The path to success is often a curvy one – full of detours and distractions. From the outside, it seems like everyone at the top had it all figured out from a young age and crafted the perfect plan to get to where they are now. The truth is, this is not the case for many of today’s most well-known entrepreneurs. In fact, it couldn’t be further from the truth!

Career Spark’s career pathing software helps you determine how to choose the right career path. To help you get a better idea of whether you are on the right career path, we interviewed nine business leaders at the top of their game. Below, you will find their words of wisdom on how they knew they were on the right track!

Do You Like Your To-Do List?

When the workdays fly by because you are productive and you have a list of tasks that you feel confident in tackling, that’s when you know you are on the right track. Knowing you are in the right career path is as simple as having a to-do list that doesn’t make you cringe at the sight of it.

Rex Murphy, American Pipeline Solutions

You Are Able to See Your Way to the Top

If you are able to map out your path to your goal, via promotions, skill-building, networking, etc., then generally you are on the right path. Being on the right career path is inherently unique to each person, so don’t dwell if you find yourself envious of someone else. Their path is different than yours, so map out your own ladder to the top. If you can see your way, that is your path.

Vanessa Molica, The Lash Professional

You Can Do This for the Rest of Your Life

One way to know to know you are on the right path is to ask yourself if this is something you would like to do for the rest of your working life. If the answer is yes, and you enjoy what you do, then chances are you are choosing the right career path. If not, maybe it’s time to consider a change. We spend most of our lives working in our careers, so we might as well do something we enjoy.

Henry Babich, Stomadent Dental Lab

You Are Actively Growing Your Skillset

Everyone’s paths are unique. There is no one-size-fits-all, so don’t compare yourself to your peers even if they work in the same industry as you. As long as you are learning, growing and perfecting your skillset, then you are on the right track! On the other hand, if you feel like you have hit a ceiling or your growth has hit a standstill, it may be time to look for new opportunities.

Nikitha Lokareddy, Markitors

Hone in on Your Intuition

Knowing you’re on the right professional path is a matter of honing in on your intuition and how you are feeling doing the work you are doing. Sometimes we rationalize doing work that looks good on paper, only to come to our senses once we burnout or become depressed or resentful. Start a meditation practice, journal and stay attuned to how you are feeling; make changes or go deeper into what you are doing, accordingly.

Stephanie Thoma, Networking Career Coach

You’re Happy With the Whole Package

You will know that this is your dream career when you feel happy with the hours, the paycheck, the environment and the location. I have been with one company for 6 years. That was because it was my dream job. I met what I just mentioned. I was happy with the hours, the paycheck, the environment and the location.

Sara Yusupov, iHeartRadio

Does It Feel Right?

Every journey has challenges, but if you wake up with energy and a desire to tackle the day, you’re probably on the right career path. Likewise, if you dread the day, don’t feel like you’re making a difference, or see no end in sight, those are probably indicators that you should seek a different path.

Colleen McManus, Senior Consultant

You Enjoy the Ride

If you wake up in the morning and dread going to work, something has gone wrong. Sure, we all have bad days, but if this feeling of dread sticks with you for weeks or months, you need to do an evaluation. Your career goals should excite you and give you something to strive for, but you should also enjoy the ride.

James Pollard, The Advisor Coach LLC

You Won’t Know Until You Are Looking Back

It may be discouraging, but I don’t think there’s any way to know for sure what career path is right for you until you’re looking back at how far you’ve come. Being passionate and feeling like you’re continuing to grow and feel accomplished is a good starting point. But you’ll never know for sure.

João Pedreda, Webdiner