The Messy Quest for Meaning is one of the first books to tap into the wisdom of the Catholic spiritual tradition to help readers discern a vocation that will not only provide them with a livelihood but also just might help save their lives. Martin, first tells of his own struggle to find meaning and purpose in his life and then details the five transforming practices that he learned, over time, from the Trappist monks whom he studied, interviewed, and prayed with:

1. Follow your own desires and discover what really attracts you
2. Hone in on what matters most to you and channel your passions
3. Let go through an act of humility and accept where your desires lead instead of where you want to steer yourself
4. Realize that you are not likely to find or to fulfill your vocation solely by yourself but that you need to find it in community
5. Journey into the unexplored regions of your community and, even more significantly, your own heart, mind, and soul