The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do

by Jeff Goins

a portfolio with immeasurable ripple effects.

But if you hear the call to make your life about more than you and what you can contribute, you will have peace, not anxiety, when facing mortality.

The seven characteristics of a calling—awareness, apprenticeship, practice, discovery, profession, mastery, and legacy—are

The Seven Stages and Accompanying Lessons (Chapter Summary) Awareness: Before you can tell your life what you want to do with it, you must listen to what it wants to do with you. Apprenticeship: Every story of success is a story of community. Although mentors are hard to come by, accidental apprenticeships are everywhere. Your life is preparing you for what’s to come. Practice: Real practice hurts. It takes not only time but intentional effort. But some things do come naturally. Be open to learning new skills, and watch for sparks of inspiration to guide you. Discovery: Don’t take the leap; build a bridge. You never “just know” what you’re supposed to do with your life. Discovery happens in stages. Profession: Failure is your best friend. Don’t push through obstacles; pivot around them. Let every mistake and rejection teach you something. Before a season of success, there often comes a season of failure. Mastery: A calling is not just one thing. It’s a few things, a portfolio that isn’t just your job but the life you live. Legacy: Your calling is not just what you do; it’s the person you become—and the legacy you leave.

It’s more than just one thing. And it integrates well with the rest of your life, not competing with but complementing your top priorities.

What do others see in you that you don’t see in yourself?

Plan your portfolio. Instead of planning out your ideal week, focus instead on the next year. You have 365 days.

Share the work. In chapter 7, we saw how a calling is not just about you. It’s something you share with others.