Are you fulfilled by the work you are doing?
Three questions to ask yourself and how to small changes can make a big impact on your happiness.
As we kick off 2025, it's a natural time to reflect on the year behind us and plan for the year ahead.
For many of us, that reflection often stops at setting goals or ambitions for the year.
But how often do we step back and ask ourselves a bigger question:
Am I truly fulfilled by the work I’m doing?
Many of us realize how easy it is to stay on the path we’re on, whether it’s because of comfort, stability, or fear of change.
However, with only 45% of American workers reporting satisfaction in their jobs and just 20% feeling passionate about their work, it's clear that many of us might be missing out on careers that inspire and fulfill us.
Why Passion Matters
The data speaks volumes: Employees passionate about their work are more productive, innovative, and likely to succeed in their careers.
Passion drives performance, inspires others, and increases satisfaction. It’s not just about feeling good - it’s about doing better work and having a deeper impact.
I think about some of the projects I’ve delivered that were most successful for our customers and had the biggest impact on my trajectory within the company, and this rings true.
Aligning your work with your passions isn’t just about productivity, long-term growth, and well-being.
When your career reflects your values, it reduces burnout, boosts engagement, and creates a sense of purpose that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
Three Questions to Ask Yourself
If you feel stuck or unsure about your current trajectory, three questions can help guide your next steps. They’re not a silver bullet, but they’re a great place to start.
1 - What’s holding me back from doing my best work?
Barriers can sneak in as inefficiencies, unclear expectations, or a lack of resources. Identifying and addressing them can change everything.
Identify bottlenecks - Is it a lack of tools, unclear priorities, or external distractions?
Seek feedback - Ask teammates or mentors for input on where they see you struggling or thriving.
Take one step - Whether it’s streamlining processes or learning a new skill, incremental improvements can have an impact.
Empowering yourself starts with knowing what’s in your way.
2 - Are my efforts supporting my long-term ambitions and the organization’s broader mission?
Staying busy does not mean you’re moving in the right direction. Take a step back and assess your alignment.
Link your daily tasks to bigger goals - Ask, “Does this help me grow, or is it just checking a box?”
Challenge misaligned priorities - Is it time to pivot if something isn’t moving the needle?
Use mission as a filter - Does your work serve your personal goals and your team’s mission?
Sometimes, all it takes is asking “why?” to discover where adjustments are needed.
3 - What tools, practices, or goals are helping me grow - and what’s just noise?
It’s easy to stick with tools or processes just because “that’s how it’s always been done.”
But not everything adds value.
Audit your tools and habits - Which ones directly help you achieve your goals, and which create busy work?
Prioritize outcomes, not effort - Focus on results, not how much effort something looks like it takes.
Drop what’s redundant - Duplicate reports, unused tools, or outdated practices may waste time and energy.
Clearing out the noise frees you to focus on what truly matters.
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Small Changes, Big Impact
If a drastic career change feels out of reach, focus on small adjustments that build momentum toward a more fulfilling path.
Invest in learning new skills that excite you.
Incorporate passion-driven projects into your current role.
Build a side hustle that aligns with your interests.
Simplify processes or tasks that drain your energy.
Don’t forget…even small shifts can help you move closer to a career that excites and inspires you.
Final Thoughts
Your career shouldn’t be perfect, but it should feel meaningful.
Taking time to reflect, question, and adjust your path - no matter how big or small - can make all the difference in feeling fulfilled and motivated.
As we move through 2025, ask yourself:
Am I on a path I’ll be proud of five years from now?
What changes, big or small, could help you get there? I’d love to hear your thoughts - drop a comment or send me a note.
Until next week,
Mike @
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