'I walked away from my career and a six figure salary. It was the best year of my life.'

Listen to this story being read by Isabella Ross, here.

I remember staring at my computer screen and sharing my depressing realisation with a colleague: "Picking spreadsheet colours is my favourite thing to do at work." As a financial software project manager, this was definitely not part of my job description, and it was a big red flag.

Like many of us, I spent my adult years ticking things off my to-do lists. Doing all the things I was meant to do - the best I could. This included activities on my big-picture career to-do list and the daily lists that ran my life. Tasks I needed to complete for work, for family, to keep life travelling along and people around me happy. But, where did I fit into these lists?

Watch: The last-minute career change of Katherine Sabbath. Story continues after video.

I dedicated myself to ticking things off my to-do list with no consideration for what would make me feel fulfilled, content and happy. Eventually, I realised it all felt pointless, and things had to change. I needed a list that didn't come from anything external but was created from the things I truly needed in my life. My to-do-for-you list.

I had to step away from a career that made sense, along with money and stability to pursue something for me. The things on my to-do-for-you list. The journey taught me that this list is where you can find your passion, purpose and happiness. These activities allow you to live a life aligned with who you are and what you need. I took that leap a year ago and - although it was far from a financial success - it has been the best year ever.

At the moment less than 50 per cent of Australian women are satisfied with their work so it feels paramount that we review our to-do lists and see what we are doing for ourselves. This has the potential to transform our lives - it certainly did for me. Obviously, there will always be important things on our to-do lists that can't be ignored (like making money), but the key is for us to find a fulfilling and joyful balance in our lives.

These are the things I learned about building a perfect to-do-for-you list.

Understand what brings you meaning.

What are the activities that feel truly rewarding and worthwhile to you? The things that leave you feeling deeply satisfied. Having meaning and purpose in our lives is a key component of our happiness and wellbeing. These don't have to be big things - I get a sense of purpose for going to the gym or making a meal for my family.

In the past, I rarely had personally meaningful activities on my to-do list and I now realise it led me to feel lost and stuck. These activities are the top priority on my to-do-for-you list.

Live aligned to your personal values.

You can think about your values in terms of who you want to be. Or, how you want to be known. How do you want the surrounding people to describe you? Caring? Creative? Inspirational? Powerful? Activities on your to-do-for-you list should embody these values.

A key factor in feeling unfulfilled in my life was not having activities that aligned with my values. Realigning my life with what was important tome - transformed it. I highly recommend everyone understand their values to determine what's important to them.

Embrace your fear.

If you aren't used to having a to-do-for-you list, there will be things on the list that might be scary. Along with new things and change there will always be fear. The key is to embrace this feeling and flourish.

I am now doing countless things I was afraid to do a year ago. But there is no doubt my life is fuller and more joyful because of being able to push through the fear and go after the things I wanted and needed.

Forget what your life looks like from the outside.

It is important to remember your to-do-for-you list is just for you. It doesn't matter what other people might think or say. Only you know what you truly need in life and you deserve the opportunity to pursue it without being influenced by the outside world.

To many people, leaving a successful career to pursue my passion and purpose did not seem like the most practical move. But, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. We don't all have to make big life changes but it's important to stop and think about - what's on your to-do-for-you list today?

Annie is passionate about supporting people to insert missing ingredients into their lives, such as meaning, purpose and happiness (as easily and effectively as possible). If you are interested in exploring what you need right now to feel successful, happy and fulfilled check out her FREE 5-day course.

Feature Image: Supplied.

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