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Career Growth Starts with Asking the Right Questions
Growth.
Everyone’s chasing it, talking about it, and trying to figure it out. But most of what we hear about growth is just noise. It’s not about grinding harder, chasing endless promotions, or filling up your calendar with things that barely move the needle.
Real growth comes from something much deeper. It comes from clarity—and clarity starts with asking the right questions.
Sounds simple, right? The reality; most of us aren’t asking the right questions.
We’re too caught up in the hustle to step back and think about what we want. We chase promotions, accolades, and external validation without ever pausing to ask:
- Why am I doing this?
- What does success look like to me?
We’re stuck on autopilot, trying to meet someone else’s definition of growth, without ever defining it for ourselves.
And that’s the problem.
Without clarity, you’re just spinning your wheels, chasing goals that don’t align with who you are or what you want. You’ll end up burnt out, frustrated, and questioning your choices—because deep down, you know you’re not moving in the right direction.
So how do you get off this treadmill of confusion and start making real progress? You’ve got to ask better questions.
✅ Questions that cut through the noise and get to the heart of what you want.
✅ Questions that force you to confront the uncomfortable truths and acknowledge what’s holding you back.
Because when you have clarity, every decision becomes easier, and every step forward takes you closer to where you want to be.
Think about it: when was the last time you sat down and questioned your career choices?
Not just the surface-level stuff like, “Do I like my job?” or “Should I switch companies?”
I’m talking about deep, soul-searching questions like,
- What am I truly passionate about?
- What kind of impact do I want to make?
- What does success mean to me?
These are the kinds of questions that can transform your career, and ultimately, your life.
Today, I will dive into a simple yet powerful framework to help you gain that clarity.
We’ll start by identifying your ‘Career How Might We’s’—a series of questions designed to help you dig deep into your motivations, values, and aspirations.
From there, we’ll explore how to map out actionable steps in different areas of your life and career, so you can turn those insights into real growth.
This framework is part of UX Growth Playbook which helps you take control of your career and make growth a priority.
How to ask the right questions for real growth
Step 1: Identify your ‘Career How Might We’s’ questions
The first step to finding clarity is asking the right questions—what I like to call ‘Career How Might We’s’.
These questions are all about digging into the deeper stuff: your values, your definition of success, and what drives you. Here’s how to get started:
- Find meaning and purpose in your career
Growth looks different for everyone, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead of chasing someone else’s idea of success, ask yourself, “How might I find meaning and purpose in my career?”
This question helps you pinpoint what truly matters to you and allows you to craft professional goals that align with your core values.
- Define your success
Forget about society’s definition of success. What does it mean to you? Ask yourself, “How might I define success on my terms?”
This question forces you to let go of external expectations and focus on what feels authentic and fulfilling to you.
- Understand your motivators and drivers
It’s easy to get caught up in the grind without really understanding why you’re doing what you’re doing. Ask yourself, “How might I better understand my motivators and drivers?”
This will help you replicate past successes and steer clear of situations that don’t align with your intrinsic values.
Step 2: Map out opportunities for growth
Once you’ve identified your core questions, it’s time to get practical.
List out the areas in your life—whether it’s work, personal development, or education—where you think there’s room to grow.
For each area, come up with at least five actionable ideas. And for each idea, ask yourself these questions:
1. What’s stopping you from doing it?
→ Identify your barriers. Whether they’re external (time, resources) or internal (fear, self-doubt).
2. If nothing was stopping you, what action would you take tomorrow?
→ This question strips away excuses and helps you visualize the ideal scenario.
3. What’s the next best thing if the ideal scenario isn’t viable?
→ Growth is often about compromise. Think of alternative paths that still move you forward.
4. What resources do you need to make progress?
→ Be specific. Do you need mentorship, tools, or just more time?
5. Who do you need support from?
→ Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Identify the people who can help you, whether it’s your manager, a colleague, or a friend.
By answering these questions, you’ll gain clarity on how to tackle each growth opportunity head-on. It’s not about having all the answers right away—it’s about knowing the right steps to take, even when the path isn’t clear.
Conclusion
Growth isn’t a magic trick or a secret formula—it’s about asking the right questions, getting real with yourself, and taking action.
Stop chasing someone else’s definition of success and start crafting your own.
By gaining clarity on what truly matters to you, you can create a growth plan that’s not only achievable but deeply fulfilling.
To me, real growth isn’t about the end goal. It’s about the journey, the questions you ask along the way, and the courage to pursue the answers that align with who you are.
So, what questions are you going to ask yourself today to start moving forward?
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