Are You Happy With What You’re Doing?

A mountain climbed with no joy in the ascent is nothing but a hollow victory.

This question—simple in its construction yet profound in its essence—has the power to stir the very core of a person. We often hear it in passing, but seldom do we take the time to truly reflect on it, to look beyond its surface and contemplate its depth. Are you happy with what you’re doing?

Happiness is one of those elusive treasures that everyone seeks yet struggles to define. Some may associate it with material success, others with peace of mind, and still others with the fulfillment of personal desires. But here’s the truth: happiness is not a destination; it is a state of being, a moment-by-moment experience.

Many of us are trapped in the machinery of life, moving from task to task, responsibility to responsibility, rarely pausing to ask ourselves: Is this fulfilling me? Is this bringing me joy? Or am I simply going through the motions, checking boxes, and chasing goals that no longer serve me? It’s easy to confuse busyness with purpose, and in that confusion, happiness slips away, unnoticed.

But here’s where the heart of the question lies: Is what you’re doing aligned with your soul’s yearning?

We are often led to believe that happiness is synonymous with success. Society tells us that if we achieve certain milestones— our careers, finances, or social status—then happiness will automatically follow. But success, as defined by others, can be an empty promise. A mountain climbed with no joy in the ascent is nothing but a hollow victory.

Photo by Farid Askerov on Unsplash

We need to ask ourselves whether the paths we are walking are truly our own or simply maps handed to us by society, parents, or peers. Are you pursuing a career, a dream, or a life that truly speaks to your heart? Or are you following a script written by others, thinking that if you just keep ticking the right boxes, you’ll eventually find peace?

Happiness, in this context, isn’t about the external; it’s about the internal resonance. It's the contentment that arises from knowing that what you're doing aligns with your values, your passions, and your purpose. It's a quiet joy that accompanies you, even in difficulty, because your efforts are meaningful to you.

Many people live their lives in a state of deferred joy. “I’ll be happy when I get that promotion.” “I’ll be happy when I’m debt-free.” “I’ll be happy when I’ve achieved XYZ.” But life is not a waiting room. If we always place happiness somewhere in the future, we risk never experiencing it in the present.

Imagine standing at the foot of a staircase, thinking that happiness resides at the top. Every step you take is a grind, a sacrifice, something you endure just to get there. But what if, when you finally reach the top, you realize the view isn’t what you expected? The landscape looks the same as it did from below. What, then, was all that effort for?

The truth is, happiness cannot be postponed indefinitely. You must learn to find it in the here and now, in the very fabric of your day-to-day activities. It doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but it does mean that your journey should be one that feeds your spirit. If what you’re doing today doesn’t bring you some level of fulfillment or meaning, then what is it building toward?

The key to answering this question lies in another: What is your purpose?

For many of us, purpose is the compass by which we navigate life. When we are aligned with our purpose, even the hardest of days have meaning. Purpose acts as a north star, guiding us through the storms, helping us find joy not just in the destination but in the process of becoming who we are meant to be.

Yet purpose is not always grand or world-changing in the way we imagine. Your purpose may be to nurture a family, to create art, to spread kindness, or to help others find healing. Whatever it may be, it must resonate deeply within you. The most dangerous thing a person can do is live without purpose—going through the motions without ever feeling truly alive.

It’s important to distinguish between fleeting pleasure and deep contentment. Many of us chase pleasure, thinking it will bring happiness. But pleasure is temporary, tied to external circumstances—whether it’s a new purchase, a compliment, or a fleeting success. Contentment, however, is a quiet, enduring satisfaction with where you are and who you are becoming.

Contentment is not complacency. It does not mean you stop striving, stop dreaming, or stop working. But it does mean that you’re at peace with the process. You understand that life, with all its ups and downs, is shaping you in meaningful ways. You recognize that even the challenges are part of your growth, and there is a certain peace in knowing that you are walking the right path.

When you are content, happiness is no longer something you seek; it becomes something you carry within you. It radiates from the way you approach your work, your relationships, your everyday tasks. Even when life is difficult, you find small moments of joy—because you’re living in alignment with your heart.

If, upon reflection, you realize that you are not happy with what you’re doing, then it’s time to realign. This is not a cause for despair but a call to action—a gentle nudge from your soul to reexamine your priorities.

Start by asking yourself some deep, soul-searching questions:

• What do I truly value? Are the things I’m dedicating my time to reflective of those values?

• What makes me feel alive? Are there activities, tasks, or moments in my day that bring me joy or fulfillment?

• Am I living for myself or for the expectations of others? Whose life am I building?

These questions are the first steps to reclaiming your sense of purpose and joy. And remember, change does not happen overnight. Realignment is a gradual process, but each small step you take toward living a life that aligns with your true self brings you closer to genuine happiness.

So, are you happy with what you’re doing? It’s a question that deserves more than a passing thought. It is a doorway into the heart, an invitation to reflect deeply on the life you are building.

Don’t wait until life forces you to confront this question through burnout, discontentment, or regret. Pause now, reflect, and take ownership of your happiness. Remember, happiness isn’t something that happens to you; it’s something you create by living authentically, aligning your actions with your purpose, and finding joy in the journey.

May Allah (SWT) grant us the wisdom to seek what nourishes our souls and the courage to change what no longer serves us. Ameen.