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The Pursuit of Calling

The Pursuit of Calling

Thomas Carney · Thomas Carney, Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach

146 episodesEN

Show overview

The Pursuit of Calling has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 146 episodes. That works out to roughly 60 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence, with the show now in its 3rd season.

Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 13 min and 35 min — with run-times ranging widely across the catalogue. It is catalogued as a EN-language Education show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 1 weeks ago, with 25 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Thomas Carney, Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach.

Episodes
146
Running
2023–2026 · 3y
Median length
19 min
Cadence
Weekly

From the publisher

The goal of this podcast is to provide my listeners with the tools to grow personally and to successfully pursue their God-given calling.-------------------------------Join me for raw and uncut conversations as we explore a wide range of topics:personal growthfaithchallengesmuch more...If you've ever had the thought that you were meant for something greater, you were right! Throughout each episode I explore the many topics that pertain to calling. What is it? What is it for? Who is it for? Why pursue it all? I, and many guests, dive into these questions and much more!Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/pursuit.of.callingFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit.of.calling/

Latest Episodes

View all 146 episodes

The Law of Pain: How God Uses Suffering to Shape Identity, Calling, and Growth

Jun 23, 202612 min

The Law of Reflection: How Pausing Unlocks Growth, Clarity, and Calling

Jun 16, 202614 min

The Law of Design: Why Your Life Isn’t Changing

Jun 9, 202615 min

Why You Feel Stuck in Life (Even When You’re Doing Everything Right)

Jun 2, 202613 min

How I Kept Going Through Chronic Pain and Exhaustion

May 26, 202611 min

You Don’t Grow From Experience—You Grow From Reflection

May 19, 202615 min

Why Your Self-Image Is Blocking Your Calling (and How to Change It)

May 13, 202614 min

The Law of Awareness: Why Most People Stay Stuck

May 5, 202612 min

Intentional Growth: Breaking the 8 Hidden Gaps That Keep You Stuck

Apr 28, 202615 min

Clarity Over Motivation: Why You Feel Busy But Get Nothing Done (Systems for Real Productivity)

Apr 21, 202613 min

Growth Isn’t Automatic (And That’s Why You Feel Stuck)

Apr 14, 202610 min

Stop Waiting. Start Swinging.

Apr 7, 202611 min

S3 Ep 53You Don’t Need More Clarity. You Need This.

I had a moment recently that stopped me in my tracks.I was sitting at the end of the day, watching another movie… and it just felt off.Not necessarily wrong—but not right either.It felt like a warning.So I asked myself a simple question:“If I removed all distractions… what would I actually be doing?”And the answer was clear.I wouldn’t be stuck.I wouldn’t be confused.I wouldn’t be waiting for clarity.I’d be reading.I’d be building.I’d be networking.I’d be taking action on the things I already know I should be doing.Which forced me to face something uncomfortable:Maybe I don’t have a clarity problem.Maybe I have an execution problem.And I have a feeling I’m not the only one.In this episode, I’m getting real about:Why we say we want freedom—but avoid the actions that create itHow distractions (even “harmless” ones) are slowly pulling us off courseThe lie that we need more clarity before we startWhat it actually looks like to take responsibility—even with a chronic conditionBecause yes—your pain is real.But it doesn’t mean your life is on pause.If you’ve been feeling stuck, inconsistent, or unsure why you’re not making progress…This episode will challenge you—but it will also give you direction.—🎯 Ready to take the next step? Book a free discovery call: https://pursuitofcalling.as.me/intro—Chapters:00:00 – Intro00:08 – A Habit I Didn’t Notice (Daily Movies)01:02 – The Warning About Distractions01:41 – What Would I Do Without Distractions?02:03 – My Real Priorities (Health, Growth, Learning)03:04 – The Real Problem: Execution, Not Clarity03:56 – Question for You: What Are You Avoiding?04:20 – Living With a Condition (But Still Showing Up)05:55 – You Already Know What to Do06:34 – Why Not Start Today?07:04 – Waiting on God vs Taking Action07:50 – Clarity Comes From Obedience08:02 – 3-Step Exercise to Break Distractions08:09 – Step 1: Identify Your Distractions08:37 – Step 2: What They’re Costing You09:14 – Step 3: Schedule What Matters10:05 – Push Yourself (Without Harming Your Health)10:34 – Your Calling Is Bigger Than Your Condition10:42 – Outro & Call to Action

Mar 31, 202611 min

S3 Ep 52My Perspective Changed After Uganda (Why Generosity Is Your Calling)

I wasn’t planning to release an episode this week.I just got back from Uganda, and honestly… I’m still processing everything.This trip didn’t just impact me—it shifted my entire perspective on generosity, serving others, and what it really means to live out your calling.I saw firsthand how the generosity of one person can change the life of a child… a family… even an entire community.And it forced me to ask a hard question:Am I really living generously with what I’ve been given?In this episode, I’m not giving you a structured teaching—I’m giving you a real, raw challenge.If you’ve been trying to figure out your calling, this might be the perspective shift you need.Because your calling isn’t about you.It’s about who you’re called to serve.If this resonates with you and you’re ready to take action in your life and calling, I’d love to talk with you.👉 Schedule a free discovery call: https://pursuitofcalling.as.me/intro00:00 – Welcome to The Pursuit of Calling00:42 – Why I’m Skipping This Week01:10 – The Message I Planned to Share01:50 – What I Experienced in Uganda02:30 – Meeting My Sponsor Kids03:10 – A Real Look at Their Living Conditions04:00 – How Blessed We Really Are04:50 – What Generosity Actually Does05:40 – How This Trip Changed My Perspective06:20 – What Jesus Calls Us to Do07:00 – Your Calling Is About Serving Others07:45 – My Challenge to You: Be More Generous08:10 – Final Thoughts

Mar 25, 20268 min

S3 Ep 51Don't Make Your Calling Your God

In this episode, I’m being completely honest with you.It’s been a little over a week since I left my full-time job to pursue entrepreneurship full time… and things have already gotten real.The client I thought was going to sign up backed out.My brake line blew leaving church.I’m packing to leave for Uganda.And honestly, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed.But in the middle of all of that, God reminded me of something important:Your calling should never become your god.When we become more focused on the mission than the One who gave us the mission, we lose sight of what truly matters.In this episode, I talk about the tension between pursuing your calling and keeping God at the center of it all. I also share a simple reflection exercise to help you think through the vision God may be placing on your life.If you’ve ever felt pressure around your purpose, your business, your ministry, or your goals… this episode will help you realign your focus.Your calling matters.But the One who called you matters more.PS: If you’re trying to discover or pursue the calling God has placed on your life, I’d love to help. You can schedule a free discovery call with me here: https://pursuitofcalling.as.me/introChapters00:00 – Feeling overwhelmed and being honest 00:17 – One week into full-time entrepreneurship 00:42 – Losing the client I expected to sign 01:00 – Everything hitting at once 01:25 – The topic: Don’t make your calling your god 02:01 – Seeing your life through the lens of calling 02:47 – Why disappointment is part of the journey 03:20 – The danger of idolizing your mission 04:02 – How your calling evolves as you grow in faith 05:01 – From chasing money to serving people 05:50 – A reflection exercise for discovering your calling 06:28 – Questions to ask about your purpose 07:25 – Remembering who gave the calling 08:00 – Preparing for the Uganda trip 08:30 – Final encouragement and closing

Mar 17, 202610 min

S3 Ep 50Why I’m Going Back to UGANDA (Despite Chronic Pain)

In this episode, I’m recording completely off the cuff.I’m exhausted, packing, and preparing to leave for Uganda again—but I wanted to sit down and share my heart with you before I go.Last year I traveled to Uganda to meet my Compassion child and to prove something to myself: that my chronic pain and neurological condition don’t get the final say in what I’m capable of doing for God.This year, I’m going back.Not because it’s easy. Not because my circumstances suddenly changed. But because my calling didn’t.In this episode I share why this mission trip matters to me, the impact meeting my sponsored child had on my life, and why I believe our circumstances never determine our calling—God does.If you’ve ever felt like your situation disqualifies you from living out the purpose God has for your life, this episode is for you.Your pain. Your limitations. Your current season.None of those things get the final word.God does.PS: If you're feeling stuck and want help discovering or pursuing the calling God has placed on your life, you can schedule a free discovery call with me here: https://pursuitofcalling.as.me/introChapters00:00 – A raw, unplanned episode00:47 – One week into entrepreneurship01:14 – Preparing to leave for Uganda01:55 – Why I originally went to Uganda02:52 – Living with chronic pain and trusting God03:42 – Why I’m choosing to go back again04:45 – Sponsoring children through Compassion05:22 – Meeting Elijah and Aaron’s family06:05 – The reality of poverty in Uganda06:50 – Asking for prayers for this trip07:14 – Your circumstances don’t determine your calling08:10 – Why missions still matters to my calling08:55 – What it means to love someone across the world10:02 – A message to listeners who aren’t Christians11:00 – Final encouragement and closing

Mar 10, 202612 min

S3 Ep 49Day One of Entrepreneurship: How I’m Building Toward a 10K Month (Without Overwhelming Myself)

Let me ask you something…What if your comfort zone isn’t protecting you…What if it’s quietly killing your calling?Most people think they need more confidence.More money.More clarity.They don’t.They want the breakthrough moment…But they haven’t built the daily discipline.But they haven’t built the daily discipline.And that gap?That’s where fear lives.When I left my steady job to pursue entrepreneurship full-time, I didn’t chase some fantasy number.I set one target:$2,500.Not because it was impressive.But because it was executable.And that one decision changed everything.Because small, controlled wins build proof.And proof builds momentum.In this episode, I break down:• Why big goals actually paralyze you• The weekly execution framework that eliminates confusion• How to reverse engineer your “calling” into controllable actions• And the uncomfortable truth about why most people never startIf you’re faith-driven…If you know you’re capable of more…If staying where you are feels safer — but wrong…This one’s for you.Listen here.Your future self will thank you.🕒 Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Why This Is a Big MomentDay one of full-time entrepreneurship and why it’s both exciting and scary.01:30 – The Real Fear: No One Setting My PrioritiesHow procrastination becomes more dangerous when you’re fully self-directed.03:00 – My March Goal: $2,500 (And Why It’s Strategic)Breaking down income between web development and coaching.04:30 – Why I’m NOT Starting With a $10K MonthThe danger of starting at the mountaintop instead of the next step.05:30 – The Coaching Framework I’m Using on MyselfHow to break big goals into milestones and weekly action plans.07:30 – Why This Matters to YOU (Even If You’re Not an Entrepreneur)How this applies to any calling, any industry, any season.08:00 – Chronic Pain, Default Living, and Refusing to DriftWhy your circumstances don’t get to dictate your calling.09:30 – Your Challenge: Break It DownWrite the big goal.Set milestones.Create weekly action steps.10:30 – Want Help? Book a Free Discovery CallExperience coaching firsthand and get clarity on your next steps.🔥 This Week’s ChallengeWrite down your big goal — even if it sounds impossible.Break it into milestones.Break the milestone into weekly actions.Review it every week.Consistency compounds.P.S. If you’re serious about building what God called you to build, discipline isn’t optional. Apply for coaching here:👉 https://pursuitofcalling.as.me/introYou’ll experience coaching first hand — not just hear about it.

Mar 3, 202612 min

S3 Ep 48Comfort or Calling? Why You Keep Procrastinating

In this episode, I’m unpacking something I’ve wrestled with for years — procrastination.Not the “I’m lazy” kind.The kind where I choose what I want to do over what I need to do. The kind that shows up when I’m building something meaningful… when no one is standing over me telling me what my priorities should be.After a recent therapy session, I started asking a simple but powerful question:“Is what I’m about to do really what I should be doing right now?”That question exposed something deeper — procrastination isn’t about discipline. It’s about emotional relief. It’s about comfort. It’s about avoiding discomfort, fear, or overwhelm.And if you’re pursuing your calling — especially while managing chronic challenges or carrying real responsibility — you’ve probably felt this tension too.In this episode, I break down:Why your brain chooses immediate comfort over long-term impactThe science behind “want vs. need”How procrastination is often a signal, not a flawA practical framework to reduce emotional resistanceAnd the deeper faith question: Are you choosing comfort… or calling?This isn’t about hustle.It’s about stewardship.If you’ve been feeling stuck, distracted, or pulled toward what’s easy instead of what’s aligned — this episode will help you understand why… and give you a way forward.—If you’re ready to stop drifting and start aligning your daily decisions with your calling, I’d love to support you.You can schedule your free 1-hour discovery call here:https://pursuitofcalling.as.me/intro

Feb 24, 202621 min

S3 Ep 47This Isn’t the Dream — It’s the Transition

I have two weeks left at my job.And if I’m being honest, this season feels both exciting and unsettling.I’m not fully established yet. I’m not fully secure yet. I’m not fully settled yet.This isn’t the dream. It’s the transition.If you’re in a season like that too — this episode is for you.In this episode, I share what this season actually feels like — the discipline tightening, the financial awareness, the identity shift, and the small realities (yes, even skipping coffee) that come with stepping into something new.If you’re in a season where things feel unstable, unclear, or unfinished — this is for you.I talk about:What transition exposes in usHow to prepare faithfully instead of panicWhy obedience doesn’t require confidenceAnd how I’m trusting God to redirect me if I’m wrongDon’t idolize transition seasons.They’re forming seasons.If you’re walking through one right now, I hope this helps you stay steady.P.S. If this episode resonated because you’re navigating your own transition, I’d love to support you. You can book a free intro call with me here:https://pursuitofcalling.as.me/introWe’ll talk through your season, your fears, and your next faithful step.

Feb 17, 202612 min

S3 Ep 46Helping Others Discover Their Calling by Taking the First Brave Step | Lee Hanyo

In this episode of The Pursuit of Calling, I sit down with Lee Hanyo to talk about what it really means to discover your calling—and why it often starts with helping other people take their first brave step.Lee shares how his love for adventure, learning, and the outdoors became a pathway for serving others—whether that’s guiding friends into backpacking, cycling, or simply believing in themselves when fear or imposter syndrome holds them back. We dive into the mindset shift that redefines failure, the courage it takes to begin before you feel ready, and how walking alongside others can clarify your own purpose.This conversation is especially for anyone who:Feels stuck or unsure where to startStruggles with fear, self-doubt, or imposter syndromeWants to live a calling that’s centered on serving othersNeeds encouragement to take the first step—even imperfectlyIf you’ve been waiting to feel “ready,” this episode is your reminder that calling is discovered through movement, not perfection.

Feb 10, 202641 min
The Pursuit of Calling 2024