June 6, 2024

Fulfillment and It's Impact On Your Life

Many people confuse fulfillment with happiness. While the two share many common traits, they’re quite different.

The biggest difference is that is happiness is based upon a happening. For example, getting a big raise on your job would leaving you feeling pretty happy. But, overall, you may still feel like you’re leading a life without meaning or purpose, and, hence, no fulfillment.

Today, we’re exploring the impact that feeling fulfilled has on your life. However, before we can do that, we have to understand what fulfillment is and where it comes from.

So, let’s dive in.

What Is Fulfillment?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, fulfillment a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction because you are pleased with your life.

It’s also sometimes described as having a purpose and a sense of satisfaction with how your life is turning out.

This means that fulfillment comes from within. It’s not proportional to how much money you have in the bank or how big your house is.

In other words, you can still lead a fulfilled life even though you’re living paycheck to paycheck. How? By doing things that give your life purpose and a sense of achievement.

On the flip side, you can be one of the richest people in the country, but still not be content with your life. You may have a lot of “stuff” but deep down you know something is missing.

Here’s an example that will clarify fulfillment more. Think of the Apostle Paul.

Do you think he had an easy life? No.

But do you think his life was fulfilling? Definitely!

Despite all of his struggles, the Apostle Paul found ways to fill his life with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This sense of fulfillment was evident when he told the young preacher Timothy, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day…” (cf. II Timothy 4:7)

Where Does Fulfillment Come From?

At a basic level of human beings need food, water, shelter, clothing, sleep, and companionship. Humans also need purpose; to achieve something personally meaningful and improves the lives of others.

Because fulfillment is an internal process, you have to be willing to do the heavy lifting to achieve it.

Think of fulfillment as a journey, an exercise in undertaking and achieving things connected to your purpose in life.

Here are just a few formulas that can help bring more fulfillment to your life:

• Count your blessings instead of your problems
• Do more of the things you’re fond of
• Establish healthy habits that bring you joy
• Help others by volunteering
• Surround yourself with family and friends
• Embrace a more positive mindset
• Embrace a continuous learning mindset

How Does Fulfillment Impact Our Lives?

Now that you know how to find fulfillment, let’s talk about the impact it can have on your life.

Give Your Life Greater Meaning

Our most difficult moments are when we feel like we don’t matter.

When you find fulfillment, all that fades away. You understand the value and meaning of your life and that what you’re doing makes a difference in other people’s lives, even if it’s on a small scale.

Remember, fulfillment doesn’t come from what you own or get, it comes from what you give and the positive impact you make on others.

Focus on What’s Truly Important

When you have a sense of purpose, you gain a higher level of clarity. You know what you want, and you have a plan for how you’re going to get there.

Focusing on what’s important to you will also help you make better decisions. In so doing, you’re able to move towards what you want with more deliberation and persistence.

Boost Your Self-Confidence

We often let society dictate how we should look, talk, and feel. When you let other peoples’ opinions dominate your life, it causes a major dive in confidence and self-esteem.

Luckily, once you begin feeling fulfilled, you’ll come to love and accept yourself. You’ll also begin to be more confident, which will help you stay resolute and determined when working to achieve your ambitions.

Experience More Joy

More fulfillment brings more joy and overall satisfaction. And when you’re content, you send out positive energy into the universe, which comes back to you.

This allows you to focus on doing more of the things that bring you joy. Moreover, you tend to stop worrying about what other people think or engage in comparing yourself to others, which paves the way to accomplish your long-term goal(s) and reach fulfillment.

Challenge Yourself

Because life is about growth and progress, it presents an opportunity for you challenge yourself, which the classroom in which you can improve and develop your skill set, expand your wealth of knowledge, and set and reach new goals.

It’s important to keep in mind that fulfillment is independent of external circumstances. It’s a simple balance in everything you do to eliminate disorder from your life and forge a path of focus, gratitude, and harmony.

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If you like this content, check out my substack newsletter about the balance between humility and intensity in achieving your goals at: https://theunreliablemind.substack.com/p/balanced-ambition