Tom wants to make partner in his law firm or become a district manager. Allie wants to move out of her apartment and have a house of her own. Setting goals—taking charge of your life. Good idea, right? Not always.

While goals can create structure in your life, give you something to strive for, and even inspire you, reaching the goal itself is a result of what you do to get there. The actions you take are the process—how you’re actually filling the time that is your life.

Sometimes, if you’re lucky, what you do is fulfilling; it brings out the best in you—your talents, interests, and skills. But often,........

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