When to Heed the Call

I have had an interesting few weeks as I have navigated the next chapter of my life, which is staring me in the face. I am sure many people can relate to this, where one lays all the foundation and puts in all the work towards something they feel is their purpose, but fear and doubt begin to set in. That is also part of the journey to see how badly one wants something, and sometimes things start lining themselves up, perpetuating the fear further due to our inability to believe in ourselves and our deeper purpose in life truly. I reflected on this predicament, especially after releasing another episode on the EZ Conversations podcast with Philip Zodiates (Listen Here). In this episode, we talk about the chaos Philip's life has experienced since he decided to help a woman who wanted to keep her child safe. In the aftermath of assisting this woman, Philip served three years in prison and is still engaged in legal battles, spending millions of dollars in legal fees. This has taken a toll on Philip and his entire family. However, Philip has maintained conviction and leaned into his faith to remain committed to this path while also continuing to help others, including his prison inmates.

As I spent time introspecting and thinking about Philip's story, I realized Philip had decided to heed the call and commit to his version of the truth. While I may not completely understand his struggles, nor do I share the same beliefs, I admire his ability to step into the darkness and surrender. Why must we heed the call to align with our life's mission? There are many benefits to this from a psychological and mental health perspective. Unfortunately, when we remain stagnant, we can experience a lack of meaning, depression and the inability to grow and become resilient.

Interestingly, many of the conversations I had this past weekend with clients focused on finding the right balance between stepping into one's purpose and starting somewhere rather than focusing on too much and getting overwhelmed. Many attempt to envision the entire picture and game plan and give up at the slightest bit of adversity. The concept of small incremental steps rings true in this context. While having a higher-order goal to work towards is valuable, we also need to maintain flexibility and humility that things will not work out how we want them to but rather how we need them to. Therefore, in this week's edition of EZ Reflections, I wanted to dive deeper into this concept of heeding the call and why we must pay attention.

The Psychological Science of Purpose

1. Purpose Enhances Mental Health Research consistently shows that individuals with a strong sense of purpose report lower levels of depression and anxiety. A study published in the journal Psychological Science found that people with a clear purpose in life tend to have better emotional regulation and a more remarkable ability to cope with stress. Purpose provides a framework for interpreting challenges and turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.

2. Improved Physical Health The connection between mind and body is undeniable. Studies in JAMA Network Open have found that people with a sense of purpose live longer and have a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart conditions. Purpose is linked to healthier behaviors, such as regular exercise, balanced eating, and better sleep patterns.

3. Enhanced Resilience and Coping Mechanisms Purpose acts as a psychological buffer against adversity. Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and renowned psychologist, famously wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning that those who found purpose in the concentration camps were more likely to survive. Modern research echoes this sentiment: a study in the Journal of Positive Psychology highlights how purpose fosters resilience during life’s toughest challenges.

4. Increased Motivation and Productivity Purpose fuels intrinsic motivation. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that a sense of alignment with one’s goals and values leads to sustained effort and engagement, which translates into higher productivity and a greater sense of accomplishment.

How to Step Into Your Purpose

1. Self-Reflection Begin by asking yourself: What are my core values? What activities make me feel alive? Practices like journaling, mindfulness, and meditation can help clarify your priorities.

2. Embrace Your Strengths Discover what you excel at and leverage those skills to make a meaningful contribution. Strength-based coaching has been shown to boost confidence and alignment with purpose (Journal of Career Assessment).

3. Start Small You don’t need to revolutionize your life overnight. Set small, achievable goals that align with your larger purpose. Each step builds momentum and reinforces your commitment.

4. Seek Support Sharing your aspirations with a trusted community or coach can provide accountability and encouragement. Relationships strengthen our ability to maintain purpose during setbacks.

5. Stay Flexible Purpose evolves. Allow yourself the grace to adapt and refine your path as your circumstances and passions change.

Benefits of Heeding the Call

1. Greater Fulfillment and Joy Living in alignment with purpose is inherently rewarding. A study from University of California found that individuals who identify and pursue their purpose report a profound sense of happiness and life satisfaction.

2. Legacy and Impact Acting with purpose often involves contributing to something greater than oneself. This creates a lasting legacy and fosters a sense of pride and achievement.

3. Spiritual Alignment For many, purpose connects to a sense of spirituality or higher meaning, providing a profound sense of peace and belonging.

Heeding the Call: Why Now?

The call to purpose often comes during times of uncertainty or transition. Instead of ignoring it, consider this an opportunity for transformation. In the words of Carl Jung, "Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."

Resources for Further Exploration

1. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

2. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

3. Research articles from the Journal of Positive Psychology

4. TED Talk: What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness by Robert Waldinger

5. StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath
   

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