A psychology expert reveals her top tip for balancing work and living a fulfilling life.

Jodi Wellman, a positive psychology expert, was an executive leader for 17 years but discovered that reaching the pinnacle of success did not bring her any joy.

Like many people, I was achievement-oriented and tied my sense of self-worth to my accomplishments, the name on my business card, and what I was producing. However, I felt trapped in the trappings of success, especially at the end of my corporate career, as Wellman shared in an interview with CNBC Make It.

Four Thousand Mondays is a wellbeing platform founded by Wellman, who also wrote the book "You Only Die Once." She previously held executive positions at companies such as The Sports Clubs of Canada and Bally Total Fitness.

Although she was successful as senior president of operations at Bally Total Fitness, she felt like she had hit a dead-end in her last corporate role.

"I had reached my limit with that company, and my proverbial glass ceiling," she stated. "I didn't have any more opportunities to progress. I had reached a peak at that time."

As a result of her whole identity being tied to her career, Wellman experienced intensified feelings of hopelessness and fear.

She discovered that she had placed all her expectations on finding significance through her job, while neglecting all other facets of her existence.

'What if work was just a part of your big life?'

One way to discover significance is by shifting the focus from work and placing a higher value on life beyond it.

"If work is just a part of our lives, we need to put more effort into building a life outside of work that brings us joy and purpose."

Most tasks and duties at work are expected of individuals, leaving little room for agency.

Instead of being passive in their well-being outside of work, they can actively choose and curate their activities to achieve a "more powerful well-being hit."

You could try out new activities such as starting a new hobby, joining a fitness class, volunteering, or enrolling in a course.

Alleviating the pressure of finding meaning and joy solely through your work life can be achieved by finding joy in other aspects of life.

'There's not enough world for all of us to change it'

According to Wellman, the belief that work serves as an "almighty delivery system" for purpose and meaning in life is a cultural expectation that is not accurate.

Unfortunately, many of us are on a journey to find a job that aligns with our passions, utilizes our skills, makes a positive impact on the world, and offers a great salary, but work is not typically designed to provide all of these elements.

Most people feel pressured to have a grandiose career purpose, which can cause them to lose sight of their own life outside of work.

Wellman stated that there isn't enough of the world to change it, so individuals should concentrate on altering their own worlds and deriving significance from their surroundings.

One successful woman Wellman spoke to for her book found that her purpose in life was to uplift people when they conversed with her.

Another person she spoke to said that he aimed to be the best uncle possible because he didn't have any children of his own and his job was average.

"It's the more accessible version, and dare I even say so much more impactful?" she added.