Your career can look “successful” and still feel quietly wrong—and that doesn’t mean you’re broken. In this episode, Paul Comfort unpacks why misalignment often shows up as slow inner exhaustion, not a dramatic crisis.
This conversation is for anyone who’s good at what they do but feels disconnected from it. You’ll learn a grounded framework to identify your “X Factor,” make smarter career decisions, and shape your current role toward what actually energizes you.
About the Guest:
Paul Comfort is a leader with decades of experience across government and transportation, including serving as CEO of the MTA in Baltimore and as an elected county commissioner. He also hosts the public transportation podcast Transit Unplugged and is the author of Find Your X Factor.
Episode Chapters:
00:08:18 — When success looks right but feels wrong
00:10:27 — Defining the “X Factor”: interests + abilities
00:11:57 — Why being good at something can still feel empty
00:14:26 — The trap: sunk costs, stability, and identity
00:16:49 — How to “lean in” without quitting your job
00:21:12 — Personal responsibility, fulfillment, and self-check-ins
00:26:27 — Treasure map concept + where Paul’s X Factor landed
Key Takeaways:
Track what energizes you: list activities you’d do for free, then find the core pattern.
Separate competence from calling: being “good at it” isn’t the same as wanting it.
Use your current job as a lab: volunteer for projects that match your interests.
Watch your Mondays: dread and low energy can signal misalignment early.
For big dreams, test reality: pair passion with honest skill assessment and a plan to build it.
How to Connect With the Guest:
Transit Unplugged (podcast)
Pre-order
Find Your X Factor (Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and major retailers mentioned)
Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch
DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik
Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.
Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it’s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate.
With over 6000+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.
👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.
💼 Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik™
📧 Email: https://www.podhub.club/
🎧 Listen to all podcast shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik
🤝 Be a guest: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/beaguest
📩 Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/
#podmatch #healthymindbyavik #podhub.club #careeralignment #purposefulwork #findyourpurpose #personalgrowth #selfawareness #careerdevelopment #burnoutrecovery #meaningfulwork #mindsetshift #lifedesign #confidencebuilding #worklifebalance #identityandpurpose #motivation #habitsforgrowth