Life and Career Fulfillment Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Practice

I’ve always been ambitious—not for power, status, or money, but for making a difference and doing good. This drive stems from one of my core values: contribution. Growing up, I was deeply influenced by my parents’ work. My father was dedicated to public health projects overseas, and my mother volunteered in poverty-stricken areas of Guatemala. Their lives demonstrated how meaningful work could impact others, and I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps—just in my own way.

And I’ve been fortunate to do just that. My career has allowed me to support others in meaningful ways—whether in the classroom, the counselling room, or the coaching space. I’m profoundly grateful for this. However, I often encounter people who struggle to find purpose and fulfillment in their careers. For many, work is simply a means to an end. And while that’s a valid perspective, I’ve come to believe it’s often a mindset issue.

What if we didn’t have to choose between financial security and fulfillment? What if the two weren’t mutually exclusive?

Consider a cleaning job—one that might seem neither financially lucrative nor inherently fulfilling. Research among hospital cleaning staff suggests otherwise (link). Those who viewed their work as essential to patient care reported high levels of job satisfaction. They took pride in being part of a team supporting healing. One participant shared how they approached their role with “open arms,” always ensuring patients and families felt cared for. This reframing—from a task-focused mindset to a purpose-driven one—profoundly changed their experience.

How might our own mindsets be limiting our sense of fulfillment?
 

Many of my clients come to me asking, “What’s next?” Some used to love their work but have lost their spark, replaced by stress, overwhelm, or boredom. Others seek greater impact, yearning to make the world a better place, but feeling uninspired by their current roles. And some, having already built fulfilling careers, are contemplating their legacy—how they can continue to contribute meaningfully beyond retirement.
 

Even in my own journey, despite always seeking fulfillment, I’ve transitioned between careers and roles. As soon as I feel too comfortable, I start searching for the next challenge, the next opportunity to grow. For me, personal and professional growth are inseparable from living a meaningful life.

How do we find our purpose? How do we align our life and career with what truly matters?

The answers are deeply personal, but here are some guiding thoughts if you’re on this journey:

1. Reconnect with Your Core Values
   What truly matters to you? What impact do you want to have? Revisit these questions regularly, as your priorities may evolve over time. Living in alignment with your values is foundational to a fulfilling life.
   
   
2. Discover Your True Self
   Who are you at your core? What brings you joy? Explore these questions through contemplation, visualization, or coaching. Are you an explorer, a creator, a connector, or a problem-solver? Once you identify this essence, you can express it in both your personal and professional life.
   
   
3. Leverage Your Strengths
   From understanding your core, recognize your strengths. What are you naturally good at? For me, being an explorer means I thrive in asking questions, listening deeply, and learning. These strengths have shaped every role I’ve taken on and are now central to my coaching practice.
   
   
4. Craft a Personal Mission Statement
   Your mission isn’t your job title or role—it’s your purpose. Mine is simple: to spread love. It guides how I show up in every interaction, regardless of the setting.
   
   
5. Connect Beyond Yourself
   True purpose often involves connection—with others and with something bigger than ourselves. For me, spreading love is about contributing to a world where people operate from connection rather than fear. Imagine the ripple effects if more of us adopted this mindset.
   
   
6. Find Fulfillment Now
   Don’t wait for external achievements to bring happiness. Even as my coaching business grows, I experience immense joy, gratitude, and love in my life right now. Fulfillment is about embracing the beauty of the present moment.

So, where does this leave us?

Fulfillment isn’t a destination; it’s a practice. It starts with small, intentional steps toward alignment—living your values, using your strengths, and connecting with others.

Imagine what’s possible if we all lived purposefully, with joy and connection. How might that transform not only our lives but also the world around us?

What step will you take today to move closer to a purposeful and fulfilling life?