It's always good to periodically reassess what you're pouring your time and energy into, to figure out if it's really worth it and getting you where you want to be. A lot of people struggle with this. I know I have, in the past. As a 5+ year freelancer, I've taken on more than my share of stressful time-sucks with less than satisfactory compensation. My current philosophy is not to commit to new projects unless I personally feel awesome about doing them. The only exceptions to that rule are a couple of clients I've had for years, whose monthly payments form the bulk of my income. I'm not passionate about the writing work I do for them, but it's only a few hours a week and I've already formed the habit of doing it. I still have plenty of other time for things like Steemit and my science fiction writing.
I like that your list of goals is very simple and satisfaction-oriented. I used to make epic lists of goals for myself for each new year, but in 2018 I'm trying something a little different. I've identified three imperatives for my life (Create, Elevate, Thrive) and my goal is to do something related to each of those three things each day. Interesting results, so far. I've written a lot more, both fiction and non-fiction, and more importantly, I've been finishing up more projects rather than letting them languish in various states of non-completion as I've long been wont to do. I've been spending more quality time with family and friends, and making more time for things I enjoy like reading and traveling. Also, I'm making healthier choices with my diet and lifestyle, and it hasn't even been hard to do. All in all, I think not having a massive list of goals has been a good move for me.
I agree that sometimes people don't reassess their goals or the reasons behind doing what they're doing frequently enough. I think people are afraid of the label of 'failure' and so dont want to give things up, even of it's bringing them no happiness or benefit. Like you pointed out, work is different, it has benefits even when it's not more spiritually fulfilling. But if you started doing something to bring you joy/wealth/friends and it's not doing that, then you should feel free to let it go.
I also recently changed my life philosophy! I always set myself a grand goal, and then try to bend everything in my life to accommodate that goal no matter how uncertain it was or how painful the process. Now I think more about what I can do in the present that can create opportunities for the future. I think there's an element of you Create, Elevate, Thrive philosophy in there, which is such a direct and beautiful way of putting it, I may have to co-opt it!
I agree that keeping the list small makes achieving things easier, and it looks like it's allowing you to be fulfilled in other areas of your life too. I'm excited to see some of your finished projects!