Individuals with the most fulfilling careers tend to possess this mindset, according to Harvard researchers.

Harvard researchers, after a decade of interviewing and studying over 1,000 workers, may have discovered the secret to being happier at work.

Focusing on progress over perfection in your career can lead to greater fulfillment than chasing a "dream job" that meets all of your requirements.

Michael B. Horn, a co-author of the research and lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, advises CNBC Make It to identify what energizes you, understand what your priorities are, and accept the trade-offs required to achieve them.

The book "Job Moves," co-authored by Horn, Bernstein, and Moesta, provides detailed findings on job changes.

Letting go of the "dream job" ideal doesn't mean abandoning ambition; instead, it's about creating a more fulfilling and well-rounded career, as Horn explains.

Progress, not perfection

Progress can manifest in various forms, such as accepting a lower salary to work on more significant projects, being nearer to loved ones, having more stability, or changing professions altogether.

Horn says that when you choose to work somewhere, you are essentially hiring your employer to aid you in achieving progress.

"He explains that the choices you make about how to spend your time, who you spend it with, and the trade-offs you make can impact your progress and lead to dissatisfaction and burnout if they don't align with your goals."

Horn advises considering your top three priorities and the trade-offs involved before making a significant career decision, whether it's accepting a promotion or quitting.

Would you prefer a job with a higher salary but a micromanaging boss, or a role that offers better career growth opportunities with a longer commute?

Your priorities will shift over time. If you're currently saving up to buy a house, you may prioritize maximizing your earnings. However, in the future, you may prioritize finding a job that offers the strongest health-care benefits.

Instead of settling for a job that only partially meets your needs, accepting certain trade-offs can help set realistic expectations and improve your overall outlook on your work.

Those who were most content with their jobs and hopeful about their career trajectory comprehended this intuitively: While no job is ideal, discovering one that aligns with your values or enhances your ability to achieve long-term objectives can be the most authentic, attainable route to satisfaction.

"Accounting for trade-offs upfront can help you make choices that better align with your values and goals, bringing you closer to a career in tune with your passion and purpose. On the other hand, not accounting for trade-offs may lead to feeling blindsided and frustrated later."

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