueprint to help you explore and uncover your calling—something you can commit to wholeheartedly, that your heart genuinely desires.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Every action we take stems from how we see ourselves.
Your self-image plays a vital role in the pursuits you choose and the energy you bring to them.

A good place to begin is by getting to know yourself better.

Try this exercise:
Think of a symbol that represents you. It could be:

An element from nature
A personal value or philosophy
A character trait, color, spice, or even a cartoon character

This symbol is a doorway into how you perceive yourself—and how that shapes your goals and ambitions.

Facets of My Identity

Who Am I? What Am I About?

Sometimes, we need to step back before we move forward. Understanding the core of your identity can help guide you toward pursuits that truly feel aligned and meaningful.

Reflect on:

What are five things you value most in life?
Which aspects of life feel non-negotiable to you?
Are there recurring themes—like creativity, autonomy, adventure, relationships, or contribution—that feel central to who you are?

Hammers and Chisels

Shaping Who You've Become

Looking back can offer valuable insights for moving ahead. Your past holds clues to your passion and purpose.

Ask yourself:

Who or what shaped the person you are today?
Which challenges altered your outlook—and maybe even your identity?
Were there moments you thought were breaking you, but in hindsight, were actually building you?

Spoiler Alert: The tough stuff often turns out to be the turning point.

Flight Plan

What Lies Ahead?

Once you’ve explored your roots, it’s time to chart your path forward—to take the leap into a pursuit that resonates with you.

Ask yourself:

What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?
What would I attempt if success was guaranteed?
Can I give myself a timeframe—say, one year—for this pursuit?
What small action can I take today to move closer?

Final Thoughts: Purpose, Pleasure & Perseverance

Dear mate,
Consider pursuits that lie at the intersection of pleasure, satisfaction, and purpose.

Finding your calling may not be instant—it might take days, weeks, or even months. You might write, delete, rewrite. And that’s okay.

Persevere until the answers truly feel like you.

Fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty will show up—they always do.
But so will clarity, joy, and the quiet knowing that you are on your way.

Take that first step.
The rest will follow.

Cheers, mate. You got this.
See you at the summit.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is navigating the journey of finding their calling, consider reaching out to our Support and Engage verticals for affordable and inclusive mental health help.

Like our content? Please show us some love by sharing and upvoting!

Image Credits: Unsplash