Shifting Into Higher Gear

Discover this step-by-step plan to match your strengths and interests with a career that will fulfill you for a lifetime. Shifting into Higher Gear creates a pathway to minimize the stress and confusion of seeking the right job. The book presents a comprehensive three-stage program for discovering your calling, turning that calling into a career, and sustaining your passion once you?re in the job of your dreams. Grounded in Biblical wisdom, yet highly practical, the book is packed with field-tested advice, worksheets, self-assessments, and creative questions for action and reflection. This is must-read will become a trusted "owner?s manual" for a lifetime of meaningful work.

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction xv

Part One Discovering Your Calling 1

1 The Four Laws of Calling 3

2 Spiritual Clues 10

3 What Am I Passionate About? 19

4 What Do I Value? 27

5 Know Your Skills 39

6 What Are Your Interests? 47

7 Reality Check 55

Part Two Finding the Job That Fits Your Calling 65

8 The Résumé: Market Yourself with Words 67

9 Create Your Action Room 83

10 Doing Your Homework 89

11 Networking 98

12 Taking It to the Streets 106

13 Step Up to the Plate: The Interview 114

14 C losing the Deal 124

Part Three Keeping the Job That Fits Your Calling 131

15 It’s Here—The First Day! 133

16 Foundations First 140

17 Staying on Track Long Term 147

18 Recall: When Change Happens 153

19 Caring for Your Soul 160

20 Giving Back 167

Appendix: One Hundred Things to Remember 173

Notes 179

About the Authors 183

Tom Siciliano is president and founder of Integrity Recruiting & Consulting Inc., a national recruitment and consulting firm, and a principal with the Cimmaron Group, a consulting company focused on leadership development. He also is the former senior coach of careers at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, and regular speaker to career groups across the country.

Jeffrey Caliguire is a financial consultant with Smith Barney in Chicago. He works with individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to unite their passion, mission, and vision with a comprehensive financial strategy. Caliguire served as founding and senior pastor of Beacon Community Church in Boston, director of Boston Sports Fellowship, and founder of the Boston Vision.

Shifting Into Higher Gear

"People who discover what they love and find ways to utilize their gifts and natural career strengths do all of us a favor. Tom Siciliano and Jeff Caliguire have created a great book and the tools to help you do just that. Read it and put these principles into practice."
—Ken Blanchard, coauthor, The One Minute Manager® and Whale Done!

"The common theme I see with top athletes and the business leaders I work with is their passion for what they do. When you take the time to prepare and educate yourself, your road to contentment in life becomes much clearer. Shifting Into Higher Gear picks up on this theme and offers vital insights into finding happiness through your career."
—Ron Shapiro, sports agent and coauthor, The Power of Nice and Tyrants, Bullies, and Impossible People

"This is a treasure map designed to point out what strengths are so perfectly buried inside you."
—Peter Leffkowitz, CEO, Morgan Consulting Group, and trainer and national speaker to the recruiting industry

"I see this book as a valuable tool for people both starting and deep within their career. Shifting Into Higher Gear blends faith and strategy nicely together. This is a must-read for anyone looking to find a fit between their calling and career."
—Ronald Short, Ed.D., director, Career Planning and Placement, Northern Illinois University

"People who discover what they love and find ways to utilize their gifts and natural career strengths do all of us a favor. Tom Siciliano and Jeff Caliguire have created a great book and the tools to help you do just that. Read it and put these principles into practice."
--Ken Blanchard, coauthor, The One Minute Managerâ and Whale Done!ä

"The common theme I see with top athletes and the business leaders I work with is their passion for what they do. When you take the time to prepare and educate yourself, your road to contentment in life becomes much clearer. Shifting Into Higher Gear picks up on this theme and offers vital insights into finding happiness through your career."
--Ron Shapiro, sports agent and coauthor, The Power of Nice and Tyrants, Bullies, and Impossible People

"This is a treasure map designed to point out what strengths are so perfectly buried inside you."
--Peter Leffkowitz, CEO, Morgan Consulting Group, and trainer and national speaker to the recruiting industry

"I see this book as a valuable tool for both people starting and deep within their career. Shifting Into Higher Gear blends faith and strategy nicely together. This is a must-read for anyone looking to find a fit between their calling and career."
--Ronald Short, Ed.D., director, Career Planning and Placement, Northern Illinois University