Journey to Joy

Imagine waking up every day excited to do work that lights you up. Work that feels like it was made for you.

Sounds like a dream, right?

What if I told you it’s closer than you think? There’s only one key to finding it, and it starts with you...

Takeaway:

When I first started my career here in the US, I thought success meant climbing the ladder as fast as possible.

I worked hard, crossed off every achievement, but something felt off. It was like I was moving forward, but not toward something that lit me up inside.

One day, a mentor asked me a simple question: “What makes you come alive?”

I was stumped.

I had never asked myself that. I realized I was chasing goals and metrics my company had set for me, not ones I truly cared about.

The question sparked a period of deep reflection.

I experimented with different roles, took on projects that excited me, and let go of things that didn’t. It was uncomfortable at first, but eventually, the path became clearer.

Fast forward to today, I’ve not only found work I love, but work that aligns with my strengths and values.

It feels like me.

Before rushing to climb your own career ladder, first make sure it’s leaning against the right wall.

This week, I’m sharing with you how to start that journey yourself—and how to unlock work that makes you feel alive.

Today’s Ladder:

Finding Work You Love

Over 60% of people are unhappy with their work.

I don't want to be part of that grim 60% statistic.

I wanted to find out what made the difference between people who woke up feeling inspired every day and those who felt trapped in quiet desperation.

I began talking to passionate individuals that lit up the rooms they're in. I read countless books on purpose, careers, and self-discovery.

As I shared my journey with my colleagues, they began asking me for lunch to talk about their own job dissatisfaction.

To my surprise, many of them were not happy doing the work they were getting paid for.

So, I asked one simple question: Why are you doing the work you are doing?

Many answered, “Because that’s what puts bread on the table.”

This realization hit me:

Many climb ladders leaned against the wrong wall.

What if you could take the road less traveled?

And do the work that lights you up?

Through many salads and sandwiches shared in lunch chats and book reviews, I found three vital traits that passionate, world-changing people share:

Step 1: Become a self-expert

The first step is to understand yourself. You cannot find what you’re not looking for.

No one else will do this for you; it’s on you!

You need a framework to navigate your passions.

• Identify your unique strengths.

Find the activities you love, no matter the pay.

Tools like StrengthsFinder 2.0 can help you discover your natural talents. In the resources box below, I also included a free tool that will help you understand who you are and why you do what you do.

• Next, establish your decision-making hierarchy.

What values guide you?

Is it family, health, achievement?

By defining these with clarity, you will avoid selling your soul to a cause you don’t care about.

• Finally, reflect on your experiences.

Each moment teaches us what we love and what we don’t.

Regular reflection helps you learn and apply these lessons to your life's path.

Step 2: Do the impossible

Why do people avoid pursuing their passions?

Often, it’s because they tell themselves they can’t.

Or, because others tell them they shouldn’t. But, everything was impossible until someone did it.

Take Roger Bannister. He broke the four-minute mile barrier. Once he achieved it, others quickly followed. Our limits often exist only in our minds.

Start with small challenges.

Overcoming those small challenges will boost your confidence in other areas of your life.

Step 3: Surround yourself with passionate people.

The fastest way to achieve the impossible is to surround yourself with those doing it. Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

This statement rings true across all walks of life.

Rumi is attributed with one of my favorite quotes:

Taking control of your journey

The beauty of these three steps is that you have complete control over them. No one can dictate your journey of self-discovery, your limits, or your environment.

The only limits you face now are those set by your imagination.

Whether your passion is coding or teaching, there’s someone out there excelling in it. Learn from them and leapfrog your career!

More people are waking up to this possibility.

You just have to ask yourself…

What is the work you can't NOT do?

Discover it, live it, and inspire others to do the same.

The world needs your unique contribution.

Visual Framework:

If you’re curious why I want you to succeed twice as fast, here’s why.

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️

Let’s Connect!

If we aren’t already connected, come say hi on LinkedIn.

If you have a career topic in mind that you want me to write about, you can message me at [email protected]