Competency is the quality or state of being legally qualified or adequate. It means that you are sufficient in carrying out a given responsibility or task.
Calling is a reference to one’s vocation (from the Latin word “vocare” which means “to call”). In this context, it carries a deep sense of passionate pursuit of what one was designed to be.
There is a world of difference between competency and calling. One could be competent at a task and not carry a calling. Many people around the world work professionally in areas that they are competent in and yet don’t feel they are living out their calling. This is bound to lead to frustration and despair in the long run.
The human spirit was designed to pursue life to the fullest. A part of this is most realized when one finds his/her sense of calling in life. What was I created for? What gives me the greatest sense of being alive?
The jump to go from competency to calling is not an easy one. It often requires risk, trust, and sacrifice.
My advice: Go for it anyway.
I say this because not pursuing or exploring our “call” is much more risky in the long run. Life has never been about safety and calculated steps. It is an ever-evolving journey of exploration and adventure. It doesn’t matter if your personality says otherwise. There’s something in you that you must pursue in order to be more YOU.
If you don’t live like this, consider taking some baby steps:
- Answer this question: If my current financial restraints were not an issue, what would I like to do?
- Talk to someone who is living out the kind of life you desire.
- Write your thoughts down on paper. Revisit it regularly to refine what it is you would like to see.
- Educate yourself, but more importantly, create time to venture into your calling. Time is available. We make time for things we ultimately value.
- Tell someone about your passion (after you’ve spent some time developing the initial concepts). Start writing about it publicly and engage conversation with those who may be interested.
- Create a timeline to “get there.”
- Find a community of friends who will hold you accountable and are committed to helping you get there. It may take months, if not years, but won’t it be worth it in the end?
- Relax. Wisdom will come as you move forward. Don’t expect all the answers before you start.
Is there safety, predictability, and control in competency? Most definitely (for now). Nevertheless, they will never get you to your calling. You can be competent in your calling, but competency alone doesn’t necessarily mean you have calling.
