“Sometimes, when we’re terrified of embracing our true calling, we’ll pursue a shadow calling instead. The shadow career is a metaphor for our real career. Its shape is similar, its contours feel tantalisingly the same. But a shadow career entails no real risk. If we fail at a shadow career, the consequences are meaningless to us.”

Steven Pressfield

I like the way Steven Pressfield views the world. His sharp insights and advice can punch you in the face. Check out his classic book, The War of Art.

His idea of the shadow career resonates with me.

Why do we hide from what we know we should be doing?

We can feel deep down inside what we should be doing with our career, but often we ignore that feeling. Maybe we are too scared of what we see and the risks involved to make it happen. So we push on with something that doesn’t quite feel right but is socially acceptable. 

We maintain a happy face and soldier on, even though we can feel our soul being sucked away.

Sometimes we think we can’t do what we would like (or we’re too scared to try), so we aim for something similar that is linked to our ideal. 

For example, I wanted to be an entrepreneur, so I did an MBA and got a job in a startup company in the finance team. Good experience, but I was hiding from starting a business of my own. I had ideas, but I was afraid to take a leap and put myself out there.

I still thought of myself as an entrepreneur, but really I hadn’t done anything entrepreneurial outside of my job. I was in a support capacity without actually innovating myself.

I once wanted to be a rock star. I practised my bass guitar and played gigs mostly in cover bands with my friends while enjoying the party lifestyle. But I wasn’t focussing on the hard work of writing and producing better songs. I eventually stopped playing altogether. How long can I still call myself a musician?

The common theme here is I wasn’t taking any real risk. And I was giving a mediocre effort. There was never going to be any real success with that mindset.

Think back to when you were younger. What did you want to be?

Are you somehow living out that life in a different format?

“If you’re dissatisfied with your current life, ask yourself what your current life is a metaphor for.
That metaphor will point you toward your true calling.”

Steven Pressfield

I’ve now come to realise that through all my struggles around finding meaningful work and pursuing self-improvement, I have inadvertently found something that feels like a true calling in this personal development space.

All those hours spent in blogs, books, and podcasts are now spilling out of me as creative output. I am finding fulfilment in the fact that sharing my learnings and struggles is helping others.

Reflection

• What is your current life a metaphor for?
• What are you spending your free time on?
• What are you willing to do without seeking payment?

They are clues to your true calling.