You’ve heard of the furniture store chain IKEA? Here’s how it started. Imagine a young boy, barely five years old, selling matches to his neighbors in rural Sweden. By seven, he had expanded his reach, cycling further to sell fish, seeds, and Christmas decorations. That boy, Ingvar Kamprad, would go on to found IKEA at just 17, building it into a global empire that changed how the world furnishes its homes.

Kamprad’s story isn’t just about business success—it’s about relentless drive, creative problem-solving, and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. Born in 1926 on a small farm in Småland, Sweden, he was raised in a culture that valued hard work, thrift, and ingenuity. These values became the foundation of his business philosophy, guiding him as he built one of the most recognizable brands in the world.

But what made Kamprad truly extraordinary wasn’t just his business sense. It was his passion. Even as IKEA grew into a multinational giant, he remained as engaged and enthusiastic as that young boy selling matches. He once said, “Work should always be fun for all colleagues. We all only have one life. A third of life is work. Without desire and fun, work becomes hell.”

That idea is at the heart of what I want to share with you today. I want you to steer clear of the middle ground, to avoid becoming what I call a “tweener” in your career—someone who just drifts, neither passionate nor entirely disengaged, floating somewhere in between.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of being a tweener. You’ll hear a lot about balance, about taking the middle road. And while work-life balance is important, it’s no excuse for mediocrity. You can be exceptional at your job and still be fully present at home. If you ever feel like you have to choose between the two, you’re not managing your time properly.

Being a tweener is a dangerous place to be. It leads to unfulfilled potential, wasted time, and a career that lacks purpose. Instead, I want you to be bold, to concentrate your efforts, and to bring real enthusiasm to whatever you choose to do.

Kamprad’s words hold a deep truth: your job isn’t just a way to pay the bills—it’s a major part of your life. If you treat it like a chore, if you go through the motions without passion, you’ll spend years doing something that brings you neither joy nor meaning. Life is too short for that.

Here’s why you should reject being a tweener and instead approach your career with purpose:

When you concentrate your energy and passion, you create excellence. The best in any field aren’t the ones who coast through—they are the ones who immerse themselves, who push their limits, who care deeply about their work.

Enthusiasm is a catalyst for growth. When you love what you do, you naturally seek out challenges, acquire new skills, and evolve. This not only makes you better at your job but also keeps your work exciting and fulfilling.

Boldness creates opportunity. Taking risks, standing out, and putting yourself fully into your work will open doors that remain closed to those who simply go through the motions. Extraordinary success comes from extraordinary effort.

Time is precious. Kamprad reminded us that work takes up a third of our lives. If you’re not engaged, you’re wasting a huge chunk of your time on earth. And time, once spent, cannot be regained.

Passion leads to impact. When you care about your work, you leave a mark. You make a difference, whether in your industry, your community, or the lives of those around you.

This isn’t just about business or career success—it’s a mindset that applies to all aspects of life. The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” No matter what role you take on in life, approach it with dedication and passion.

So how do you avoid being a tweener? How do you build a career—and a life—filled with enthusiasm and purpose?

Find your passion. Seek work that excites you, and if you’re not there yet, start exploring. Life is too short to spend it doing something you don’t care about.

Set ambitious goals. Don’t settle. Aim high. The higher you aim, the more you will accomplish.

Never stop learning. Stay curious. Push yourself to grow, to develop new skills, to evolve. The best in any field are always learning.

Take risks. Step outside of your comfort zone. The greatest rewards come from pushing beyond what feels safe or easy.

Surround yourself with energy. Seek out people who are passionate, who inspire you, who challenge you to be better. Passion is contagious—both theirs and yours.

Your career is more than just a paycheck. It’s a way to express your talents, to challenge yourself, and to contribute something meaningful to the world. Don’t drift. Don’t settle for being a tweener, stuck in the lukewarm middle.

Be bold. Be focused. Be enthusiastic. Approach your work with the same energy and joy you bring to the things you love most. Do that, and not only will you find success, but you’ll also find deep fulfillment and purpose along the way.