I think it happens more often than we’d like to admit. We set goals. We work hard. We take on more responsibility. We celebrate promotions and accomplishments. And before we know it, years have passed.

But here’s something I’ve learned along the way: Moving forward and moving in the right direction aren’t necessarily the same thing. Think about using a compass. A compass doesn’t tell you how fast to travel. It doesn’t tell you which obstacles you’ll encounter or exactly how long the journey will take. It simply helps you stay oriented toward your destination.

The way I see it, our careers and our lives, need a compass, too. For years, I measured career success by many of the things we’re taught to pursue: opportunities, awards, accomplishments, and professional advancement.

Those things still matter to me. But I’ve learned that success means so much more. It’s about doing work that energizes you. Using your unique strengths. Making a meaningful difference. And having the freedom to build a life you genuinely enjoy.

I often tell people, “I love my life, and I want that same abundance for you.”

Not because my life is perfect. It certainly isn’t! But because I’ve learned that a fulfilling life doesn’t just happen. We build it through intentional choices. And sometimes that means checking our direction before taking the next step.

Over the next several weeks, I want to explore what it means to build a career with purpose, passion, and intention. Not necessarily a different career, but one that fits the person you are and the life you want to live.