How to Move from Here to There: Know Your S.H.A.P.E.

Over the course of my 25-year career in Human Resources, one of the most common questions colleagues asked me was, “How can I be sure I’m in the right career field and I am utilizing all my passions, skills and abilities?” Often, I guided them through a series of questions designed to bring greater clarity to their interests, strengths, and sense of direction for their career. 

When I later transitioned from corporate HR into ministry, I discovered a powerful tool that provided an excellent framework for helping people identify their purpose and passion. That tool is called S.H.A.P.E.

What Is S.H.A.P.E.?

S.H.A.P.E. is a framework introduced by Erik Rees, author and former ministry leader, to help individuals discover their God-given purpose and understand how they are uniquely “shaped” to live it. The acronym represents five key aspects of a person’s design:

S - Spiritual Gifts: Special abilities given to serve and support others

H - Heart: Your deepest passions, interests, and motivations

A - Abilities: Natural talents and learned skills

P - Personality: Your innate way of interacting with the world

E - Experiences: Life events that shape who you are and what you’re equipped to do

Together, these five components form your S.H.A.P.E. and provide insight into how you can best find and fulfill your unique purpose.  I have been using the S.H.A.P.E. model to help many people in their careers. 

Sometimes trying to figure all this out on your own might be overwhelming, this is where a Life Coach can help objectively guide you through a self-reflection – direction pathway. 

Making It Personal

For me, understanding my S.H.A.P.E. was instrumental in navigating a complex and non-linear career path. My journey included transitions from college to banking, to finance, to human resources, and now into consulting, spanning multiple industries. Knowing how I was shaped helped me make sense of those moves and approach each transition with greater confidence and intention.

Moving from Stuck to Unstuck

If you find yourself in an unfulfilling career, or feel called to pivot into a new profession, consider partnering with Two Ten Coaching to help you can gain clarity, rediscover motivation, and take meaningful steps toward work that aligns with who you truly are.

Your Take-away; Maybe its time to get in S.H.A.P.E.?