Albert Schweitzer (January 14, 1875-September 4, 1965) was born into an Alsatian family which for generations had been devoted to religion, music, and education. Schweitzer entered into his intensive theological studies in 1893 at the University of Strasbourg where he obtained a doctorate in philosophy in 1899, with a dissertation on the religious philosophy of Kant, and received his licentiate in theology in 1900. Having decided to go to Africa as a medical missionary rather than as a pastor, Schweitzer in 1905 began the study of medicine at the University of Strasbourg. In 1913, having obtained his M.D. degree, he founded his hospital at Lambaréné in French Equatorial Africa, but in 1917 he and his wife were sent to a French internment camp as prisoners of war. Schweitzer returned to Lambaréné in 1924 and except for relatively short periods of time, spent the remainder of his life there. At Lambaréné, Schweitzer was doctor and surgeon in the hospital, pastor of a congregation, administrator of a village, superintendent of buildings and grounds, writer of scholarly books, commentator on contemporary history, musician, host to countless visitors. The Nobel Peace Prize for 1952, having been withheld in that year, was given to him on December 10, 1953. With the $33,000 prize money, he started the leprosarium at Lambaréné. -- Wikipedia
Have you discovered what about your job energizes you? Have you determined what you're passionate about? Those that have taken PeopleTek's Leadership Journey® program, refer to this as "magic dust".
Having a position that allows you to fully utilize your skills is a win for you and your organization. And, clearly knowing your passion and purpose impacts your ability to make sound decisions and be more effective in your career.
It's important that individuals and leaders define their career goals, take a personal inventory of their skills and develop a plan of action.
What do you most enjoy about your current job? What do you prefer least about it? How's the balance between the two? Have you ever regretted changing jobs or even getting promoted?
To find your authentic vocation you will want to assess your
Life Purpose
- Values
- Motivators / Interests Knowledge,
- Skills,
- Abilities
- Career Targets
- Work Environment
- Pay
Having a mentor or a network/support group may be helpful with making sure you're being honest with your answers. You may notice that pay was listed last. Let's face it, most people work for an income, but did you know that money was only a short term motivator? Having a position where you feel you add value and are appreciated has been found to be a better indicator of career happiness and success. A career coach is another option to help you discover and pursue your "magic dust" and help you connect with what truly motivates you.
"Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then, do what you need to do, in order to have what you want" - Margaret Young
Comments
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