In this solo episode of The Localist, Carrie Rollwagen explores what to do when work starts to feel monotonous or unfulfilling — whether you’re an employee or a business owner. Inspired by the book Designing Your Work Life, she introduces a practical exercise that helped her rediscover purpose and progress in her day-to-day tasks — a simple spreadsheet. This daily tool prompts reflection on what you’re learning, who you’re helping (or what you’re initiating) and what you’re building for the future. Carrie adds her own fourth category — who she praised or celebrated — to emphasize the importance of recognition in leadership.
Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful insights, Carrie highlights how small, intentional habits can shift your entire perspective on work. She emphasizes that growth doesn’t always require dramatic changes like quitting a job or launching a new business. Instead, it often comes from noticing the progress you’re already making. With her approachable style, Carrie offers a gentle but powerful reminder: Fulfillment might be closer than we think — sometimes, it’s just a spreadsheet away.
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