QUESTIONS TO PROMPT SELF-REFLECTION ABOUT ONE’S DIRECTION IN LIFE
One way to think actively about vocation is to ask questions of ourselves and others. We may not find the answers immediately, but often in the midst of
asking these questions a picture of our own vocation develops.
Ask your family members and mentors:
• How did you decide on your path in life?
• Was there a time when you knew “immediately” which path to follow in life—what was that like? Or if you’ve been unsure which path to take, what
did you do in order to figure things out?
• What brought you to the place you are today personally and professionally?
• Would you make the same choices again—why or why not?
• How did you know what path to pursue?
• Was there a time when the path to your “heart’s desire” was closed off? Looking back, did that “detour” lead to new hopes and passions for you?
• Which choices have brought you joy? Are there choices you regret?
• How do you think your path through life has affected others?
• Who were the people who guided you along your path—what roles did they play?
Ask yourself:
• If your life were a movie, what would the major turning points be so far, and what have you learned about yourself in those times?
• When have you known great happiness or great grief? What did you learn about yourself at those times?
• Has there been a time when you felt everything was going “right”—when was that and why?
• When and where have you felt most completely yourself—why do you think that was?
• What do you think are your greatest gifts and talents?
• How do the people who know you best describe you, and do you agree with them?
• What gives you energy and excitement, and what exhausts or tires you?
• What situations have offered you the greatest challenge, and which accomplishments do you feel most strongly about?
Ask about your communities:
Think about the communities you are involved with (for instance, school, service organizations, jobs, sports teams, church, clubs, family, friends).
• What are the best things about these communities? What needs do they have, or how could they better?
• What do these communities offer you, and what do you offer them?
• Are you the “same” person in each of these communities, or do they bring out different aspects of you?
• Has the recognition of your own vulnerability, “neediness,” or dependence ever served to connect you with the community and raised your awareness
of others’ gifts and goods that you didn’t previously appreciate?
• Has the vulnerability and dependence of others sparked your own sense of how you are a gift and life resource for others?
• Has anyone ever offered encouragement or counsel regarding your life direction in such a way that you sensed God was speaking to you through
them?
• Has your relationship with God or some transcendent source influenced your way of engaging and participating in a community?
• Are there certain aspects of yourself that are consistently affirmed by people in each of these communities?
• Which people in these communities stand out to you as role models—why, and what are you learning from them?
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