VOCATION CHANGE: Three Questions that Helped Me!

I spent 27 years in professional ministry, holding roles from youth director to church planter to Senior Pastor. This past summer, I resigned as Senior Pastor of a wonderful church to step into coaching and real estate—a big life change. How did I get here? It came down to three guiding questions: What am I good at? What do people say I’m good at? And what are the fears that keep me from doing it?

1. What Am I Good At?

This is a powerful question, yet one many of us struggle with. We often have a general sense of our skills, but we don’t always dig deep enough. We get stuck at a surface level: “I’m good at dishwashing.” What does that actually mean? Could it point to a broader strength, like attention to detail or persistence?

For me, recognizing that I’m organized—not just in small tasks like dishwashing but in bigger endeavors like organizing my garage—was a clue. I began to understand that structure and organization are strengths I can use in developing roles, whether it’s building a business or coaching people. The first question to ask yourself is, “What am I really good at?”

2. What Do People Say I’m Good At?

Trusted people in our lives can provide invaluable insights into our strengths and weaknesses. My friends, children, and wife regularly offer feedback, often informally. My son might mention I’m good at smoking BBQ; my daughter says I give great speeches; my wife sees my skill in conflict resolution; and friends recognize my knack for strategy.

What do people around you consistently say you’re good at? Maybe it’s writing, empathy, or a specific skill. This is important because others often see qualities in us that come effortlessly and inspire them. To explore this further, ask trusted people what they think your strengths are. Their insights can guide your vocation. So, what do others see in you? But there’s one more question—perhaps the hardest.

3. What Are the Fears That Keep Me from Doing It?

The final question is about fear. Fear can be useful; a healthy fear of danger, for instance, keeps us safe. But some fears hold us back from pursuing good and meaningful things. I know this firsthand: I’ve been in the hospital twice, not for heart issues, but because anxiety—rooted in fear—took over my life. Fear can be paralyzing, blocking us from pursuing a career aligned with our strengths.

As you think about what you’re good at, also consider the fears that hold you back. Is it the fear of failure? Remember, success often requires a few failures along the way. Is it fear of risk? I once heard a leader say, “We either risk or we rust.” Winston Churchill put it well: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” I keep these truths close as I move forward.

So, what are you good at? What do others see in you? And what fears are holding you back? Write them down and take a step forward in courage!

One Last Note…

You may have noticed that I haven’t framed this discussion around “What do I love?” Should we love what we do? Absolutely. But there’s a caveat: just because we love something doesn’t mean it’s what we’re best at. I love golf, but I’ll never play professionally—you’d know why if you saw my approach shots! I firmly believe that if you identify your strengths and develop them, you’ll grow to love what you do.

Take the time to explore your skills, embrace your strengths, and let go of the fears that hold you back. It’s worth it to live a life that aligns with what you’re truly good at.