Finding Purpose in a Career-Driven World
In a world where productivity and performance are often the ultimate measures of success, many professionals find themselves asking: Is this all there is?
Even with a good salary, a stable job, and career milestones achieved, it’s common to feel a nagging sense that something is missing. That gap—what Zahra Karsan calls “the missing piece”—is often a lack of purpose and personal fulfillment.
On a recent episode of the EZ Conversations podcast with host Furkhan Dandia, Zahra shared how to uncover your life’s purpose and navigate career changes in a way that leads to deeper satisfaction and joy.
Meet Zahra Karsan: From Corporate Consultant to Wellbeing Leader
Zahra Karsan is the Founder & CEO of GetZENd, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and a recognized expert in positive psychology and corporate wellness.
She began her career in high-pressure corporate consulting, working with top global organizations. But over time, she realized that professional success without purpose often leads to burnout and disengagement.
Through her own journey and decades of coaching others, Zahra has developed science-backed methods to help people uncover what truly drives them—and align their work and life with that deeper calling.
Why So Many Professionals Feel Something Is Missing
Even the most accomplished professionals can find themselves asking: Why am I not happy?
Zahra explained that this often happens when your career is not aligned with your values, passions, and natural talents. You may be working hard, but you’re not working on what energizes and inspires you.
When there’s a mismatch between what you do every day and what you’re meant to be doing, the result is a persistent feeling that something important is missing from your life—a clear signal it’s time to start your self-discovery journey.
The Formula for Discovering Your Purpose
So, how do you actually figure out your purpose?
Zahra says it’s often the intersection of two things:
- Your unique gifts and talents – what you naturally excel at
- What you enjoy – the activities and pursuits that bring you joy and flow
“Your purpose is often found where your natural talents meet what you love doing,” Zahra shared on the podcast.
She recommends taking time to reflect on moments when you felt most alive and fulfilled. This is the starting point for discovering your strengths and defining a career path that feels meaningful.
Navigating Career Changes Without the Fear
Shifting careers—or even roles—can feel daunting. Many people stay in jobs that don’t fulfill them because they fear losing stability or starting over.
But Zahra says change doesn’t have to be disruptive. You can start by making small, intentional shifts:
- Exploring passion projects on the side
- Taking on new responsibilities in your current role
- Networking with people in industries that interest you
- Gaining new skills through short courses or certifications
These gradual steps are the foundation of career change without fear, helping you move toward more fulfilling work without the anxiety of an all-at-once leap.
The Role of Values in Building a Fulfilling Life
Values play a central role in purpose and career satisfaction—but they’re not static. As you grow and change, so do your values.
Zahra recommends regularly reflecting on your values and checking whether your work still aligns with them. When your daily work reflects your core values, you experience a deeper sense of meaning and satisfaction.
From Self-Doubt to Self-Awareness
One of the biggest barriers to finding purpose is self-doubt. Many people underestimate their own abilities or dismiss their passions as unrealistic.
Zahra works with clients to identify and clear these “life blocks”—unconscious patterns and limiting beliefs that hold them back.
By replacing these patterns with empowering beliefs and new habits, people can shift from self-doubt to self-awareness—and from hesitation to purposeful action. This is the essence of a true mindset shift.
The Six Weeks to Happy Approach
For those ready to start the journey toward a more purpose-driven and fulfilling life, Zahra’s Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Six Weeks to Happy , offers a proven roadmap—powered by the REWIRE Mindset System™.
The REWIRE Mindset System is a science-based framework that blends neuroscience, positive psychology, and practical coaching tools to help you reprogram unhelpful thought patterns and build lasting habits for success.
Paired with the Six Weeks to Happy book, it guides you through a structured, six-week journey to:
- Identify and leverage your strengths so you can align your work and life with what you naturally do best
- Reframe limiting beliefs and clear the mental “life blocks” that have been holding you back
- Create a personalized action plan for greater happiness, purpose, and life satisfaction
It’s not just about setting goals—it’s about rewiring the way you think, feel, and show up every day. By combining powerful mindset training with actionable daily practices, you can close the gap between where you are now and the life you truly want to live.
Your Next Step Toward a More Purpose-Driven Life
If you’ve been feeling that something is missing, you’re not alone. The good news is that purpose isn’t something you’re born knowing—it’s something you can discover, nurture, and live every day.
For a deeper dive into finding your purpose and navigating career changes, tune into Zahra’s full conversation with Furkhan Dandia on EZ Conversations.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Youtube
📄 Learn More About Zahra’s Work at GetZENd.com
