This article is part of a series. Learn more about it and access links to other articles in the series here.

This week’s topic is one I’ve written about in the past, but it bears repeating here.

When it comes to career success, don’t look at it as a destination; instead, focus on the journey.

Recommended reading: The Epic Journey: How to Make Progress

This is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. I believe we often get so caught up in our goals and the idea of reaching some “perfect” place of career fulfillment or professional success, that we fail to appreciate the day-to-day process of getting there—a process that, in and of itself, is quite fulfilling.

I’ve learned this from experience. I have to focus on the journey and not the destination, because no matter what happens and no matter how much I achieve, the destination will always be out of my grasp. Every time I reach a goal, it seems another one takes its place. I’m never going to simply be content; I’m always going to be aiming for something more.

And that’s okay.

That “perfect” place isn’t real, but it’s an illusion that keeps me moving forward. And that forward movement is beautiful. That’s the real reward. The experience of growing and changing and learning and being challenged—that’s what it’s all about.

If you want to achieve career success, it’s useful to have an ultimate vision of what that means to you. But recognize that it will change as you change. More importantly, recognize that the process of getting there will be—in all likelihood—more satisfying the moment you realize you’re actually there. By then, you’ll have a new vision and the journey will continue on.

It’s a short article today, but hopefully one that makes you think and helps you see things in a different light.