"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Finding Your Starting Line: What Does a Successful Life Look Like to You?

Starter

Yesterday, I had an eye-opening conversation with a close friend who has been practicing law for 11 years. She was feeling burnt out and ready for a change. Our conversation revealed a common mindset we often fall into when thinking about careers:

“We only have a few tracks to choose from. We either stay on those tracks or leave the industry.”

For her, it was: tax law, criminal law, insurance law; everything still revolving around being a lawyer.

I could relate

For me, it was: Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Manager, Nursing Professor, or Nurse Anesthetist; everything centered around being a nurse.

It got me thinking about how often we box ourselves into career paths that don’t really serve us anymore.

Main Course

Asking the Right Questions

I asked her a simple but powerful question: "What are you passionate about?"

She didn’t have a clear answer. Her primary focus had been to achieve stability in her life and career, which she did. But now, she felt unfulfilled, micromanaged, and like her work no longer had meaning.

So, I followed up with another question: "What does a successful life look like to you?"

This question ignited something in her. She realized that while stability was once her definition of success, she had stopped dreaming about what could be. Together, we brainstormed her skills as a lawyer and, with the help of ChatGPT, generated a list of careers that aligned with her abilities but didn’t involve practicing law.

To her surprise, several roles immediately resonated with her; ones she hadn’t previously considered.

A New Beginning

In that moment, she had found her starting line. These new career opportunities felt much closer to her deeper goal: finding work that felt purposeful, impactful, and missional; work that could help heal the world. Suddenly, the invisible tracks she thought she was stuck on vanished, and she was free to explore new, meaningful paths.

Moving Beyond Invisible Tracks

Your career is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make in life. It not only provides your livelihood but also shapes your sense of fulfillment and success. Yet, many of us remain stuck on invisible tracks, thinking that our options are limited.

In today’s labor market, there’s no reason to stay confined to one path. Be bold. Get creative. Think outside the box.

We are all running a race; whether in our careers, personal lives, or passions. But the hardest part can often be figuring out where to start. Once you find your starting line, it becomes much easier to move forward with clarity and purpose.

3 Key Questions to Ask Yourself

If you’re unsure about your career direction, no matter your stage, whether you’re a student, mid-career professional, or a seasoned veteran; ask yourself these three essential questions:

1. What’s your why? – Understand your core reason for pursuing your goals. Why are you running this race?

2. What are you passionate about? – What would make this journey enjoyable? Your race doesn’t have to be miserable!

3. What does a successful life look like to you? – Finishing the race is just one measure of success. What kind of life do you want to create for yourself, and what impact do you want to make on the world?

Digest

Embrace the Freedom to Dream

It’s easy to feel like you’re stuck on a pre-determined track, but the truth is, you can change direction whenever you choose. Just like my friend, the key is to reflect on what really matters to you; your passions, your purpose, and your vision of success. Once you uncover these, you’ll be free to explore new career possibilities, paths that feel meaningful and aligned with your life goals.

The Insight Toolbox:

Key Takeaways:

• Find your “why”: Understand your deeper motivation.

• Follow your passion: Your career should excite and inspire you.

• Define success for yourself: Only you can determine what a successful life looks like.

About The Author

Patrick Miley Jr. is a business and career coach with a passion for helping individuals navigate career transitions and unlock their full potential. With a diverse background in both healthcare and business, Patrick leverages his unique experience as an ICU nurse and his MBA in Organizational Management to empower solopreneurs, minority business owners, and healthcare professionals to thrive in competitive industries. He is the founder of Insight 2 Action, where he provides strategic coaching and marketing consulting services. Patrick is dedicated to teaching the art of strategic communication—a skill that has transformed his own career.

When he’s not coaching, Patrick enjoys paddleboarding, running half marathons, and leading discussions in the Knox Book Club. You can connect with him on LinkedIn or through his company, Insight 2 Action.