From Grief to Grit: Paul Emery's EKOHPack Framework for Unlocking Your True Calling
Pain doesn’t disqualify your calling—it amplifies it.
God can still use your life, even when loss feels overwhelming.
Discover how to pursue your God-given purpose through life’s toughest moments. In this episode of The Pursuit of Calling, Thomas Carney sits down with Paul Emery, a John Maxwell-certified coach, to unpack his EchoPack framework—a six-month roadmap to align your life with your values and legacy. Through raw stories of losing his son and rebuilding with faith, Paul shares how struggles sharpen purpose, not shatter it. Learn practical tools like the 50/50 rule, SMART goals, and how to ditch distractions like scrolling for intentional growth. Whether you’re wrestling with grief or seeking clarity in your calling, this episode will inspire you to lead yourself, reach your potential, and live a life of impact.
00:00 – Introduction: Pain Doesn’t Cancel Your Calling
00:08 – Six Months from Now: Who Are You Becoming?
00:43 – Meeting at IMC: A Conference That Sparked a Bond
02:02 – Exaltations: How Paul’s Loss Amplified His Purpose
03:52 – Who Is Paul? From Six Sigma to Legacy-Shaper
05:41 – EchoPack Explained: Your 4,380-Hour Roadmap
08:27 – Mission vs. Values: Write Your Own Script
13:54 – SMART Goals & 50/50 Rule: Anchor Your Time
17:40 – Grief, Grit, Grace: Turning Pain into Purpose
21:21 – Resources Roundup: Books to Fuel Your Growth
28:09 – Meet Mark Emery: Blockchain Dev & Worship Leader
31:22 – Outro: Share, Rate, Pursue Your Calling
✨ Key Takeaway:
Your calling isn’t defined by your circumstances—it’s woven into your unique design. Even grief, setbacks, and imperfections can become tools God uses to clarify and strengthen your purpose.
❓ Quick Q/A:
Q: How do I discover my calling after loss?
A: Look beyond grief—your calling remains rooted in your God-given values.
Q: Can pain be part of God’s purpose?
A: Yes—struggles often become the platform for your testimony and impact.
Q: What does EchoPack mean for my life?
A: It’s a framework to align 50% of your time with values, leading you to your potential.
Q: Can limitations help me live out my calling?
A: Absolutely—imperfections make your purpose authentic and relatable.
👉 Call to Action:
Sign up here for 3 free coaching sessions + a free You Were Made for More t-shirt. Book a free 30-minute coaching session to start pursuing your goals today.
🎧 Listen in, share with a friend who needs encouragement, and remember: your calling is bigger than your struggles.
📚 Resources