Great Callings: What's Keeping You?

by Brianna Wiest

The point is not to “make it,” the point is to be made by it.
To walk toward the fire and find yourself forged.
To say: this is what I saw while I was alive.

In Great Callings , bestselling author Brianna Wiest addresses common barriers to living a creative life with purpose—fear, resistance, distraction, external validation, and inherited beliefs about suffering—and repositions them as invitations to deepen one’s clarity and resilience. Inspired by some of the greatest artists in history, it encourages the reader to embrace growth, develop emotional intelligence, and align daily actions with their deeper values.

Through poetic insight and grounded practical wisdom, the book ultimately invites readers to stop waiting for permission, to honor their unique creative essence, and to engage fully with the life they are already being called to live.

Genres: Nonfiction, Personal Development

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2025

Reviews

[es 🍓 · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have been waiting for Brianna Wiest to release a book about purpose and overcoming “barriers” to try and achieve what you want.
i knew this book was for me once it was released.
i enjoyed all her other novels, The Mountain Is You was especially my favourite of hers until this was released.
im only on chapter 3 so far, and am already loving and relating to it so far.
brianna wiest has such a profound way of writing that touches me in certain areas i never knew existed.
will forever recommend her books.
100000/10.

[Caity · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a couple of her other books and Brianna Wiest has an incredible way with words. I generally find a lot of good stuff in her books and recommend them to others. However, the first 20 pages or so of this one were great like the rest of her books but then it was a short read lacking any substance. After she talks about what resistance is, she doesn't tell you how to work through your problems or anything other than "listen to it." Okay, that didn't need to be a book. I was pretty disappointed.

[Stephen Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Poetic Reminder to Stop Preparing and Start Living

Great Callings: What’s Keeping You? by Brianna Wiest is written almost like poetry—thought-provoking, grounding, and deeply reflective. While I enjoyed its insights, there were moments I wished the ideas were expressed more simply. That said, the final chapter brings everything together beautifully, opening with: “We spend so much time preparing for life, we forget to live it.” A powerful and timely reminder for anyone feeling stuck between intention and action.

[Amy Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh, 2.5. For more creative people, this tiny book may be profound. While I greatly enjoyed some sections related to finding your life's purpose, this book didn't really hit for me the way her previous writings have. It was also only 102 pages, which makes me wonder if she is just cranking out books to capitalize on her popularity on socials while she can, rather than working on a great masterpiece. I may be losing my appreciation for Wiest :(

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These words came into existence for us at such a perfect time: the final months of the year to inspire us and challenge our perspective on what our calling or purpose is. Her writing style always knows how to drive the core message home.

[Kelly Rodeheaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book

Insightful and thought provoking . I love Briana Wiest's book. This is another example of an inspiring work that challenges your way of thinking...she reminds us that life is good, and worth celebrating.

[Joe Rafter · Rating 5 out of 5]

another amazing expression of our inner opportunities

This book is a good sequel to The Pivot Year by Brianna. The passages are longer and I find them more contemplative. The feelings I get reading this is best described as introspective, pondering, curious, and optimistic.

[Colleen Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will reread this book slowly many times. Beautifully helps us hold accountability for our heart, our self and our creativity so that we can share with truth and authenticity. Brilliant work once again

[Rhiannon Barela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, quick read that is very helpful for those of us struggling in the “in-between” season, searching for clarity.

[Ayeesha Kanji (Water Chestnut) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brianna's books find me at the exact moment and I've heard "calling" multiple times since reading and finishing this book. All I know is you will know if a book like this is meant for you or not.

[Shan VN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book from Brianna Wiest that found me at the right time. I read this one in one sitting.

[Shreyas Hebbal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet and to the point! Thoroughly enjoyed