After nearly 20 years of grinding through my career, I had a wake-up call. I realized I was just taking jobs to take them, not because I cared about them. Sound familiar? One day, I decided to flip the script and pursue something I could genuinely feel passionate about. Today, I get to do what I love—helping others achieve their goals and aspirations.
Now, here’s a question for you: If I told you that 80% of people don’t enjoy or feel passionate about their work (shoutout to Deloitte for that stat), would you be in the majority? Or are you in that 20% who’ve found their calling?
This isn’t about quick fixes or overnight transformations. It’s about asking some tough but necessary questions. I’m still on this journey myself, experimenting with new ideas and approaches. So, let’s explore a framework that could unlock some answers for you, too.
Why Are You Doing What You’re Doing?
Take a moment to think about why you’re in your current role. Are you there because someone told you that you should be? Maybe you’re there because someone else said you couldn’t do something different, or because you believe you have no other choice.
I’ve been there. Early in my career, I thought the key was building a stellar résumé—even if it meant doing work I didn’t care about. But then I stumbled on a quote from Warren Buffett (a Dale Carnegie fan, by the way):
“Taking jobs to build up your résumé is like saving up sex for old age.”
Let that sink in for a moment.
3 Steps to Aligning Work with Passion
If you’re ready to explore work that truly inspires you, let’s break it down into three actionable steps. These ideas come from my research, personal experience, and a brilliant TED Talk by Scott Dinsmore.
1. Become a Self-Expert
To find meaningful work, you first need to understand yourself. Ask:
- What are my unique strengths? What do I do better than most people?
- What would I do for free? (Metaphorically speaking—this isn’t about working for nothing.)
- What are my core values? These guide your decision-making and define what you stand for.
- What do I envy in others? Pay attention to those “I wish I could do that” moments—they’re telling you something.
Reflecting on your experiences is a powerful tool. Each day teaches you what you love, dislike, excel at, and struggle with. Use those lessons to shape your path.
And remember: Reflection doesn’t stop there. Keep asking yourself:
- What went right today?
- What didn’t?
- What should I do more or less of?
Ultimately, define what success looks like for you. And no, it’s not always about the money.
2. Do the “Impossible”
Often, the biggest obstacle to living your dream isn’t external—it’s you.
Many of us don’t chase our goals because we doubt our abilities or because someone else told us we couldn’t. But here’s the truth: Everything was “impossible” until someone made it happen.
Scott Dinsmore puts it perfectly:
“Do the things you think you can’t.”
Prove yourself wrong. Prove others wrong. And don’t let the size of your dream intimidate you. If it feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller steps and celebrate each win along the way.
3. Surround Yourself with the Right People
Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
So, who’s in your circle? Are they inspiring you, challenging you, or pushing you toward your goals? If not, it’s time to make a change.
The right people can ignite your drive and help you believe in possibilities you hadn’t even considered. Your environment matters. Shift your mindset from “How could I possibly do this?” to “How could I possibly not?”
A Final Question for You
At the end of the day, the only thing that limits your potential is your imagination. Whatever you dream of doing, chances are someone else is already thriving at it. Find those people. Learn from them. Then go out and do it yourself.
Here’s my parting question for you:
What is the type of work that doesn’t seem like work because you love it so much?
Answer that, and you’ll find the path you’re meant to follow.
Now go make it happen.