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A catalyst for evolution and growth in the training and support of musicians.
Authentic Vocation
Janis Weller
Authentic vocation, sometimes referred to as a calling, is often elusive, sometimes painful or baffling, and yet ultimately deeply satisfying. Finding our true vocation is a means to discovering our authentic selves, and embracing those activities that draw on our signature strengths, serve others and give us great pleasure. A calling may be profound or simple, fancy or plain. Ultimately, callings tend to come to us if we pay attention, according to Parker Palmer who says, “Vocation does not come from willfulness. It comes from listening. Vocation does not mean a goal that I pursue. It means a calling that I hear.”
The diagram below describes some internal and external elements that combine in the ongoing process of discovering vocation.
Authentic Vocation Diagram
I define “authentic vocation” as finding the work one is meant to do in life, that is, work that provides the best fit for an individual’s attributes, interests and passions. Only in rare cases is this a clear and direct process. More often it is a convoluted course of discovery, development and acceptance. Awareness of the internal and external elements of this process can help clarify the importance of each element to the whole.
Passion is the overarching element of temperament that serves as the driver and connector of all the traits, attributes, talents and personality issues leading toward true vocation. It is passion that provides energy and meaning to the internal components of talents, temperament and personality. External factors such as training, opportunities, support systems and even luck combine with passion as key roles in achieving vocation. In addition, it is often an individual’s passions that encourage perseverance through inevitable challenges and set-backs.
With awareness and development of these internal and external elements, career and life options begin to emerge. Adding personal interests and reinforcing those overarching passions can ultimately begin to guide us toward a life of fulfillment and meaning. Of course, there is no guarantee that one’s calling in life may actually be a career or even a job. Callings do not inevitably lead to income, unfortunately, so the diagram concludes with “leading a life of fulfillment and meaning,” not “finding a job one loves.”
Another intriguing variable in the equation is the abundant evidence that passions, talents, temperament and personality traits frequently do not combine in completely logical ways in any given individual. Great natural ability can sometimes have little meaning if not accompanied by passion for that talent and field. Too often, individuals are encouraged to pursue their aptitudes without regard for their passions when they are not one and the same. In 1752, Johann Joachim Quantz, (composer/performer/teacher at the court of Frederick the Great) recognized this challenge:
“If we paid diligent attention to the inclinations of young people, sought to find out how they spontaneously preferred to occupy themselves, and gave them the freedom to choose for themselves that occupation for which they showed the greatest inclination, we would find more happy and truly useful people in the world.”
Quantz spoke from personal experience. His father first apprenticed him to the family trade of blacksmithing!
While individuals generally have much more freedom to choose a career today than in 18th century Europe, people today often choose careers based on their aptitudes and the earning potential rather than personal passions. In music, it is surprisingly common to find talented, highly accomplished orchestral musicians, for example, who refer to themselves as “trained monkeys.” These unfortunate musicians sometimes slog unhappily through their careers, treating it much like a factory job. Many musicians, one would hope most, are of course passionately committed to the role that links their strengths, talents and passions. Others lead with their strengths, doing well at the “job” of orchestral musician, and look to other avenues in music (teaching, composing, conducting, for example) or even outside of music to find their passions. Again, internal and external awareness plays a vital role in maximizing opportunities and focusing interests. Mindfully recognizing what “melts your butter” is a vital component of achieving authentic vocation both in work and in life.
Copyright 2003 Janis Weller. All Rights Reserved
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